Carex oshimensis "Evergold" - brown leaves - Ask Extension
My carex has a lot of brown leaves this year. Is this normal or indicative of a problem? I've had two of the plants for a number of years and have...
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Carex oshimensis "Evergold" - brown leaves #811617
Asked September 20, 2022, 9:02 PM EDT
My carex has a lot of brown leaves this year. Is this normal or indicative of a problem? I've had two of the plants for a number of years and haven't seen brown leaves before. During this hot and dry summer, I watered them well - twice a week on average. This spring, the plants were very long and dragging on the ground, so I cut off approximately 1/3 of their length. That was a first for me so I wonder if I shouldn't have done that. In the attached photo, the browning is worst on the middle plant; it can be seen better if you zoom in. Thank you.
Delaware County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Hello and thank you for your question. From the Missouri Botanical Garden and two nurseries that sell carex, here is information for you. I hope it's what you're looking for.
Jeanne
The centers of ornamental grasses often die as the plants get older. When this occurs, it's a good time to dig and divide the grasses. When the grasses begin to grow in spring, dig up entire clumps, cut out and discard the dead center portions of each clump, cut the outer portions into sections and replant.
When planted right and in the right spot, carex is very easy to grow. Some Carex varieties appreciate a drier soil while others like a consistently moist or boggy soil. Most like part shade however some will tolerate full to mostly sun. Therefore, it's a good idea to know the sun and moisture needs of the specific varieties you have planted. If you still have that information, you'll be able to look at it and determine how much and how often to water. Generally speaking, in drought conditions, once a week watering is sufficient for established carex plants.
Fertilize the ornamental grass after dividing or cutting back in spring. Apply 1/4 cup of a 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant. Sprinkle the fertilizer in a ring around the grass, at least six inches out from the base of the grass clump. Water thoroughly after fertilizing so the nutrients leech into the root zone.
These ornamental grasses are Evergreen:
Comb or rake off any old, tired or dead leaves and flowers in spring. If needed evergreens can be cut back (by up to half) at almost any time from April to July. Do not cut back in autumn or winter.
Jeanne
The centers of ornamental grasses often die as the plants get older. When this occurs, it's a good time to dig and divide the grasses. When the grasses begin to grow in spring, dig up entire clumps, cut out and discard the dead center portions of each clump, cut the outer portions into sections and replant.
When planted right and in the right spot, carex is very easy to grow. Some Carex varieties appreciate a drier soil while others like a consistently moist or boggy soil. Most like part shade however some will tolerate full to mostly sun. Therefore, it's a good idea to know the sun and moisture needs of the specific varieties you have planted. If you still have that information, you'll be able to look at it and determine how much and how often to water. Generally speaking, in drought conditions, once a week watering is sufficient for established carex plants.
Fertilize the ornamental grass after dividing or cutting back in spring. Apply 1/4 cup of a 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant. Sprinkle the fertilizer in a ring around the grass, at least six inches out from the base of the grass clump. Water thoroughly after fertilizing so the nutrients leech into the root zone.
These ornamental grasses are Evergreen:
Comb or rake off any old, tired or dead leaves and flowers in spring. If needed evergreens can be cut back (by up to half) at almost any time from April to July. Do not cut back in autumn or winter.
