Carex brunnea ‘Jenneke’

Carex brunnea ‘Jenneke’ is a compact variegated sedge grown for its fine, colourful foliage. Its narrow leaves have pale creamy-yellow centres edged with dark green, bringing year-round texture to borders and containers.

This clump-forming ornamental sedge works particularly well in partially shaded areas. Use it to brighten woodland-style planting, border edges, or areas around ponds where the soil remains moist.

Key features

• Compact, clump-forming ornamental sedge
• Creamy-yellow leaves edged with dark green
• Fine, arching foliage
• Provides long-lasting foliage interest
• Ideal for partially shaded gardens
• Suitable for borders and containers

Plant size

• Height: up to 40cm
• Spread: around 30cm

Other common names

• Variegated sedge ‘Jenneke’
• Japanese sedge ‘Jenneke’

Benefits for UK wildlife

• Dense foliage provides shelter for insects and other small garden wildlife
• Creates useful low-level cover around ponds and damp areas
• Adds structure to wildlife-friendly planting throughout much of the year

Growing tips

• Plant in moist, well-drained soil
• Best in partial shade
• Keep the soil moist during prolonged dry weather
• Suitable for woodland borders, pond edges, and containers
• Combines well with ferns, hostas, bergenias, and other shade-loving plants
• Remove tired or damaged foliage to keep the clump looking neat

Do you need to brighten a shaded area without relying on flowers? Carex brunnea ‘Jenneke’ provides cream and green foliage with a neat, compact habit.

Plant it among ferns and other woodland perennials, or use it around a wildlife pond to add texture and low-growing cover.