Carex morrowii Aureovariegata

Carex morrowii 'Aureovariegata' is a perennial ground cover for undergrowth. Its flexible, evergreen foliage is strongly marginated with yellow and green. It lights up the dark corners of the garden. It forms compact clumps with gracefully trailing leaves, spreading with its short rhizomes. In spring, green-brown aerial spikes emerge from its clump. This sedge thrives in moist but not waterlogged soils in shaded locations. It can tolerate full sun if the soil moisture is sufficient. It is an easy-to-grow and low maintenance plant that can also be used in borders or flower beds, as long as the soil is not too dry. It is a hardy and robust plant, capable of withstanding dense shade and tree roots.

'Aureovariegata' is a sedge belonging to the large Cyperaceae family, native to Japan. This small herbaceous perennial with short rhizomes forms a soft clump, with a compact, upright and trailing habit, reaching about 30cm (12in) in all directions. Its evergreen leaves are arched, sheathing at the base, measuring 4 to 8mm (1in) in width. Their edges are tapered and their tips trailing. In spring, 3 to 4 upright and closely spaced spikes appear among the foliage, carried by slender stems rising above the clumps. It produces underground stolons allowing it to form beautiful dense clumps without becoming invasive. The foliage remains decorative throughout winter, even when temperatures drop below -13°C (8.6°F), as we experienced in January 2009. Carex morrowii 'Aureovariegata' prefers rich, cool to moist soil, even clayey, that does not dry out too much in summer. It thrives in partial shade and tolerates competition from other plants.

'Aureovariegata' is a small 'herb' with refined foliage and a clean style, which will create a dense bouquet of foliage in the shade, covering the ground and discouraging weeds. It can be paired with Milium effusum 'Aureum', Geranium vivace 'Czackor', or even Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea'. Its design does not require the presence of another plant by its side, but it will bring lightness to the lush foliage of rodgersia and the plumes of ferns. It also pairs well with colourful heucheras. As this grass appreciates cool to moist soils, it naturally finds its place in water gardens, among mossy stones, arranged on banks or along water features, where it helps stabilise the soil. It can also be placed along the edges of perennial beds. For a beautiful wild effect, plant it en masse, in a contemporary or country garden.

The name 'Carex' comes from the Greek 'keirein', which means to cut, referring to their sharp leaves and stems.