Carex buchananii

Carex buchananii f. viridis ‘Green Twist’ (leatherleaf sedge) is a selection from Jelitto Seed that originated in New Zealand. The plant has a broad, vase-shaped, upright habit reaching 16 inches tall with flowers and 24 inches wide. ‘Green Twist’ has evergreen, olive-green foliage with curved tips.

Plants flower naturally between October and November. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-9.

Plants should be spaced 24 inches apart in the landscape in full sun. To create a contrasting color display in the garden, ‘Green Twist’ can be placed with plants that have silver-gray foliage, including Goniolimon ‘Sea Spray,’ Lavandula ‘Hidcote Superior’ and Stachys ‘Silky Fleece.’

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Seed should be sown four to five seeds per plug cell (72-cell tray) or into open flats. Use an evenly moist, but well-draining growing medium with a pH 5.5-6.8 and an electrical conductivity of 0.1-0.3.

Germination is easily accommodated during cooler months (November through March). Seeds occasionally germinate without a moist cold stratification, but it is preferred to first provide temperatures of 60°F-75°F for four to five days and then exposure to lower temperatures of 35°F-45°F for three to four weeks. Following this moist-cold period, germination begins within two to three weeks at 65°F-70°F daytime, but will tolerate lower night temperatures.

From sowing to germination takes eight to 10 weeks. From germination to transplant takes four to six weeks. Transplant one plug per 3 1/2-inch pot, one to two plugs per 4 1/2-inch pot and two to three plugs per 6-inch pot. Plants should be cut back once at transplanting. Plants finish in six to eight weeks.

Production temperatures should be 65°F-75°F during the day and 55°F-68°F at night. There is no benefit to vernalizing this species, and it is not a suitable candidate for forcing. Light intensity during production should be 3,500-4,500 footcandles.

Fertilize with 150-200 parts per million nitrogen every week or apply a 18-6-12 slow-release fertilizer at a rate of 1 teaspoon for 3 1/2- or 4 1/2-inch pots and 2 teaspoons for 6-inch pots.

‘Green Twist’ has no major insect or disease problems or any physiological disorders.

For more: Jelitto Perennial Seeds, (502) 895-0807; www.jelitto.com.

Specifics

Name: Carex buchananii f. viridis ‘Green Twist’

Crop timing: From sowing in 72-cell trays to finished plant takes 18-24 weeks depending on production conditions.

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Grower benefits: This is an easy plant to grow. It doesn’t have any special production requirements or major insect or disease problems.

April 2008