Carex 'Gold Fountains'

Carex 'Gold Fountains': Gilded Blades That Brighten the Gloom

Narrow green blades with fine golden edges spill out like a little fountain somebody filled with champagne. 'Gold Fountains' is low, graceful and happy almost anywhere you plunk it. TOSS IN A COIN AND MAKE A WISH.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Carex dolichostachya 'Kaga Nishiki', sold as Gold Fountains
• Common Name: Sedge
• Height: 20–30 cm (8–12 in)
• Spread: 30–60 cm (12–24 in)
• Flowers: Small, brown, inconspicuous spikes; grown for its foliage
• Bloom Time: Spring (May)
• Foliage: Narrow, arching green leaves with fine golden yellow margins; semi-evergreen
• Features: Tolerates wet soil

Where to Plant: Use it to edge a woodland path, in a rain garden, or in containers. Massed in a group, it reads as a soft gold ribbon, and it's especially handy near a dark fence where a little brightness goes a long way. It stays low, so it never blocks the view of what's planted behind it.

Companion Plants: Darmera peltata opens pink flowers in April and May before its big, round leaves unfold, a bold contrast to the fine gold blades. Heucherella Fun and Games® 'Red Rover' adds white flowers in May and June at the front. Aruncus 'Chantilly Lace' brings cream plumes in June and July. These plants share the sedge's easygoing nature in sun or shade.

Plant Care: Plant it in rich, moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates wet spots and can take full sun only where the soil stays moist. In drier sites, give it part to full shade. Don't cut it back hard. It grows slowly and is slow to recover. In early spring, simply pull or snip out any dead or winter-damaged leaves. It rarely needs dividing. If you want more plants, divide it carefully in spring.

History: Carex dolichostachya is native to eastern Asia, from Japan south to the Philippines, and its name means "long spike." 'Kaga Nishiki' is a Japanese selection usually sold in North America as Gold Fountains.

Final Thoughts: Sun, shade, wet soil, no problem, and the deer move along. Edge a path with a row of them. THE ONLY FOUNTAIN WITH NO PLUMBER.