Carex morrowii Ice Dance

The Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' is a natural form of C. morrowii found in Japan. This variety differs from the botanical species, mainly due to its wider foliage, silver-cream edges, and its propagation through underground stolons, allowing it to form beautiful dense clumps without becoming invasive. It prefers a rich, moist to wet soil, even clay, that does not dry out too much in summer. It thrives in partial shade and can tolerate competition from other plants.

The Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' is a sedge belonging to the large family Cyperaceae, native to Japan. This small grass with short rhizomes forms a dense clump with a compact, upright and trailing habit, reaching about 40 cm (15.7 in) in height, slightly taller than wide. Its evergreen leaves are arching, sheathing at the base, about 5 mm (0.2 in) wide and approximately 40 cm (15.7 in) long. Their edges are finely tapered and their tips drooping. They are dark green, particularly glossy, with a bluish reflection when backlit. Each leaf is bordered by a clear margin. The foliage remains decorative throughout winter, even when the temperature drops below -13°C (8.6 °F), as we experienced in January 2009. In July-August, short cream spikes measuring 2 to 4 cm (0.8 to 1.6 in) appear among the foliage on slender stems about 35 cm (13.8 in) tall. At maturity, they turn brown. 

The 'Ice Dance' Japanese sedge is a small herb with bright foliage that can help prevent unwanted plant growth in shady areas. It pairs well with Milium effusum 'Aureum', Geranium vivace 'Czacor', or Vinca minor 'Atropurpurea' but also looks great on its own. It complements other plants such as Rodgersia, ferns, and colourful Heuchera. This grass prefers moist to wet soils and is perfect for water gardens, mossy stones, or the edge of a water feature to help stabilise the soil. It can also be planted along perennial beds or at the base of an evergreen hedge to add a touch of whimsy all year. Plant it en masse in a contemporary or country garden for a beautiful wild effect.