Carex 'Ice Dance' (Variegated Sedge) – 3 Gallon

Carex 'Ice Dance' (Variegated Sedge) – 3 Gallon

Description
Carex 'Ice Dance', also known as Ice Dance Sedge, is a versatile, evergreen ornamental grass-like perennial prized for its striking, arching green leaves edged in creamy white. This low-maintenance, clump-forming sedge spreads slowly by rhizomes, creating a lush, weed-suppressing groundcover that brightens shady borders, woodland gardens, and containers year-round. Tolerant of a wide range of soils and moisture conditions, 'Ice Dance' thrives in part shade to full shade and is deer and rabbit resistant. Its fine texture and variegated foliage add elegance and contrast to mixed plantings, making it a favorite for both formal and naturalistic landscapes.

Key Features
- **Botanical Name:** Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance'
- **Common Name:** Ice Dance Sedge
- **Container Size:** 3 Gallon
- **Mature Size:** 12–18" tall, 18–24" wide (spreads slowly by rhizomes)
- **Growth Habit:** Clump-forming, arching, spreading
- **Foliage:** Evergreen, deep green with creamy white margins
- **Bloom Time:** Inconspicuous; grown for foliage
- **Sunlight:** Part shade to full shade (tolerates morning sun)
- **Soil:** Moist, well-drained; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils
- **Water Needs:** Moderate; tolerates wet or dry conditions once established
- **Hardiness Zones:** USDA 5–9
- **Maintenance:** Very low; trim old foliage in early spring if needed
- **Special Features:** Deer and rabbit resistant, evergreen, erosion control, excellent groundcover, container friendly, low maintenance

Care Instructions
1. **Planting:**  
   - Choose a location with part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil.  
   - Space plants 18–24 inches apart for groundcover effect.
2. **Watering:**  
   - Water regularly during establishment.  
   - Once established, water during prolonged dry spells or if soil is very dry.
3. **Pruning:**  
   - Trim back old or damaged foliage in early spring to refresh appearance.
4. **Fertilizing:**  
   - Rarely needed; a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient.
5. **Mulching:**  
   - Add a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Landscape Uses
- Groundcover for shade gardens
- Borders and edging
- Woodland and naturalistic gardens
- Containers and patio planters
- Erosion control on slopes
- Underplanting for shrubs and trees