Carex 'Ice Dance'

Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance': A Cool Edge for the Woodland Garden

Refined and reliable, Carex 'Ice Dance' brings a crisp, clean look to shaded spaces with its broad green blades edged in bright white. The evergreen foliage forms low, arching clumps that spread slowly by rhizomes, creating a soft yet structured groundcover. Its luminous variegation catches light even in the dimmest corners, making it a favourite for edging paths, filling gaps beneath shrubs, or weaving through part-shade perennial plantings with ease.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 25–30 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm and slowly spreading
• Flower Colour: Insignificant; grown for foliage
• Flowering Period: Spring
• Foliage: Broad, arching green blades with clean white margins; semi-evergreen
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to average garden conditions

Uses and Benefits: 'Ice Dance' is ideal for lining shaded walkways, massing in woodland borders, or tucking beneath taller perennials for a consistent, textural backdrop. Its strong yet elegant foliage brings year-round presence in milder climates and provides a unifying element in layered designs. This sedge is deer resistant, easy to grow, and particularly effective in contrasting with bold foliage or flowering companions.

Companion Plants: Surround Carex 'Ice Dance' with the rich magenta foliage of Heuchera 'Wild Rose', the springtime charm of Tiarella 'Spring Symphony', and the soft, rose-pink blooms of Anemone 'Fall in Love Sweetly'. This trio offers bold colour, varied form, and strong seasonal progression through the year.

Care Instructions: Grow in part to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry periods and mulch to conserve soil moisture. In early spring, trim back any winter-damaged foliage to keep the clump looking tidy. Divide every few years in spring to refresh vigour or expand coverage.

History: A cultivated form of Japanese native Carex morrowii, 'Ice Dance' was selected for its bold variegation and adaptable habit. It has become a staple in shade garden design for its year-round presence and low-maintenance nature.

Final Thoughts: With its crisp margins and flowing form, Carex 'Ice Dance' brings polish and continuity to part-shade plantings. It's a dependable, cool-toned companion that enhances both structure and softness in the woodland palette.