Dwarf rush, reed or sedge - any ideas?

[Deb London]

The cold weather killed many of my pond plants. This has given me the opportunity to plant different ones.

I am looking for a marginal that is grass-like, but dwarf in habit. If not dwarf, it should be easily contained. I was wondering if dwarf varieties of native rushes, reeds or sedges existed (I can't find any)? But failing this, are there any non-invasive introduced species that do not grow that tall and that would be better than others, from the point of view of wildlife? Or what about a native grass that doesn't mind getting its feet wet?

Suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks.

[Johnny Redgate]

If your water/soil is slightly acidic how about Common Cottonn-grass Eriophorum angustifolium and Common Sedge Carex nigra. Both about a foot tall.

[Gill Catton]

Lots of rushes, I like sharp-flowered rush (Juncus acutiflorus) because its flowerheads are dainty so pretty I think. but I doubt you'll find it in a garden centre. Might be available on-line somewhere though. Or Soft Rush (Juncus effusus) (this can grow into quite a large tussock - though this then provides habitat for smaller beasties). If you want really small then there's Glaucous sedge (Carex flacca) but this may well spread into your lawn despite mowing.

In the meantime. I wouldn't write off your old plants just yet you'd be amazed what can come back from the seemingly dead.

[Johnny Redgate]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

Lots of rushes, I like sharp-flowered rush (Juncus acutiflorus) because its flowerheads are dainty so pretty I think. but I doubt you'll find it in a garden centre. Might be available on-line somewhere though. Or Soft Rush (Juncus effusus) (this can grow into quite a large tussock - though this then provides habitat for smaller beasties). If you want really small then there's Glaucous sedge (Carex flacca) but this may well spread into your lawn despite mowing.

In the meantime. I wouldn't write off your old plants just yet you'd be amazed what can come back from the seemingly dead.

Many of the more obvious rushes and pond sedges are tall plants (3 feet or more) so as me and Gill have said the smaller sedges might be worth a try. Cotton-grass and Common Sedge will grow in very wet areas. I think Glaucous Sedge is a good option for neutral - basic soils but would not do well as an emergent/very wet marginal species. You might up collecting and growing seeds

[Kayleigh]

I love my Japanese rush/sedge here is a pic it grows low is hardy does spread but very slowly the wildlife frogs love it they would sit in the middle I named it frog Island..
It only grows about a foot tall and gives winter interest too.

Google Image Result for http://www.crocus.co.uk/images/products2/PL/00/00/00/06/PL0000000680_card2_lg.jpg

[Jez]

I'm in a bit of a rush myself atm but here is a list of natives for you to ponder over .

I'll get my coat.

http://www.naturescape.co.uk/acatalo...lants_r_s.html

[Deb London]

Thanks everyone - lots of ideas here to reed.

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by Deb London

Thanks everyone - lots of ideas here to reed.

Noooo not Reeds!! They'll take over the whole thing LOL

[paddy]

Bowles Golden Sedge is a lovely marginal - reasonably well-behaved (just divided one after 5 years) and full of hidey-holes at the base. Avoid most typhas if you can - a lot of them can puncture liners with their creeping roots.

[Deb London]

Thanks Gill, ands thank for the suggestion paddy (Happy St. Patrick's Day, btw).