Uncinia rubra

Uncinia rubra is a perennial evergreen plant with a compact, dense, and gracefully arching habit, resembling a grass. It is distinguished by very ornamental foliage, with ribbon-like leaves ranging from orange-red to bronze-purple. This plant, closely related to sedges, is native to New Zealand and prefers mild climates and rich, cool to moist soils. In cooler climates, it is best grown in large containers that can be overwintered in a cold greenhouse or conservatory.

Uncinia rubra belongs to the Cyperaceae family. It is native to the mountainous regions of New Zealand. This plant forms a trailing herbaceous clump that slowly spreads with its short underground rootstocks, eventually forming a large rounded clump about 40cm (16in) in height and width. The stems are upright, stiff, and triangular. The foliage is evergreen and glossy, consisting of long, rolled, pointed ribbon-like leaves that are highly decorative, measuring 15 to 35cm (6 to 14in) in length. The colour is simply remarkable, ranging from orange-red to bronze-purple. The flowering, in the form of short black-brown spikes, is barely noticeable. It is followed by the formation of small achenes equipped with a hook that allows them to cling to the fur or feathers of animals.

Uncinia rubra is somewhat sensitive to cold and is best grown in coastal areas and protected locations. It also thrives in container cultivation and can make magnificent decorative pots all year round, which should be placed in a frost-free location in winter, such as an unheated conservatory or a small greenhouse. The warm colour palette of its foliage will complement the plants it accompanies in wet areas: Japanese irises, ferns, marsh marigolds, astilbes, sedges, and Euphorbia palustris.