Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'
Carex are what we like to call 'good doers', as they look good all year round, providing much needed interest when the garden can look sparse. We have them planted not only with Cornus stems; but also alongside Crocus species. In March these all marry up to make a rather lovely picture.
We have a few different species of Carex in the garden including Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' which we have situated on the Winter Walk. It looks fantastic nestled in the snow, which accentuates its zingy green leaves. Coupled with the very dark stems of Cornus alba 'Kesselringii' it looks quite spectacular.
Vital statistics
- Common name
- Sedge 'Evergold'
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Height & spread
- 30cm (12in) tall by 35cm (14in) wide
- Form
- Tufted, evergreen perennial
- Soil
- Moist, moderately well-drained fertile soil
- Aspect
- Sun or partial shade
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy in the British Isles
Carex
Carex is a genus of around 1500 species of deciduous and evergreen perennials from all regions. Most occur in damp woodlands or bogs, and they are mainly grown for their triangular stems bearing linear or strap-shaped leaves and short or long spikes of tiny green or brown flowers.
There are Carex to suit most types of garden. They can cope with a variety of conditions and are good in damp woodland or boggy areas, often lifting a dark area with their bright green or yellow-striped stems.
Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'
'Evergold' is an evergreen sedge forming a low mounding clump to 30cm in height. It has narrow, arching, dark green leaves each with a central yellow stripe. Flower spikes are brown and inconspicuous in mid to late spring.
Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
- Cut out any dead leaves in summer
- Aphids sometimes attack stem bases
Propagation
- Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in spring
- Divide in early summer
AGM
The RHS Herbaceous Plant Committee awarded Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ an Award of Garden Merit and described it as:
'Evergreen sedge forming a clump to 20cm tall, the narrow arching leaves each with a central yellow stripe. Flower spikes brown, inconspicuous.'