Carex riparia Variegata

Carex riparia 'Variegata' is a beautiful aquatic grass with an upright habit and underground creeping rhizomes. Its foliage somewhat resembles that of a variegated Miscanthus. The particularly decorative foliage is green with wide silver-white stripes. It is sometimes even completely white, especially in young spring leaves. Its rapid spread can be a disadvantage in a small garden. On the other hand, a large colony near a pond or a slow-flowing stream is of great ornamental interest. The river sedge is also an excellent filtering plant for purifying water bodies, and is very effective in stabilising riverbanks.

Carex riparia, commonly known as the River Sedge, is a perennial grass in the Cyperaceae family. It is a very common species in wet and marshy areas of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This grass grows from vigorous creeping rhizomes. However, the 'Variegata' cultivar is slightly less vigorous than the classic species. The vegetation emerges from the ground in spring. The foliage forms an upright tuft that can reach 1m (3ft) in height and spread without a theoretical limit. The leaves are long, linear, and 1 to 2cm (1in) wide. Often completely white when they emerge, they gradually turn green but retain white lines with silvery reflections. The modest flowering takes place from May to July. It forms green inflorescences that become dark brown. The foliage dries up in winter.

Carex riparia 'Variegata' can be planted along the edge of a natural pond, whether intended for swimming or not, or near a stream. It is frost-resistant and thrives in full sun or partial shade. To accompany it, you can choose, for example, the flowering rush, bulrush, purple loosestrife, or even ribbon grass picta; these are all riverside plants that will not be smothered by this grass.