Red Rooster Sedge Grass – Tips On Growing Red Rooster Leatherleaf Sedge

Sedge grasses are fine choices for adding a range of colors and textures to a garden. Red rooster sedge grass is one variety of Carex buchananii that provides a stunning copper red color. Native to New Zealand, this pretty grass does well in USDA zones 7 through 9 and provides year-round color and visual interest in these areas. 

What is Red Rooster Leatherleaf Sedge? 

Red rooster is a cultivar of the sedge species Carex buchananii. Also known as red rooster leatherleaf sedge, it comes from New Zealand where it grows in the mountains, forests, and even along rivers and beaches. 

This is an easy grass to grow, which along with its unique color has made it a popular ornamental grass choice in many gardens. Red rooster sedge grass grows in clumps of tight leaves up to 24 inches (61 cm.) high. 

What makes Red rooster really special is its color. Described by some as copper or others as bronze, what you’ll get is a reddish brown grass that is truly unique. The grass keeps its color all year long as well. Use this sedge grass in mass plantings, along borders, or even in containers. It looks best contrasted with green plants. 

How to Grow Red Rooster Sedge

Red rooster sedge care is easy, another major attraction to choosing this grass for your garden. Choose a spot with full sun or only partial shade. The soil type is not important as long as it drains well. You should keep the soil slightly moist but tending toward dry. Normal rainfall is usually adequate for this grass. 

The best time for red rooster sedge pruning is very early spring, before there is too much new growth. Other than this yearly trim your Red rooster sedge grass won’t need much maintenance or care from you. Just let it grow and under good conditions it should keep coming back every spring for several years.