Red Rooster Sedge

Red Rooster Sedge (Carex 'Red Rooster')

Red Rooster Sedge is a finely textured ornamental sedge forming upright, fountain-like clumps of narrow blades in rich copper to bronze tones; its warm color and graceful motion add year-round contrast to borders, containers, and modern plantings.

Distinctive Features

Dense, hair-like foliage emerges tawny green and matures to deep copper with subtle sheen, holding color through the seasons; flowers are inconspicuous, keeping attention on the foliage and form.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best bronze color in more sun with afternoon shade in hot regions.
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates sandy or gritty mixes and container media.
• Water: Keep evenly moist while establishing; once rooted, water when the top 1 in is dry and avoid waterlogged sites.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9.
• Mature Size: About 18 to 30 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide.
• Bloom Time: Late spring to summer, but primarily grown for foliage.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, about 5.5 to 7.2.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Copper blades create a warm, sculptural accent.
• Containers: Reliable spiller or solo feature for patios and entries.
• Massing: Repeated clumps form a cohesive, textural ground layer.
• Rock and Gravel Gardens: Fine texture contrasts bold stones and succulents.
• Coastal Sites: Handles wind and salt spray with good drainage.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Deeply water to establish; irrigate during extended dry spells and reduce in cool seasons.
• Pruning: Comb or lightly trim weathered tips in late winter; avoid hard shearing to the crown.
• Fertilizing: Top-dress with compost in spring; use a light, balanced fertilizer only if growth is weak.
• Mulching: Apply a thin, 1 to 2 in layer of fine bark or gravel to conserve moisture and keep crowns airy.
• Notes: Evergreen to semi-evergreen by climate; divide every 2 to 3 years to refresh vigor and maintain density.

Why Choose Red Rooster Sedge?

• Warm, Year-Round Color: Copper tones enrich plantings in all seasons.
• Refined Texture: Narrow blades add movement and contrast.
• Container Ready: Performs beautifully in pots with sharp drainage.
• Easy Care: Minimal feeding and simple grooming once established.

Plant in well-drained soil with sun to partial shade and modest grooming for lasting, bronze texture from spring through winter.