Carex (Sedge) | Plant Profile

Carex ‘Ice Dance’ (Carex morrowii) is an ornamental evergreen that is at home as a border planting and groundcover in various parts of the landscape.

Resembling a small ornamental grass, these sedges can be planted in mass groupings to create a groundcover effect. Groundcover massings are especially helpful in difficult-to-maintain areas where turf is undesirable and maintenance becomes a hassle.

Like many sedges, Carex ‘Ice Dance’ are grass-like plants that grow up to 1′ tall and 1-1.5′ wide. They are often used to border gardens with height and texture.

Of all species of sedges, ‘Ice Dance’ is one of the more striking variants. It’s variegated leaves provide an evergreen groundcover that will keep its color year-round, though seasonal trimming is recommended in winter or early spring to create space for new growth.

Carex ‘Ice Dance’ grows in small, mounded tufts with long, splaying leaves, and thrives in moist but well-drained soils.

During summer, it is best to remove any dead leaves. ‘Ice Dance’ rarely has issues with pests or blights and is a great low-maintenance option in many areas of a landscape.