Carex ciliatomarginata Shima Nishiki

Carex ciliatomarginata 'Shima Nishiki' stands out from other varieties of sedge with its fairly wide evergreen foliage, which closely resembles that of certain dwarf bamboos. Its astonishing leaves are marginated and striated with golden yellow on a vibrant green background. This small perennial grass forms a beautiful, erect and trailing, bright and compact tuft, remarkable as a ground cover in cool and shady areas of the garden. It should be planted in neutral to acidic moist soil, in partial shade or even in full shade.

Carex ciliatomarginata 'Shima Nishiki' belongs to the large Cyperaceae family. This small grass with short rhizomes forms a compact, erect and trailing tuft, about 20cm (8in) in height and 45cm (18in) in diameter. Its persistent, ovate and tapering leaves measure 1cm (1in) in width and approximately 10cm (4in) in length. Their edges are tapered and their tips drooping. Their vibrant and dark green colour is bordered by a golden yellow margin and traversed by equally golden fine longitudinal lines. In late spring, short green spikes 1 to 3cm (1in) long appear among the foliage, carried by slender stems about 15cm (6in) in height.

The 'Shima Nishiki' sedge is a small 'herb' with refined foliage and a minimalist style. It will form a dense bouquet of foliage in the shade, covering the ground and discouraging weeds. In this usage, it can be paired with Milium effusum 'Aureum' or dwarf hostas, to which it bears resemblance. Its design does not require the presence of another plant by its side. However, it will bring lightness to the lush foliage of rodgersias and the fronds of ferns. It also pairs well with heucheras. As this grass appreciates moist to wet soils, it will naturally find its place in water gardens, on banks, or at the edge of water features, where it will contribute to soil stabilisation. Also place it along the borders of perennial beds. For a beautiful wild effect, plant it en masse, in a contemporary or countryside garden.