Greater pond sedge (Carex riparia) is the tallest of the British native sedges and has long triangular strap-like mid to blue-green leaves with attractive black flower heads in early summer.  The combination of the blue-green leaves and black flower heads is quite unusual and stylish, however this is quite a vigorous plant so should be contained in baskets in smaller ponds and not recommended for planting in shallow or boggy areas as it could become dominant.

Good for stabilising banks and provides excellent cover for birds and wildlife when planted in groups.  A good plant where ducks are present as it is very robust and tolerates regular cropping from our feathered friends which use it as a nesting material.  It will grow in water several feet deep when established.

Carex grass like herbs; riparia of the river bank

Height: 1.3m

Planting position: Pond marginal shelf up to 20cm deep  or very wet soil full sun or partial shade.

Form: 9cm (0.5 litre) in a solid pot -please select size below

Recommended basket size min./ideal: 2 litre round/3.5 litre round

(Recommended basket sizes are for potting up 9cm (0.5 litre) plants only as these are supplied in solid pots.  Larger sized plants are already in aquatic baskets so can go straight in the pond, however they may need potting up or splitting at some point)