Carex testacea Limeshine = 'Wilshine'

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Spring-Autumn · Planting

Remove dead leaves

When leaves die they can carefully be detached or cut off at their base to improve the overall appearance of the plant. Be careful not to damage the main stems during this process.

Summer · Planting

Remove offsets to create new plants

Offsets are small plants or shoots that develop around the parent plant. They should have developed a root system of their own before they are detached. They can be planted directly, or grown in pots if so small they could be 'lost' in the garden.

Offsets may be used to replace an aged parent plant, to extend or establish a colony, or can be given away or sold.

Compost · Planting

Multi-purpose compost

Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.