Carex brunnea Jenneke

Carex brunnea 'Jenneke', also known as Greater brown sedge, is a modest-sized grass that stands out for its graceful habit and particularly refined and bright foliage, composed of fine leaves that are almost yellow and delicately bordered with dark green. Its discreet summer flowering takes the form of small white-cream spikes that turn brown with age. It is a versatile plant for cool partial shade, and will make a great impact as a border plant, in a cool rockery, by a pond, in a pot on a balcony, or even as an indoor plant in a cool room. Plant it in partial shade in moist to wet soil, that is preferably humus-rich.

Carex brunnea 'Jenneke' is a sedge belonging to the large Cyperaceae family. It originates from Asia (Japan). This small grass with short rhizomes forms a fairly flexible, slightly tousled, dense, upright and trailing clump, measuring approximately 30 to 35cm (12 to 14in) in all directions. Its roots spread slowly without becoming invasive. Its leaves are evergreen if not subjected to severe frost. They are arched and sheathing at the base, measuring about 2mm (1in) in width and approximately 35cm (14in) in length. Their edges are tapered and their tips trailing. They have a yellowish hue tinged with green, finely edged with dark green along their entire length. In July-August, short cream spikes measuring 2 to 4cm (1 to 2in) appear among the foliage, carried by slender stems that reach a height of 40cm (16in). At maturity, they turn brown. This carex can withstand temperatures as low as -8 to -10°C (17.6 to 14°F).

Carex brunnea 'Jenneke' is an elegant grass with a clean style that thrives in cool and partially shaded environments. Its sculptural appeal does not require the presence of other plants by its side, but it will bring a sense of lightness to the lush foliage of rodgersias, the fronds of ferns, and also pairs well with colourful heucheras. As this grass appreciates moist to wet soils, it will naturally find its place in a cool rockery, water gardens, among mossy stones on riverbanks, or as a water's edge plant. It can also be placed in perennial beds. For a beautiful wild effect, plant it en masse in a contemporary or countryside garden.