Carex testacea Orange Sedge / Speckled Sedge / New Zealand Hair Sedge is arguably the most visually spectacular of all New Zealand's native sedges, and one of the most sought-after ornamental grasses in the world. A graceful evergreen perennial sedge endemic to New Zealand, it forms dense, arching mounds of fine, hair-like foliage that reach about 60 cm in height, prized above all else for its spectacular seasonal colour transformations. Long, fine-textured strands first emerge as understated olive-green, before transmuting into stunning golden-brown, copper, and burning orange highlights.
Carex Testacea
Botanical Name Carex testacea Common Name Orange Sedge, Speckled Sedge, NZ Hair Sedge Family Cyperaceae Type Evergreen perennial sedge Origin Endemic to New Zealand — North, South, and Stewart Islands Natural Habitat Free-draining soils under scrub, tall forest, coastal to montane up to 1,200 m Mature Height 60–80 cm including flower stems Mature Spread 45–60 cm — dense fountain-like clump New Zealand Sun Requirements Full sun to deep shade — best colour achieved in full sun Soil Free-draining soil; tolerates a variety of soil types Flowering September to December — small brown flower spikes on gracefully drooping stems Foliage Colour Olive-green in summer; intensifying to warm coppery-orange in winter Wind Tolerance Hardy to wind and coastal exposure Frost Tolerance Hardy Drought Tolerance Good once established — drought tolerant Waterlogging Will not tolerate excessive winter wet Slug/Snail Resistance Resistant Growth Rate Medium Maintenance Very low Conservation Status Not Threatened We are committed to sending you healthy, quality plants and want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.
Damaged or Incorrect Plants: If your plant arrives damaged or is not what you ordered, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with a photo of the plant and your order number. We will arrange a replacement or issue a full refund at no cost to you.
Plant Health Guarantee: We guarantee your plant will arrive in good health. If your plant arrives in poor condition due to transit issues, we will work with you to make it right.
Change of Mind: As living plants are perishable, we are unable to accept returns for change of mind. We encourage you to research plants before purchasing — our team is always happy to answer questions before you buy.
Once Planted: We are unable to offer refunds for plants that have been planted and have subsequently died. Plant survival depends on local conditions, planting technique, watering, and ongoing care — factors outside our control.
Getting our plants to you…
Tree Guys Nurseries will courier your order to any destination in New Zealand - North or South Islands. Orders are despatched on a Monday or Tuesday so all orders must be received by Friday the week before.
Please ensure delivery details are clear and accurate and add delivery instructions if needed - that way we can get our plants to you faster.
Please note: We have a minimum plant order of $45 (unless you are picking up plants).
Delivery Costs:
Courier & Packing costs charges are calculated at checkout time depending on the size of stock selected and the delivery destination - by going to check out you can find out the cost of freight, this does not obligate you to proceed with the order.
- All plants and freight must be paid for prior to your order being sent.
- If the plants you order are too big to be couriered we will contact you about alternative delivery arrangements.
Box Sizing & Freight Costs:
Small:
8 x 9cm pots
6 x 10cm pot
2 x Pb5 Bag or 3L Pot
Medium:
25 x 9cm pots
16 x 10cm pot
6 - 8 x Pb5 Bag or 3L Pot
Large (suitable for taller plants):
24 x 9cm pots
15 x 10cm pot
6 - 8 x Pb5 Bag or 3L Pot
North Island
Hawkes Bay - All Boxes $10
Northern Hawkes Bay - All Boxes $15
Outside Hawkes Bay - small $35, large $48
South Island
All of South Island - small $45, medium $55, large $90
Please note: We do not ship to Australia or internationally, in compliance with New Zealand biosecurity regulations.
