Carex brunnea Variegata

Carex brunnea 'Variegata' is a striking sedge, both refined and luminous. This small grass forms a tuft of dark green foliage finely edged with pale-yellow to cream. It is decorative throughout the year. Its discreet summer flowering takes the form of small white-cream spikes that brown with age. It is an elegant and versatile plant for semi-shade, which will make a great impression as a border plant, in a moist rockery, by a pond, in a pot on a patio, or even as an indoor plant in a cool room. Plant it in semi-shade in humus rich moist to wet soil.

Like all sedges, Carex brunnea 'Variegata' belongs to the large Cyperaceae family. It is native to Asia (Japan). This small grass with short rhizomes forms a fairly flexible, slightly hairy, dense, erect tuft, measuring about 35 to 40cm (14 to 16in) in all directions. Its rootstock slowly spreads, without becoming invasive. Its leaves are evergreen if not too heavily frosted. They are slightly arched, sheathing at the base, and measure about 4mm (1in) wide and approximately 35cm (14in) long. Their edges are tapered and their tips trailing. They have a fairly dark green colour, finely bordered with yellow to cream along their entire length. In July-August, short cream spikes of 2 to 4cm (1 to 2in) appear among the foliage, carried by slender stems about 40cm (16in) tall. At maturity, they turn brown. This carex can withstand temperatures as low as -8 to -10°C (17.6 to 14°F).

Carex brunnea 'Variegata' is an elegant small 'herb' with a minimalist style that appreciates cool and semi-shaded environments. Its design does not require the presence of another plant next to it, but it will bring lightness to the lush foliage of rodgersias and the fronds of German ferns. It also pairs well with colourful heucheras. As this grass appreciates moist to wet soils, it will naturally find its place in a moist rockery, or in water gardens, among mossy stones arranged on banks or at the edge of a water feature. It can also be planted as a border plant for herbaceous perennials. For a beautiful wild effect, plant it in groups in a contemporary or rural garden.