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Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance'
Ice Dance Japanese Sedge
Garden selection; species {Carex morrowii} is native to Japan
Overview
Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' is a spreading, evergreen Japanese sedge that grows 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide. The primary ornamental feature is the wide creamy-white marginal variegation on each dark green leaf blade, which creates a bright, luminous effect in shade. The variegation is stable and consistent across all leaves without the irregular patterning seen in some variegated plants. Unlike the strictly clumping C. morrowii species type, 'Ice Dance' spreads by short stolons, forming a dense, gradually expanding ground-cover carpet. The combination of variegation, evergreen foliage, and stoloniferous spread is uncommon among shade ground covers — most variegated shade plants are clumping rather than spreading. The spread rate is moderate — not aggressive enough to require frequent containment, but steady enough to fill a designated area within 2–3 years when planted at 12-inch (30 cm) centers. Inconspicuous brown flower spikes appear in spring but have no ornamental value. The evergreen foliage persists through winter in zones 5–9, though leaf tips may brown in exposed zone 5 sites. In full sun, the white margins scorch; partial to full shade keeps the variegation crisp. Consistent moisture is required; in dry soil, leaf tips brown and the plant thins. Deer avoid the foliage.
Native Range
The species Carex morrowii is native to Japan, growing in moist, shaded forests and along stream margins. 'Ice Dance' is a garden selection for its wide creamy-white leaf margin variegation and stoloniferous spreading habit.Suggested Uses
Used as an evergreen variegated ground cover in shade, under trees, along shaded paths, and in woodland gardens. The bright variegation illuminates dark areas year-round. Container culture works in pots of 3 gallons (11 L) or more. Suited for edging in shade borders. Pairs with solid green and dark-leaved shade companions for foliage contrast.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'3"
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Inconspicuous brown flower spikes appear in April and May, lasting approximately 2 weeks. The flowers have no ornamental value. The plant is grown entirely for its variegated evergreen foliage.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark green with wide creamy-white marginal variegationGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial to full shade with 2–6 hours of filtered light. Full sun causes margin scorch. Moist, humus-rich soil suits this cultivar. Water regularly; drought causes brown leaf tips and thinning. Light mulch around new plantings helps retain moisture. Winter-damaged foliage can be combed out in early spring. Plant at 12-inch (30 cm) centers for ground-cover coverage within 2–3 years. No fertilization is typically needed.Pruning
Brown or winter-damaged leaf tips can be combed out or trimmed in early spring. In mild climates, the evergreen foliage requires no cutback. In zone 5, a hard cutback to 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) in early spring before new growth may be needed if winter damage is extensive.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons