Carex flacca

Carex flacca is a small, evergreen grass that forms a glaucous green clump.

It forms leaves in thin filaments, which are green on top and bluish underneath. The leaves are arched, forming a dense and airy clump. Reddish-brown flowers appear in April-May. At maturity, it can reach a height of 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in). It is an excellent ground cover, which sometimes needs to be limited as it can quickly become invasive.

This perennial can be planted in a sheltered corner. Position it above a rockery so that the foliage can cascade as it pleases. It will also thrive in a pot.

Carex offers many possibilities for combining colours: with snowdrops in winter, with sedums in autumn, and with knotweeds in summer.