Carex dolichostachya 'Kaga Nishiki' (Gold Fountains) is an elegant variegated sedge that forms arching mounds of fine grassy blades with creamy yellow stripes. Its fountain like texture and soft color tones make it a popular accent for shady borders, containers, and woodland edges. Evergreen in milder zones it offers year round interest and pairs effortlessly with spring ephemerals and bold leaved perennials.
Height & Spread: 10 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soils rich in humus
Watering Needs: Regular moisture preferred, but tolerates short dry periods once established
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed due to its fine texture and slightly tough foliage
Native Status
Originally native to parts of East Asia, this cultivar is a selected form of Carex dolichostachya. While not native to North America, it integrates seamlessly into shade and woodland plantings with native companions.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Clumping foliage provides nesting material and seasonal cover for small woodland birds such as thrushes and sparrows.
Beneficial Insects
- Offers low shelter for ground beetles, spiders, and parasitic wasps which help reduce garden pests naturally.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 12 - 18 in apart to allow arching foliage to develop its full, mounding habit.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for edging shady beds, woodland paths, containers, or as a soft groundcover in combination with early spring bloomers.
Companion Plants
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' - Graceful arching stems and creamy edged leaves match the refined woodland aesthetic of 'Gold Fountains'.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' - Shimmering foliage and sky blue flowers contrast beautifully with the arching golden blades of Carex.
- Epimedium x versicolor 'Sulphureum' - Delicate yellow blooms and heart shaped leaves add complementary texture beneath the carex fountain.
- Dryopteris erythrosora (Autumn Fern) - Bronze tinged fronds echo the warm tones in spring and contrast nicely with the variegation.
- Heuchera 'Caramel' - Warm amber foliage adds bold contrast and thrives in similar part shade conditions.