Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Cyperaceae
Botanical Name
Carex siderosticha 'Variegata'
Plant Common Name
Variegated Broadleaved Sedge
General Description
The broad, variegated blades of this showy, clump-forming sedge add elegant foliar interest to shady perennial gardens. The clumps spread over time and may also serve as an herbaceous groundcover.
The arching, bright green blades have edges and random stripes of creamy white. In spring, they bear inconspicuous grass-like flowers. The leaves are fully herbaceous and offer no winter interest whatsoever.
Broad-leaved sedge naturally inhabits the montane forests of Asia, so it grows best in partial shade and tolerates almost any evenly moist, fertile soil with good drainage. Full sun will cause leaf burn, even with regular water, so be sure to place this sedge in a shaded locale.
It is beautiful in containers, massed as a groundcover and compliments many other showy ornamentals for shade. Some of its better perennial partners include golden large-leaved hostas, colorful heucheras, upright ferns and tall astilbes.
This vigorous sedge may be slow to leaf out in the spring, so don't be worried if it lags behind its other perennial compatriots.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Plant Type
Sedge or Rush
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm
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Width
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Asia, China, Japan, Korea
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Green, Brown, Chocolate
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
