How to prune spiked sedge

Early spring; deadhead after flowering in summer. Use scissors or shears to remove dead foliage at the base in spring. Snip off spent flower spikes after seed set to reduce self-seeding. Divide congested clumps with a spade in spring or autumn if they outgrow their space.

As needed. Spiked sedge (Carex spicata) is a compact, clump-forming native sedge that needs minimal pruning. Trim away dead or tatty foliage in early spring before new growth starts. Deadhead to limit self-seeding if it is spreading more than desired. It is generally a low-maintenance, self-tidy species.

Use scissors or shears to remove dead foliage at the base in spring. Snip off spent flower spikes after seed set to reduce self-seeding. Divide congested clumps with a spade in spring or autumn if they outgrow their space.