Product Description
Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' (3.5-inch pot)
Common name: Variegated Sedge, Ornamental Grass
With its wide, strappy leaves measuring ¼-½" across, this carex makes a bold statement in the shade garden. The leaves are dark green with bright white variegated edges. Small, cream, bottlebrush-like flowers are produced in mid-spring but are rather insignificant to the plant's ornamental value.
This variety will grow in a variety of conditions, from nearly full sun to shade in average to moist soil. Unlike many other sedges, 'Ice Dance' is a slow to moderate spreader that should be used as a groundcover or contained in pots.
This variety can grow in a variety of conditions, unlike some of its relatives. It will tolerate 3/4 day to 1/4 day of sun and grows in moist or average soil. 'Ice Dance' is evergreen in all but the coldest climates. In northern zones, it should be sited out of the way of winter winds and provided with some protection such as snow or straw. If plants look tattered in early spring, cut them back to the ground. The new foliage will quickly fill back in.
Missouri Botanical Garden Plants of Merit
International Hardy Plant Union Outstanding Plant Award -- 2002
Height: 12.0-16.0 Inches
Spread: 18.0-24.0 Inches
Scape Height: 12.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: White Shades
Foliage Color: Variegated
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Mid Spring
Deer Resistant
Evergreen
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Ground Cover, Small, Specimen, Focal Point
Use this ornamental grass in borders, containers, ground cover, rock gardens and water gardens or an aquarium. Plant (8) inches apart for an immediate full, dense look. Maintenance free, trim to the ground in late winter, and deer resistant. Propagate by division in the spring, but do not divide clumps into little divisions, with small root systems.
Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' is a popular and attractive sedge that adds a touch of brightness and elegance to shade gardens. Here is a closer look at this versatile plant:
Appearance:
- Foliage: 'Ice Dance' is admired for its variegated foliage. The narrow, arching leaves have a deep green center with a striking white margin, creating a beautiful contrast. The foliage grows in a dense, mounding clump, reaching about 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide.
- Flowers: In spring, 'Ice Dance' produces subtle, brown flower spikes that rise above the foliage. While not showy, the flowers provide food for native insects and birds.
Growth Habit:
- This sedge spreads slowly by rhizomes, gradually forming a dense ground cover. It is not considered invasive, making it a well-behaved addition to the garden.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: 'Ice Dance' prefers partial shade to shade but can tolerate more sun in cooler climates. It is an excellent choice for brightening up shady areas where other plants struggle.
- Soil: This sedge thrives in moist, well-drained soil. It is adaptable to various soil types, but good drainage is essential.
- Moisture: While it prefers moist soil, 'Ice Dance' can tolerate some drought once established.
- Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Special Features:
- Variegated Foliage: The striking variegated foliage of 'Ice Dance' is its standout feature, adding a touch of brightness and contrast to shady gardens.
- Evergreen: In milder climates, 'Ice Dance' retains its foliage throughout the year, providing winter interest.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, 'Ice Dance' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care.
- Deer Resistant: Deer tend to avoid this sedge, making it a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
Uses in the Garden:
- Shade Gardens: 'Ice Dance' is a perfect choice for shade gardens, where it can brighten up dark corners and add a touch of elegance.
- Borders: It can be used to edge borders or pathways, creating a delicate and natural-looking border.
- Woodland Gardens: It is a natural fit for woodland gardens, blending beautifully with other shade-loving plants.
- Rock Gardens: Its drought tolerance makes it suitable for rock gardens, adding a touch of soft texture to the hard edges.
- Containers: 'Ice Dance' can also be grown in containers, allowing you to enjoy its beauty on patios or balconies.
- Mass Plantings: Planting 'Ice Dance' in mass creates a stunning effect, with the variegated foliage forming a sea of color.
Tips for Growing Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance':
- Planting: Plant in spring or fall in a partially shaded location with moist, well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first year to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: 'Ice Dance' does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to rejuvenate plants and maintain their vigor.
Overall, Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' is a beautiful and versatile sedge that adds a touch of brightness and elegance to the garden. Its adaptability to shade, low maintenance requirements, and deer resistance make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
