Carex comans
Frosted Curls Sedge, also known as New Zealand Hair Sedge, creates one of the most distinctive and captivating effects in the garden with its cascading fountain of silvery-green, hair-like foliage that shimmers and moves gracefully in the slightest breeze. This unique native sedge forms dense, weeping mounds that resemble a silvery waterfall, making it perfect for cascading over rocks, walls, or containers. The iridescent foliage turns increasingly silvery-white with age, providing year-round architectural interest and a striking contrast to other garden plants. native grasses
Image credit: Frosted Curls Sedge (Carex comans). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Carex comans |
|---|---|
| Height | 0.3-0.4 meters |
| Spread | 0.6 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Good |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Long-lived perennial |
Frosted Curls Sedge is adaptable to most New Zealand climate zones, thriving in temperate conditions with good drainage. It performs well in both humid and drier climates, making it suitable for most regions throughout the country.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Good |
| Invercargill | Moderate |
Frosted Curls Sedge is adaptable to various soil conditions:
Performs well in various light conditions:
Low to moderate water needs once established:
Frosted Curls Sedge requires minimal maintenance:
The natural weeping habit is the main attraction, so avoid heavy pruning that would destroy the characteristic cascading effect.
The best time to plant Frosted Curls Sedge is during spring or early autumn when temperatures are moderate and establishment is easier.
Choose a site with:
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, this hardy sedge is very low-maintenance.
Growing Frosted Curls Sedge from seed:
Division is the most reliable propagation method:
In optimum conditions, plants slowly naturalize through rhizomes and self-seeding, creating attractive colonies.
Frosted Curls Sedge (Carex comans) represents the unique beauty and adaptability of New Zealand's native sedge flora:
Today, Frosted Curls Sedge serves as both a beautiful ornamental plant and a connection to New Zealand's native grassland heritage, demonstrating how native plants can successfully transition from natural habitats to garden settings while retaining their distinctive character.
Ensure good drainage and appropriate spacing. Most problems can be prevented by meeting the plant's basic cultural needs for well-draining soil and adequate air circulation.
Position Frosted Curls Sedge where it can catch morning or evening light to maximize the shimmering effect of its silvery foliage. It's particularly stunning when planted to cascade over dark-colored walls or containers, creating a dramatic waterfall effect. Try planting it in elevated positions like retaining walls, raised planters, or alongside steps where the cascading habit can be fully appreciated. The movement in even the slightest breeze adds a dynamic, living sculpture element to the garden.
These sedges share similar cultural requirements and combine well in sun on well‑drained soils to create resilient, textural plantings.
Learn more about native grasses and sedges in Grasses & Flaxes.
Carex comans forms dense, weeping tussocks of fine, hair‑like leaves in olive‑green to bronze tones. Slender flowering stems emerge above the foliage. The cascading habit makes a soft edge along paths and over low walls.
Occurs on free‑draining sands, gravels, and light loams in open sites. Common from coastal to lowland areas with good sun and airflow, often in association with other dryland sedges and grasses.
Weeping foliage slows surface runoff, capturing litter and fines. Wind‑pollinated flowers produce light seed dispersed locally by wind and water. Clumps expand slowly to form cohesive drifts.
Useful as a low‑input matrix plant that protects soil, supports invertebrates, and adds fine texture without dominating mixed native plantings.
Space 40–50 cm apart for a continuous sward. Water through the first summer, then only in prolonged dry periods. Minimal feeding required; excess nutrients reduce compact habit.
Comb out old foliage annually; avoid cutting to the base. Divide clumps in early spring if thinning. Maintain drainage to prevent crown rot during wet years.
Edges paths and ripples over rocks beautifully. Mix with Phormium, Coprosma, and low hebes for layered, low‑care compositions that move in the wind.
Widespread and not considered threatened. Select eco‑sourced plants for restoration and manage weeds until canopy closes. Protect establishing plantings from trampling on informal paths.
Sedges carried practical and cultural value in Aotearoa for weaving and as indicators of wetland health. C. comans, widely used ornamentally, is prized for resilience in dry, coastal sites and for stabilising light, sandy soils.
In mixed sedge schemes, its arching foliage provides movement and cover for invertebrates while reducing surface evaporation.
