Carex 'Gold Fountains'

Carex dolichostachya 'Gold Fountains': A Cascading Glow for Shaded Corners

Flowing and luminous, Carex 'Gold Fountains' offers a gentle cascade of arching, gold-tinged foliage that brightens shade with its soft, fountain-like form. Each narrow blade is a blend of chartreuse and olive green, forming a low, mounded clump that moves easily in the breeze and softens the edges of garden beds. Its subtle colouring deepens through the seasons, lending warmth and texture to woodland borders, underplantings, and naturalistic designs.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 25–35 cm
• Spread: 40–60 cm, slowly spreading
• Flower Colour: Insignificant; grown for foliage
• Flowering Period: Spring
• Foliage: Narrow, arching blades in shades of golden chartreuse and olive green; soft texture and gentle flow
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates average conditions with protection from dryness

Uses and Benefits: Carex 'Gold Fountains' brings movement and glow to shaded beds, understory plantings, and around the base of trees. Its weeping habit complements mounded perennials and upright forms, while its colouring enhances both cool-toned and warm palettes. It’s especially effective near pathways, where its fine texture and soft arching blades can spill gently into view. Low maintenance and deer resistant, it adds elegance and cohesion without drawing too much attention to itself.

Companion Plants: Pair Gold Fountains with the amber hues of Heuchera 'Toffee Tart', the soft green and spring-white blooms of Tiarella cordifolia, and the tall, nodding pink flowers of Anemone 'Queen Charlotte'. Together, they create a planting that moves through spring and fall with grace and quiet colour.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells and mulch to retain moisture. Cut back spent or tattered foliage in early spring to maintain a fresh appearance. Divide every 3–4 years if desired to manage spread or rejuvenate older clumps.

History: 'Gold Fountains' is a cultivated form of Carex dolichostachya, a species native to East Asia. It was selected for its gracefully arching habit and soft golden colouring—traits that make it especially useful in woodland and shade-focused designs.

Final Thoughts: With its flowing lines and golden light, Carex 'Gold Fountains' brings softness and warmth to the shaded garden. It’s a subtle companion that elevates its surroundings with ease, offering lasting texture and understated charm.