Carex morrowii 'IRISH GREEN'

Sedge (carex) is an extensive genus of evergreen and deciduous grasses, for which there is a uniting feature, so important that it gave them their scientific name – leaf margins are more or less sharp like precisely cut sheets of office paper. There are more than 1,500 (some believe up to 2,000) species of sedges and they appear in practically all climate types from the hot tropics to arctic regions, where they form one of the most important groups of flora that is able to survive in such inclement conditions. They differ in size, colour, leaf width, flowering, and habit. Some are tufted, others are rhizomatous and creeping so they can form an impenetrable ground cover. Most sedges, including those that are native to Central Europe, are naturally found in moist to wet habitats, which is quite a paradox, since many of them cope well with long-term drought if they are not in a sunny location.

Japanese grass sedge is an evergreen species of ornamental grass native to central and southern Japan. Irish Green is a pure green gem among variegated sedges. It makes 1-1.5 cm wide, strap-like leaves that are erect and only slightly arching, leathery but not so sharp, 30-40 cm long, dark green on acid soils and lighter green on alkaline soils. From mid to late spring appear inconspicuous flowers on thin stems. Irish Green forms dense clumps which slowly spread forming a nice ground cover, yet not being invasive.

Evergreen sedges cultivated in zones 4 to 8 are usually low-maintenance plants requiring no extra care once established. Though, removing its foliage after winter will enhance brand new, fresh green growths if old leaves are unsightly. Otherwise, they are often used for landscapes where neglect is expected. They prefer part shade to shade but grow in full sun, too, if regularly watered. Avoid extremes of wet and dry conditions. Irish Green prefers moist to wet ground and humus-rich soil. It can take long spells of summer drought once established. Fully hardy to -29 °C (USDA zone 5) and suitable for outdoor pots.

Last update 22-01-2008; 28-11-2023