New Zealand Hair Sedge Carex comans 'Frosted Curls'
ABOUT
Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' is a gracefully decorative grass recognized for its fine, hair-like leaves that possess a shimmering, frosted appearance. The plant's foliage tends to have a soft green color with a delicate silver overlay, contributing to its frosty look. Each leaf is slender and arching, creating a sense of movement as they curl playfully at the tips, much like ringlets. This whimsical curling effect combined with the light-catching, silvery sheen gives the plant a whimsical and airy presence in the garden. The texture of 'Frosted Curls' is notably fine, making it a tactile as well as a visual delight. It grows in a rounded clump, which appears to spill slightly at the edges due to the cascading nature of the foliage. This plant can contribute a soft texture to landscape designs and is often used for its contrast with more rigid or bold-leafed plants. Throughout the growing seasons, the color and form of the plant remain fairly consistent, making it a reliable choice for a long-lasting visual impact.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cyperaceae.
Synonyms
New Zealand Hair Sedge, Frosted Curls Sedge, Bronze New Zealand Sedge.
Common names
Carex comans 'Frosted Curls'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as New Zealand Hair Sedge is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from ingesting this plant since it is not known to be poisonous.
To pets
The plant known as New Zealand Hair Sedge is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to be poisonous, and there should be no symptoms of poisoning associated with the ingestion of any part of this plant by pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its silvery-green, curly foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can survive with minimal watering, making it good for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care apart from occasional trimming to refresh its look.
- Year-Round Interest: Remains attractive during all seasons, including winter.
- Erosion Control: Its dense root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter for small animals and insects.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used in various garden settings, such as beds, borders, and containers.
- Tolerance of Various Soils: Grows well in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Textural Contrast in Flower Arrangements: The cascading silver-green foliage of Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' adds unique texture and visual interest to bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Erosion Control: Due to its clumping growth habit, 'Frosted Curls' can be used on slopes and banks to help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the ground.
- Winter Garden Interest: In colder climates where gardens can appear barren, the evergreen nature of 'Frosted Curls' offers enduring visual appeal throughout winter months.
- Transition Planting: Its fine texture serves well as a transitional plant between different areas in a garden, providing a soft segue from one garden section to another.
- Container Gardening: 'Frosted Curls' thrives in pots and containers, making it a great option for adding greenery to patios, balconies, and other confined spaces.
- Garden Sculpture: The unique form and texture of Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' lends itself to being used in creating natural sculptures or garden art when planted en masse.
- Aquatic Garden Edging: This grass-like plant can be used to edge ponds or water features, providing a natural look and helping to blend the aquatic area with the surrounding garden.
- Wildlife Cover: The dense growth can offer shelter to small animals and insects, enhancing the biodiversity of the garden environment.
- Living Mulch: When planted closely together, 'Frosted Curls' acts as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture.
- Photography Background: Its fine foliage and soft appearance provide an ideal, non-distracting background for close-up photographs of flowers and insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe New Zealand Hair Sedge is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe New Zealand Hair Sedge is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Carex comans 'Frosted Curls', commonly known as New Zealand Hair Sedge, grows in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments.
- Resilience: This plant's hardiness represents resilience and the capability to withstand challenges.
- Grace under Pressure: The elegant, curling leaves of New Zealand Hair Sedge signify maintaining poise and beauty even in tough situations.
WaterNew Zealand Hair Sedge needs consistent moisture and should be watered thoroughly once the top inch of the soil feels dry. Generally, providing about an inch of water per week is sufficient to maintain its needs, especially during dry spells. Use moderation; overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the plant is in well-draining soil. During the hotter summer months, you may need to water more frequently, possibly a couple of times per week, especially if the weather is particularly hot or windy. In winter, you can reduce watering since the plant will be dormant and the soil will retain moisture longer.
LightNew Zealand Hair Sedge thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Place it in a location where it will receive at least four to six hours of sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some shade, too little light can lead to weak and leggy growth, so aim for a balance to promote dense foliage and robust health.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for New Zealand Hair Sedge is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures down to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from prolonged freezing conditions. High temperatures can also be endured, but consistent watering becomes more crucial in such conditions to prevent wilting or scorch damage.
PruningPrune New Zealand Hair Sedge to remove any brown or damaged leaves and to tidy up the plant. This is best done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning once a year is sufficient; this timing allows the plant to benefit from protection provided by the old foliage during the winter and encourages fresh growth as temperatures rise.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNew Zealand Hair Sedge, commonly known as 'Frosted Curls', prefers a well-draining soil mix comprised of loamy or sandy soil. For healthy growth, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. A pH range of mildly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7.0) is ideal for this ornamental grass.
RepottingNew Zealand Hair Sedge 'Frosted Curls' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and give roots more space. If the plant becomes too crowded, consider repotting more frequently.
Humidity & MistingNew Zealand Hair Sedge 'Frosted Curls' thrives in average humidity conditions. There is no need for increased humidity, making it well-suited for typical indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep 'Frosted Curls' in bright, indirect light with regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant 'Frosted Curls' in partial shade or sun and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleCarex comans 'Frosted Curls', commonly known as New Zealand Hair Sedge, starts its life as a seed, which upon germination in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature, will develop into a seedling. This grass-like perennial plant then grows into a clump of fine-textured, hair-like foliage that is silver-green with a curl at the tip, hence the name 'Frosted Curls'. It reaches maturity when it starts to produce flowers and seeds, typically in its second or third year. During the flowering stage, inconspicuous brown flower spikes appear above the foliage in the summer. After pollination, the plant sets seeds which are dispersed by wind or wildlife. The plant is evergreen in mild climates but may die back in colder regions, to then re-sprout from the roots in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Carex comans 'Frosted Curls', commonly known as New Zealand Hair Sedge, is generally propagated by division, which is the most popular and effective method for this grass-like perennial. The best time for division is in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy and you can see new growth beginning. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, aiming to keep as much of the root system intact as possible. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several growing points and a good amount of root attached. Replant these divisions at the same soil depth as they were previously grown, spacing them roughly 8 to 12 inches apart (20 to 30 centimeters), and water them well to help establish the new plants. This method allows the gardener to effectively create new plantings from an existing mature clump, thus replicating the desirable traits of 'Frosted Curls' while rejuvenating the parent plant.
