Carex flagellifera

Common name:
Glen Murray Tussock

Description:
Carex flagellifera, commonly known as Glen Murray Tussock, is a graceful, clump-forming ornamental sedge prized for its finely textured foliage in tones of copper, bronze, olive, and brown. Native to New Zealand, this evergreen grass-like plant brings movement and colour contrast to contemporary, coastal, native, and drought-tolerant gardens. Its arching, hair-like leaves create a soft, flowing mound that works beautifully in mass plantings, edging, rockeries, or pots. While it does produce delicate brown flower spikes in spring and summer, it’s primarily grown for its foliage. Carex flagellifera is low maintenance and adapts well to Melbourne’s climate, performing best in full sun to part shade with free-draining soil. Once established, it is both drought- and frost-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for sustainable, water-wise gardens. Occasional trimming helps refresh the plant’s appearance and extend its landscape appeal through all seasons.

Form:
*Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
Ground Cover

Mature size:
*Height: 30 to 50cm
Width: 40 to 60 cm

Aspect:
*Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Spring
Flowers in Summer

Flower colour:
Brown (inconspicuous)

Key attributes:
*Suitable for Pots
*Drought Tolerant
*Frost Tolerant
*Low Maintenance
*Evergreen
*Ornamental Foliage
*Suitable for Ground Cover
*Wind Tolerant
*Coastal Tolerant
*Good for Erosion Control

Toxicity:
*Non-toxic to humans
Non-toxic to pets

Companion plants:
*Lomandra ‘Little Con’
*Carex testacea
*Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’
*Phormium ‘Bronze Baby’
*Grevillea ‘Scarlet Sprite’
Westringia ‘Smokey’