Carex 'Prairie Fire' is a striking evergreen ornamental sedge prized for its rich, olive-green foliage that transitions to warm coppery-bronze and orange tones, particularly during the cooler months. This hardy perennial grass forms a graceful, arching mound of fine, hair-like leaves that brings year-round colour and texture to beds, borders, gravel gardens and containers.

Originally hailing from New Zealand, Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' is well suited to the UK climate and is remarkably low-maintenance once established. Its compact, clump-forming habit makes it an excellent choice for adding movement and natural warmth to both contemporary and cottage-style planting schemes. It also works beautifully as ground cover or as a softening accent alongside pathways and patio edges.

This plant is supplied in a 2 litre pot, well-rooted and ready to plant out or pot on.

Key Features:

• Evergreen foliage with striking bronze and orange tones through autumn and winter


• Hardy perennial – suitable for year-round outdoor planting in the UK


• Low maintenance and easy to grow


• Ideal for borders, containers, gravel gardens and coastal planting


• Compact, clump-forming habit with graceful, arching leaves


• Supplied in a 2 litre pot

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'


• Common Names: Prairie Fire Sedge, New Zealand Hair Sedge, Orange Sedge


• Classification: Evergreen Perennial Grass (Sedge)


• Fully Grown Height and Spread: 40–60 cm × 40–60 cm


• Growth Habit: Compact, Clump-Forming with Graceful Arching Foliage


• Perfect For: Borders, Containers, Gravel Gardens, Coastal Gardens, Ground Cover


• Flowering Time: Summer (subtle brown flower spikes)


• Planting Position: Full Sun to Partial Shade


• Soil Type: Well-Drained, Moist but Not Waterlogged


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H5)


• Type: Hardy Evergreen Perennial


• Foliage: Fine, Hair-Like Leaves – Olive Green Maturing to Coppery Bronze-Orange


• Award: RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM)

Planting and Care:

Plant in a well-drained position in full sun or partial shade. Full sun will encourage the most vibrant bronze and orange colouring. Water regularly until established, then only during prolonged dry spells. In early spring, comb through the foliage by hand to remove any dead or damaged leaves. Avoid cutting back hard as this is an evergreen variety. Can be divided in spring to create new plants.

Notes: This listing is for the Prairie Fire variety, known for its distinctive bronze-orange foliage tones that intensify during autumn and winter.