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Elegant dome-shaped clump of Japanese sedge with white-edged leavesOrnamental grasses

Carex morrowii

Japanese Sedge

Japanese sedgeornamental grassshade plantevergreenvariegated

Japanese Sedge is an elegant, evergreen ornamental grass with finely arching leaves often edged in white or cream. The plant forms neat, dome-shaped clumps that remain decorative year-round. Ideal for shady spots where few other ornamental grasses thrive.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Partial shade
Water
Medium
Height
30–40 cm
Spread
30–45 cm
Hardiness zone
5–9
Family
Cyperaceae
Evergreen
Yes

Care guide

Plant in partial shade in humus-rich, moist soil. Avoid drying out — the plant prefers consistent moisture. Protect with a mulch layer in harsh winters. An annual compost dressing in spring supports healthy growth.

Pruning tips

Comb through the clump by hand in early spring to remove dead leaves. Trim any unsightly brown foliage. Do not cut back to the ground — the evergreen foliage is the main ornamental feature.

Good companions

Large blue-green hosta leaves in a shaded gardenPerennials

Hosta sieboldiana

Hosta

Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.

Full shadeMedium50–90 cm
Finely divided green fronds of the soft shield fern in a shady borderFerns

Polystichum setiferum

Soft Shield Fern

The soft shield fern is an elegant, evergreen fern with finely divided, soft green fronds that arch gracefully outwards. The plant forms a beautiful rosette and fits perfectly in shady borders and woodland gardens. Mature specimens can reach up to 120 centimetres across.

Partial shadeMedium
Purple flower spikes of lily turf above dark green grass-like foliageGround cover

Liriope muscari

Lily Turf

Lily Turf is a robust evergreen ground cover with grass-like dark green foliage and striking purple flower spikes in late summer. The plant forms dense clumps that suppress weeds effectively. After flowering, decorative black berries appear and persist through winter.

Partial shadeLow20–40 cm