Bring the Outdoors Home

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.

Description

Carex 'Ice Dance' Characteristics

Carex 'Ice Dance' has stiff, grass-like leaves with green centers and white edges. Unlike other sedges, 'Ice Dance' grows in plumes, making it an effective groundcover. It blooms insignificant, small brown flowers.

Like most sedges, 'Ice Dance' grow best in moist-to-wet soil with full shade. They can grow in part-sun conditions if given enough water, but will not tolerate excessive heat or direct sunlight. (In these instances, Liriope make a good full-sun alternative.)

Because 'Ice Dance' prefer full shade, this is a great option in areas near structures that do not get day-long sunlight. It also works well as an understory plant in larger landscapes.

This is a great companion plant in large gardens, working effectively as a border planting or groundcover. They can also be used in lieu of mulch in no-mulch landscapes where weed suppression is desired.

 

USDA Climate Zone
Zones 5 - 9
Height
.75 - 1.00'
Spread
1.00 - 2.00'
Bloom Time
April - July
Water
Medium to Wet
Sun
Full Shade to Part Shade
Maintenance
Low
Deer Resistant?
Yes