Carex, two Falls favourites

When the hallmark characteristics of a successful hybrid are strong performance, texture, and reliability, new introductions are worth watching. The Carex Fall Series has built that kind of trust, which is why many gardeners have made room for the evergreen favourite Carex ‘Feather Falls’. Now there is a brighter counterpart, Carex ‘Moon Falls’, bred to the same high standard but with a fresh, high-contrast look. 

Both plants bring year-round structure, movement, and a modern finish to borders and containers, with minimal maintenance once established. 

Carex ‘Feather Falls’, an old friend

Carex ‘Feather Falls’ forms a super-sized, evergreen clump of arching, cascading foliage, growing to about 40 cm high and 60 cm wide. The leaves are strap-like and variegated, with a mid-green centre stripe and creamy margins, creating a soft, flowing fountain effect inpots and beds. 

In early summer, the clump is enhanced by fine stems topped with feathery flower plumes, adding an extra layer of texture without stealing attention from the foliage. It grows quickly enough to fill the space you intended for it, making it useful when you want smart, reliable cover that still looks graceful. 

Good to know 

The foliage generally tolerates full sun without burning, but avoid planting in the hottest part of the garden in very dry, baking-hot climates. 

In hot, dry areas, choose a spot with morning sun and light shade later in the day. These Carex are cold-hardy and cope with moderate frost. If the leaf tips are marked by cold winds, trim them off with sharp scissors. In spring, gently rake out old foliage to keep plants looking neat. 

Carex ‘Moon Falls’, the bright new look

Carex ‘Moon Falls’ is the latest in the Fall Series, with a much brighter and reversed variegation pattern. Each strap-like leaf has a rich, creamy white centre and crisp, deep green margins, creating strong contrast and a clean, modern look. Like ‘Feather Falls’, it forms an arching, cascading clump, so it works particularly well where foliage can spill over edges and soften hard landscaping. 

Growth facts

• Light: Full sun to light shade 
• Soil: Rich and moist soil 
• Water: Water regularly, especially if potted 
• Feed: From spring to autumn, apply a slow-release fertiliser 

How to use these beauties

• Let them cascade
• Plant them above a low retaining wall, terrace edge, raised bed, or steps, so the foliage can drape and spill down naturally. 
• Fill tricky gaps with smart, reliable clumps 
• Space plants well apart so each clump has room to spread and cascade. If you want extra height and seasonal interest, fill the gaps between clumps with tall perennials or annuals. 

Style them in pots

Use a single plant as a specimen in a decorative container for a modern, low-fuss look. Containers dry out faster, so keep watering consistently to maintain lush growth and strong colour. 

Simple care and maintenance 

• Plant in sun to light shade 
• Aim for moist, fertile soil 
• Water regularly, especially in pots and during dry spells 
• Feed from spring to autumn with a slow-release fertiliser 
• In spring, rake out old foliage, then trim any damaged leaf tips 

Which one should you choose? 

Choose ‘Feather Falls’ for a softer variegated look with creamy edges and a graceful fountain habit. 

Choose ‘Moon Falls’ for brighter, high-contrast foliage that stands out from a distance. 

Plant both together to layer light and dark foliage tones while keeping the same reliable, evergreen structure.