Carex buchananii. Red Rooster

Carex buchananii. Red Rooster

Why Buy Me?

• Ideal for a cottage garden
• Visually impressive when swaying in the wind
• Group with other grasses for maximum effect

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun to partial shade. Foliage colour is richest in full sun, especially the coppery-bronze tones. Tolerates partial shade but may appear greener and less vibrant.

Soil:
Moist, well-drained soil. Prefers fertile, loamy, or sandy soils but adapts to a range of soil types. Avoid waterlogged conditions, especially in winter. Performs best in neutral to slightly acidic pH.

Exposure:
Performs well in sheltered or moderately exposed sites. Hardy in USDA zones 6–9 (UK H4–H5). May need winter protection in colder climates or very wet winters.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Reasonably drought-tolerant once established, particularly in cooler climates, but appreciates occasional watering in dry spells.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Best planted in spring or early autumn when temperatures are cool and rainfall helps with establishment.

Spacing:
Space 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart. Grows in tidy, upright tufts to about 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) tall and wide.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, water occasionally during prolonged dry periods. Fertilize lightly in spring with a general-purpose slow-release fertilizer or mulch with compost.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch lightly in spring to retain moisture and enrich soil. Remove old or damaged leaves in early spring to tidy up the plant and encourage fresh growth. Avoid cutting all foliage to the ground, as this can damage the crown.

Propagation:
Propagate by division in spring. Dividing every few years helps rejuvenate plants and control spread.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
New shoots emerge in coppery-red tones, forming narrow, fine-textured clumps.

Summer:
Striking copper-bronze foliage remains upright and vibrant, adding colour and movement to mixed plantings. Small, inconspicuous flower spikes may appear.

Autumn:
Foliage takes on deeper rust and bronze shades, enhancing autumnal displays. Retains good form and colour into the cooler months.

Winter:
Evergreen to semi-evergreen in mild climates. Provides colour and structure in winter borders and containers. In colder regions, some leaf tip browning may occur—simply trim to tidy in spring.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Provides shelter and habitat for insects and small garden creatures. Non-invasive and wildlife-friendly.

Garden Use:
Ideal for borders, gravel gardens, contemporary landscapes, containers, and coastal gardens. Excellent in mixed plantings for texture and colour contrast. Suitable for low-maintenance and drought-tolerant designs.

Companion Plants:
Pairs beautifully with grasses like Stipa tenuissima, Heuchera, Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Sedum, Achillea, and Allium. Copper foliage contrasts well with blues, silvers, greens, and purples.

Transform your home and garden with the Carex buchananii. Red Rooster, a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.