Reference specimenAccession  SKU-00761

Carex morrowii

Japanese Sedge

At a glance
Type
Perennial
Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–8
Sun
Part Shade
Soil
Well-drained, Moist
Mature size
Height 10–12 Inches · Spread 10–12 Inches
Growth rate
Fast
Seasonality
Evergreen
Carex morrowii, Japanese sedge, glossy dark green evergreen blades
Carex morrowii, Japanese Sedge at Woodlanders
A plant Woodlanders once offered on our catalogue

This variety is no actively in production in our propagation house and may not return to our catalogue. We maintain this page purely for reference and archival purposes. If you would like to grow this plant, tell us. Your interest helps guide what we bring back.

For a larger installation or commercial project, write hello@woodlanders.net.

Carex morrowii is a tough, clump-forming Japanese sedge grown for deep, glossy, evergreen foliage, a low fountain of arching dark green blades that holds color and form through the year in mild winters. The plain green species is the quiet backbone behind the many variegated selections, and a fine foliage plant in its own right.

Easy and well-mannered, the plant settles into light shade and moist to damp soil, knitting into a tidy mound at a shaded path, the front of a woodland border, or among ferns and hostas where evergreen structure is wanted. Native to Japan, and dependable where many grasses give out.

Design Notes

Mass Carex morrowii as evergreen structure in light shade, at a shaded path, the front of a woodland border, or among ferns, hostas, and hellebores where a tidy green mound is wanted the year round. The clumping habit stays put and pairs well with bolder shade foliage, a dependable backbone where many grasses fail. Give light shade and moist, well-drained soil, and divide every few years to keep the clumps fresh.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Brownish spikes on erect stems, spring

Foliage. Deep, glossy, dark green, grass-like blades arching into a low evergreen mound about ten to twelve inches high, holding color through winter in mild climates.

Flower. Slim brownish spikes rise on erect stems in spring, inconspicuous on a plant grown for the foliage.

Care

Light. Part shade to light shade; tolerates morning sun, but hot direct sun scorches the blades.

Soil. Moist to damp, humus-rich, well-drained soil.

Water. Keep evenly moist; not a plant for prolonged drought.

Grooming. Comb out or trim tired foliage in early spring; divide every few years to renew the clump.

Hardiness. Evergreen and reliable through USDA Zones 5 to 8 in mild winters.