The Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’ is a genus from the sedge family (Cyperaceae) and is commonly called hair sedge. The Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’ is native to New Zealand.
The hair sedge forms grass-like tufts of very thin, long, silvery-green leaves that are curled at the top. The leaves lie untidily on the ground, often giving the plant a rather messy appearance. Or a playful look. It depends on how you look at it. For me it was the reason to remove the Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’ from my garden.
Although the Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’ may look like an ornamental grass it is not a grass.
The flowers do not have much ornamental value. The green/brown spikes are usually shorter than the leaves. The Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’ self-seeds quite readily. The seedlings are easy to remove if they grow in an unwanted spot so that is not a problem.
In mild winters the hair sedge remains evergreen. With severe frost, the leaves may die back, but new leaves will form in spring. It is best to cut the leaves back to about 10 cm (4 inches) above the ground in spring to make room for the new ones.
The Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’ forms a tuft that grows wider over the years. You can dig it up and divide it in spring.
The hair sedge prefers well-drained, moist soil. The Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’ can grow in almost any soil and is reasonably salt tolerant. In too much sun or drought the leaves may wither. The Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’ tolerates shade quite well.
Attracts bees: no
Characteristic: evergreen
Deer resistant: yes
Exposure: sun/part shade
Flower color: green
Flowering time: May – June
Foliage color: green
Fragrant flower: no
Hardiness: -4 ºF/-20 ºC
Height: 20 inches/50 cm
Soil: normal/moist