Carex lenta Osaka

Carex lenta 'Osaka' is a rare evergreen grass that stands out for its particularly graceful appearance, both in terms of its foliage and its flowering. This perennial is decorative throughout the year. It forms an olive-green clump from which long arched inflorescences emerge. It is a hardy and robust plant in moist to wet soil. Plant it in full sun or partial shade, along the edge of a border, near a water feature, or in a pot on a patio.

Carex lenta 'Osaka' is a sedge belonging to the large Cyperaceae family, native to Japan, China, and the Himalayas. This type of small grass with short rhizomes forms a clump with an upright and trailing habit, dense at the base, about 50cm (20in) in height and 30cm (12in) in width. Its evergreen leaves are arched, sheathing at the base, measuring 2mm (1in) in width and approximately 40cm (16in) in length. Their edges are tapered and their tips are trailing. They have a shiny medium olive-green colour. Between July and September-October, short cream spikes of 2 to 4cm (1 to 2in) appear among the foliage, carried by thin and arched stems measuring 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in length. At maturity, they turn a darker brown colour. This flowering persists on the plant throughout winter.

The 'Osaka' sedge is a small perennial with a neat style, perfect for lightening flower beds in moist to wet soil. Plant it en masse in large borders, pair it with persicarias, the lush foliage of rodgersias, the fronds of ferns, and colourful heucheras. As this grass appreciates moist to wet soils, it will naturally find its place in water gardens, among mossy stones arranged on the banks or along the edge of a water feature, where it will help to stabilise the ground. It also works well along the edges of perennial beds. For a beautiful wild effect, plant it in groups in a contemporary or countryside garden.