Carex oshimensis 'EVERGOLD'

Sedge (carex) is an extensive genus of evergreen and deciduous grasses, for which there is a uniting feature, so important that it gave them their scientific name – leaf margins are more or less sharp like precisely cut sheets of office paper. There are more than 1,500 (some believe up to 2,000) species of sedges and they appear in practically all climate types from the hot tropics to arctic regions, where they form one of the most important groups of flora that is able to survive in such inclement conditions. They differ in size, colour, leaf width, flowering, and habit. Some are tufted, others are rhizomatous and creeping so they can form an impenetrable ground cover. Most sedges, including those that are native to Central Europe, are naturally found in moist to wet habitats, which is quite a paradox, since many of them cope well with long-term drought if they are not in a sunny location.

Japanese sedge is a perfect companion plant for evergreen arrangements because this grass-like perennial remains in leaf all year long. Evergold is a variety with linear, narrow leaves that are creamy yellow in the centre and have dark green margins. It is a well-behaved plant not spreading throughout the entire bed. In late spring it produces short spikes on insignificant reddish brown flowers.

Its narrow leaves create a tufted plant that likes to be touched. It is perfect for a partly shaded rockery, border edges and a large patio container.

It needs well-drained but constantly moist and humus-rich soil. When established it withstands temporary over-wetting. But do not plant it deliberately into boggy conditions. It is very hardy in our conditions. We would only recommend planting it in semi-shade or winter shade to prevent the leaves from winter and early spring sun scald. It might damage the appearance of evergreen leaves. Fully hardy to -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 27-01-2011