Sedge (Carex siderosticha ‘Banana Boat’)

Sedge

Features and Characteristics

Carex siderosticha is a deciduous, rhizomatous, creeping, broad-leaved sedge that is native to woodland mountain areas in Japan, China and Korea. Unusually broad leaf width (blades are sometimes described as bamboo-like) gives rise to the often-used common name of broad-leaved sedge for plants of this species. Insignificant brownish flower spikes appear on triangular stems in late spring. Foliage is a bold medium green.

Genus name from Latin means cutter in reference to the sharp leaves and stem edges (rushes are round but sedges have edges) found on most species’ plants.

‘Banana Boat’ is a cultivar most noted for its variegated foliage. It typically grows to 6-12” tall.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in medium to wet soils in part shade to full shade. Likes moist, shady areas. Soils should not be allowed to dry out and need consistent supplemental watering in hot summer weather. Cut foliage to the ground and remove in late winter. May be propagated by division. Plants will spread over time by rhizomes to form a dense ground cover.

Sedge (Carex siderosticha ‘Banana Boat’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 9
Sun light	Part shade to full shade
Water	Medium to wet
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Group or mass as a ground cover in shady areas of borders or woodland gardens. Effective accent for smaller gardens. Edging plant for paths or walkways or woodlands. Also appropriate for areas with moist soils such as low spots or on the periphery of streams or ponds.

Sedge (Carex siderosticha ‘Banana Boat’) Details

Common name	Sedge
Botanical name	Carex siderosticha 'Banana Boat'
Plant type	Rush or Sedge
Family	Cyperaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 9
Water	Medium to wet
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Tan-brown
Flowering period	April - May
Height	0.50 to 1 ft.
Width	0.50 to 1 ft.