Carex morrowii Goldband

Carex morrowii 'Goldband', or Japanese sedge, is a perennial evergreen plant that thrives in cool and shady areas. It is useful in the understory, as it can tolerate dense shade and competition from tree roots. The 'Goldband' cultivar has attractive cream-edged leaves that bring a touch of brightness to shady spots. The plant forms compact clumps of gracefully trailing leaves that spread via short rhizomes. In early summer, brownish-green aerial spikes emerge from the foliage. This hardy and robust sedge can also tolerate full sun as long as the soil remains moist. It is an easy-to-grow and low-maintenance plant that can be used in borders or flower beds.

'Goldband' is a horticultural cultivar. It belongs to the large Cyperaceae family, with the type species originating from Japan. This small herbaceous perennial with short rhizomes forms a soft tuft with a compact, upright and trailing habit, reaching about 40cm (16in) in all directions. Its evergreen leaves are arched, sheathing at the base, and measure 4 to 8mm (1in) in width. Their edges are finely serrated, and the tips droop. In early summer, 3 to 4 erect and closely spaced spikes appear among the foliage, carried by slender stems rising above the tufts. It produces underground stolons, allowing it to form 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 'Goldband' prefers rich, moist to wet, even clayey, soil, that does not dry out too much in summer. It thrives in partial shade and can tolerate competition from other plants.

'Goldband' is a small 'grass' with elegant foliage and a clean style. It forms a dense bouquet of foliage that covers the ground and discourages weeds in shady areas. In this context, it can be paired with Milium effusum 'Aureum', Geranium vivace 'Czackor', or Atropurpurea periwinkle. Its design does not require the presence of another plant beside it, but it adds a sense of lightness to the lush foliage of Rodgersias, the fronds of ferns, and also pairs well with colourful heucheras, Solomon's seals, and Tiarelles. It naturally fits in water gardens, among mossy stones placed on banks or along the edge of a water feature, where it helps stabilise the soil. It can also be placed at the front of perennial flower beds. For a wild and beautiful effect, plant it en masse in a contemporary or country garden.

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