Japanese sedge Interesting Notes

A bright groundcover for a shady spot, Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' has long shiny leaves trimmed in bright white along its margin. Growing to 8”-12” tall, 'Ice Dance' spreads slowly to fill in and unlike other sedges, does not form clumps. Over time, it makes a tidy cover that discourages weeds and provides a lovely contrast and highlight in the shade garden.

Carex morrowii can be found in the woods of low mountains of Japan and is adaptable to a wide range of soils. It spreads slowly by rhizomes and is quite drought tolerant once established. To propagate, divide clumps of sedges every few years. For best maintenance of bright coloring and tidy appearance, cut foliage to the ground in early spring before new growth occurs.

In 1996, Barry Yinger introduced Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’ from Japan. It is identical to Carex morrowii 'Variegata' except that it spreads instead of forming a clump. In 2002, Carex 'Ice Dance' was given the prestigious Outstanding Plant Award from the International Hardy Plant Union. It can be used in containers, or as a slowly spreading groundcover in the shade and rock garden.

Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' Growing and Maintenance Tips

C. morrowii can be found in the woods of low mountains (Japan) and is adaptable to a wide range of soils. Spreads slowly by rhizomes and is quite drought tolerant once established. Propagate by division of clumps every few years in spring. Cut foliage to the ground in early spring before new growth occurs. Use in containers, or as a slowly spreading groundcover in the shade and rock garden.

Good Substitutions

Carex 'Silver Sceptre'

Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'

Carex dolichostachya Gold Fountains™ 'Kaga-nishiki'