Carex 'Evergold'

Carex 'Evergold': Gold Racing Stripes for Shady Pots

Creamy yellow stripes down the middle, dark green on the edges, arching out like a fountain with a great haircut. 'Evergold' looks good in a pot, in the bed and pretty much everywhere. STRIPES DON'T TAKE DAYS OFF.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'
• Common Name: Japanese Sedge
• Height: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Flowers: Small, brownish spikes; grown for its foliage
• Bloom Time: Spring (May)
• Foliage: Narrow, arching leaves with a creamy yellow centre stripe and dark green edges; evergreen to semi-evergreen
• Features: Good in containers

Where to Plant: Line a shady path with it or use it at the front of a woodland border. It's also a favourite for containers, where its leaves cascade over the rim. Pots don't overwinter as well as the ground in zone 5, so move potted plants into the garden in fall or sink the pot into a sheltered bed.

Companion Plants: Pulmonaria 'Dark Vader' opens purple flowers in April and May, a rich contrast to the gold and green blades. Hosta Shadowland® 'Autumn Frost' adds bold leaves and lavender flowers in July and August at a similar 30 cm height. Behind them, Astilbe 'Amethyst' sends up purple plumes in June and July. The bright sedge lights up the front of this shady bed.

Plant Care: Plant it in part sun to shade, in average to rich, well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. It can take more sun if the soil never dries out. In zone 5, a sheltered spot and a light winter mulch help it keep its leaves. In early spring, comb out or trim any winter-damaged leaves rather than cutting the whole plant to the ground. New growth fills in quickly. Divide in spring when the clump gets crowded or bare in the middle.

History: Carex oshimensis is native to Japan, and 'Evergold' has been sold as Carex hachijoensis 'Evergold' and Carex morrowii 'Evergold', which is why labels vary. It holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: Deer resistant and low maintenance. Pop it into a shady container and pretend you planned it that way. INSTANT CURB APPEAL.