Carex scaposa

Carex scaposa, also known as Chinese Sedge, is an extraordinary botanical species. It is rare in cultivation, and was collected by Michael Le Bret in the southern mountains of Yunnan during his 2007 expedition. Very different from other sedges, this one is reminiscent of aspidistras with its rather wide leaves. In the second half of summer, it is distinguished by its beautiful pink-orange flowering, which remains decorative until late in the season. Despite its almost subtropical origins, this perennial plant is quite hardy. A great choice for damp shade!

Carex scaposa belongs to the Cyperaceae family, like all Carex. It is a widespread species from southern China to Vietnam, where it grows in forests, on wooded slopes, in deep valleys, and on riverbanks. It is a rhizomatous perennial herbaceous plant that establishes slowly and never becomes invasive. Its leaves are evergreen in winter. They are flexible, ribbon-like, and more or less pleated in width. They measure up to 30cm (12in) long and 5cm (2in) wide. Initially bronze-green, they then become a superb bright green. The overall shape forms a clump wider than tall, not exceeding 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) in height. Quite similar in appearance to the foliage of  C. plantaginea, but with an even more remarkable colour. The slender flower spikes appear late in the season, around mid-August, but the flowering continues almost until the frosts. The small flowers arranged in spikes are of a remarkable and very rare colour in this genus: a bright orange pink.

This beautiful carex is said to be very successful in gardens with damp shade, that are mild in winter. Plant it alongside Epimedium, Ophiopogon, Asarum, Arisaema, etc. Play with the contrasts of foliage. For example, consider combining it with ferns with tough and glossy fronds like the sword fern Polystichum neolobatum, or on the contrary, with the soft and feathery foliage of Polystichum setiferum 'Proliferum'.