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Carex morrowii ‘Variegata’ (Japanese Sedge)

Japanese Sedge 'Variegata', Morrow's Sedge 'Variegata', Variegated Sedge

Carex morrowii 'Variegata', Sedge 'Variegata', Japanese Sedge 'Variegata', Morrow's Sedge 'Variegata', Variegated Sedge, Ornamental grasses,

Brightening up the shade garden, Carex morrowii ‘Variegata’ is a semi-evergreen Japanese Sedge forming a low, slow-spreading tufted mound of narrow, arching, glossy, deep green leaves adorned with fine creamy-white edges. In mid to late spring it bears inconspicuous brown flower spikes on long stems. Attractive both in shape and foliage, this highly decorative grass is evergreen in USDA Zones 8-9. Easy care, it is one of the most beautiful ornamental grasses for the garden, where it provides a lovely contrast with other plants, mulch or gravel.

  • Forms a densely tufted, spilling tussock of slender, iridescent foliage that shimmers in slight breezes. It mixes beautifully with almost any flowering bulbs or perennial plants to create spectacular and elegant mobile combinations.
  • Grows easily about 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
  • Enjoys full sun to shade and thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Best foliage color is obtained in part shade rather than in sun. Foliage may bleach if grown in full sun. Do not let the soil dry out.
  • This is a graceful accent plant for beds, borders, rock gardens, city or cottage gardens and as ground cover. Excellent choice to brighten shady areas. Does well in containers too where it adds wonderful character and texture to your plant combinations.
  • Deer tolerant, it requires very little care and provides almost year-round interest.
  • Generally disease and pest free.
  • Where not evergreen, foliage should be cut to the ground and removed in late winter.
  • Propagate by plant division in spring or seeding in the fall.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Cyperaceae
Genus Carex
Common names Sedge
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Modern Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Carex appalachica (Appalachian Sedge)
Carex flacca ‘Blue Zinger’ (Blue Sedge)
Carex plantaginea (Plantain-Leaf Sedge)
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge)
Carex tumulicola (Foothill Sedge)
Carex pseudocyperus (Sedge Hop)

Recommended Companion Plants

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ (Tatarian Dogwood)
Heuchera ‘Marmalade’ (Coral Bells)
Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose)
Allium ‘Mount Everest’ (Ornamental Onion)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Cyperaceae
Genus Carex
Common names Sedge
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Modern Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Carex (Sedge)
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Carex (Sedge)
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