Bowles' Golden Sedge 'Aurea'

Named after the famous plantsman E.A. Bowles, this is one of the most vibrant golden grasses available for damp areas of the garden. It forms shimmering clumps of narrow, arching leaves that are a brilliant lemon-yellow with thin green margins. The colour is most intense in early spring and summer, especially when grown in a sunny position with plenty of moisture. It is an ideal plant for the margins of a pond, a bog garden, or any low-lying area where the soil remains consistently wet. It can even be grown in shallow water. In late spring, it produces inconspicuous dark brown flower spikes that contrast subtly with the bright foliage. While it can tolerate partial shade, the golden colour may fade to a lime green in deeper shade. It is a slow-growing deciduous sedge that remains neat and tidy, requiring only the removal of old, brown leaves in late winter. It is fully hardy across Britain.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist to wet, heavy clay or loam.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.