Uncinia rubra 'Belinda's Find'
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Red Hook Sedge
Botanical Name: Uncinia rubra 'Belinda's Find'
Family: Cyperaceae
Origin: New Zealand
Plant Type: Ornamental sedge
Overview
This striking New Zealand sedge forms compact clumps of bronze-red foliage that intensifies to deep burgundy in cooler weather. 'Belinda's Find' is prized for its exceptional colour retention and neat, non-spreading habit that makes it perfect for contemporary garden design. The distinctive hook-tipped seed heads add textural interest and movement to the landscape.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 0.4 m H x 0.3 m W
- Growth Rate: Moderate; 12–18 cm per year; compact clumping habit with no spreading runners
- Foliage: Fine, arching bronze-red leaves that deepen to burgundy in winter, with distinctive curled tips
- Flowers: Insignificant brown spikes in late summer, followed by distinctive hooked seed heads, non-fragrant
- Seasonal Interest: Year-round foliage colour with peak intensity in autumn and winter months
- Wildlife Value: Seeds provide food for small birds, low-maintenance habitat plant
- Tolerance: Moderate drought, light frost to -3°C, coastal conditions, strong winds, clay soils
- Planting Density: Mass planting: 30–40 cm apart; border edging: 25–30 cm apart
- Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs, safe for family gardens
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun to part shade; best colour development in full sun with some afternoon protection
- Soil: Well-drained to moisture-retentive soils; adaptable to sandy loam through to clay
- Water Needs: Establishment: 8–10 weeks, twice weekly. Established: summer twice weekly; winter fortnightly
- Maintenance: Trim old foliage in late winter, divide clumps every 3–4 years if desired
- Lifespan: 8–12 years
- Climate Zones: All SA regions including Hills, coastal areas, and inland districts
- Soil pH: Adaptable to slightly acid through neutral to mildly alkaline conditions (6.0–7.5)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Mass plant as groundcover under deciduous trees for year-round winter colour
- Use as edging along pathways or garden borders for defined structural lines
- Combine with silver-foliaged plants like lavender or lamb's ear for striking colour contrast
Why You Will Love It
Uncinia rubra 'Belinda's Find' delivers exceptional colour impact with minimal effort, transforming from bronze to deep burgundy as temperatures cool. Its compact, well-behaved nature means no invasive spreading, while the unique textural quality adds sophistication to any garden style from contemporary to cottage.