Carex testacea
Common Name: Orange Sedge, New Zealand Hair Sedge, Ornamental Grass
Considered to be one of the hardiest of the New Zealand Hair Sedges, this species is reportedly hardy to about -10 degrees F. In temperate zones, it is evergreen.
This finely textured ornamental grass forms a gracefully cascading clump of light to olive green leaves. If planted in full sun, the foliage takes on rich shades of orange and copper brown in the fall and winter, adding a feeling of warmth to the cool season garden.
Insignificant brown flower spikes are produced in early summer. They should be left on the plant to allow it to reseed since this tends to be a relatively short-lived perennial.
Use this grass as an accent in combination containers or planted near the front of the border with other warm-colored perennials such as Helenium 'Sahin's Early Flowerer'. Stones and pavers provide beautiful contrast for this finely textured grass.