Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' is a reliable slow spreading sedge with bold white edged green leaves and a fountain like growth habit. Unlike many variegated plants, it holds color well through winter in mild climates and tolerates a wide range of light conditions. Its slow rhizomatous spread makes it ideal for creating neat evergreen ground layers.
Height & Spread: 10 - 12 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, organic, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; appreciates regular moisture
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is a selection of Carex morrowii, a sedge species native to Japan commonly used in shaded ornamental gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Creates sheltering ground cover for butterfly chrysalises and overwintering insects in shaded gardens.
Bees
- Supports solitary bees by preserving mulch covered microhabitats in shady sites.
Beneficial Insects
- Attracts ground beetles and lacewings which hunt pests in the dense lower canopy.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to develop full ground coverage over time without crowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Suited for borders, around tree bases, or as a tidy evergreen massing in shade gardens.
Companion Plants
- Hosta 'Halcyon' - Cool foliage pairs well with the white margin of Ice Dance.
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' - Vertical structure and matching variegation complement the sedge.
- Brunnera macrophylla - Large silvery leaves contrast beautifully with the arching blades.
- Heuchera villosa 'Autumn Bride' - Adds softness and late season bloom to shaded groupings.
- Epimedium x rubrum - Offers low growing seasonal color and drought resilience.