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Carex geminata (Rautahi)

5 from 1 customers

Rautahi

Carex geminata, commonly known as Rautahi, is a fine-leaved New Zealand native sedge that forms dense, tufted clumps up to 50 cm tall. Its slender green foliage holds firm throughout the year, adding graceful texture to any landscape. Thriving in moist, well‑drained soils and full sun to partial shade, it suits riparian zones, wetlands, and garden edges. It’s low‑maintenance, tolerates light flooding, and is perfect for naturalistic or native garden plantings.

Carex geminata plant with cascading green foliage.
Carex geminata green foliage.

Carex geminata (Rautahi) is currently unavailable, but we do have other other amazing species and varieties of Carex available.

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Why? Our plants are subject to seasonality and high-demand. Please contact us if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Grasses
Height:1.00 m
Spread:1.00 m
Flowering time:
Tolerances:Hardy, Wet
Garden uses:Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles:Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known asRautahi
Sku10043

What is the optimum Carex geminata grass spacing?

The optimum Carex geminata grass spacing for the plants to merge and become an effective ground cover is 75 cm apart. However, if you want them to grow as a unique plant, they will need to be spaced at least 1.2 metres apart. The spacing for having them merge to a limited degree is 80-90 cm apart.

What are the landscaping uses for Carex geminata in NZ?

Carex geminata is a popular choice in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted either as a ground cover or on a bank, included in borders or mixed plantings, or planted around wetland areas. This hardy, NZ native grass is also perfect for gardens around commercial buildings that are often somewhat neglected, particularly those with wetter areas such as drains and the like. Carex geminata is favoured by landscape designers across NZ due to its tidy form and versatility. It can thrive in both wet and dry areas, making it an effective ground cover plant with pleasant aesthetics.

Carex geminata (Rautahi) for sale in NZ

The Plant Company has the best Carex geminata (Rautahi) plants for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants, and our logistics team packs them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive, and the quality is exceptional. Let us take care of your plant and grass needs and impress you with both our products and services!

What are the best Carex geminata growing conditions?

The best growing conditions for Carex geminata are a full sun or part shade position. This is a hardy plant that tolerates frost, wet soils, dry periods, cold climates, wind, coastal climates, and most soil types.

What height does Carex geminata grow to?

Carex geminata grows to about 1 m tall and the same width, and it will reach this within three years with optimal growing conditions. If the growing conditions are less favourable, the plants may stay smaller and will take longer to reach their mature size.

What are the Carex geminata common names?

The common names for Carex geminata are Cutty grass and Rautahi.

Carex geminata pruning

The primary reason for pruning Carex geminata is to remove dead or damaged foliage. This helps maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal and promotes healthy new growth. Such light pruning can be done at any time. If more aggressive pruning is required, which involves removing 50% of the vegetation, it is generally undertaken during the summer when the plants are actively growing. The plants can safely be cut back by up to 75% during this time. The Plant Company recommends that plants have at least 10 cm of growth remaining at the base of the plant after any severe pruning. Avoid heavy pruning in winter, as the plants may struggle to recover.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Carex geminata (Rautahi)? We are here to help.

Reviews

5 from 1 customers
Kylie Croft - Canterbury
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