Morrow's sedge
Carex morrowii · Cyperaceae
📷 Daderot · CC0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant morrow's sedge: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Carex morrowii
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Plant type
- Grass (sedge)
- Foliage
- Evergreen, finely striped green and white or yellow
- Adult height
- 30 to 40 cm
- Growth rate
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -15 °C
- Origin
- Japan
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Carex morrowii appreciates consistent moisture but dreads waterlogging. Plant on a mound in soil enriched with peat or sphagnum.
The common mistake
Leaving it in dry or compacted soil slows growth and dulls the foliage.
The pro's trick
Layering in pots during the growing season gives small plants ready for division in one season.
Care
Light
Morrow's sedge prefers partial shade to full shade. In very hot climates, provide light afternoon shade in summer to preserve the beauty of its foliage. It tolerates semi-shaded spots well and thrives at the edge of ponds or beneath deciduous trees.
Watering
Keep the soil moist without waterlogging. In containers, water regularly during spring and summer growth, reducing in winter. In garden soil, moderate to normal watering suffices; it appreciates slight consistent moisture but dreads root suffocation.
Soil
Choose well-drained, light soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Sedges appreciate soil enriched with organic matter. Quality potting mix blended with river sand works well in containers. Avoid overly chalky or compacted soils.
Pruning and maintenance
No formal pruning is necessary. Simply remove any dried or damaged foliage in spring. If the clump becomes too dense, you can thin it out lightly. This plant maintains its natural compact and elegant shape.
Fertilizing
A modest spring fertilizer application is sufficient. A brief dose of balanced fertilizer at the start of growth is beneficial. Avoid excess feeding which would promote excessive and less controlled growth.
Diseases and pests
Morrow's sedge is generally very robust and rarely susceptible to diseases. Watch for root rot if moisture becomes excessive and stagnant. Occasionally check for absence of spider mites indoors or in heated greenhouses.
Did you know?
Carex morrowii, native to Japan, is named after botanist and explorer James Morrow who contributed to botanical exploration of East Asia in the 19th century. Its variegated cultivars, notably 'Variegata' and 'Evergold', have become essential classics in Japanese-style gardens, where the subtle nuances of foliage coloring are highly prized.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Blue sedgeCarex panicea
- Spring sedgeCarex caryophyllea
- Pendulous sedgeCarex pendula
- Bird's-foot SedgeCarex ornithopoda
- Gray's sedgeCarex grayi
- Strict sedgeCarex stricta
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.