Carex oshimensis is a perennial sedge that stands out as a bright spot in shady areas. In its native Japan, Oshima kan suge, as it is known, dots rocky slopes and wooded areas with its richly colored, fine-textured foliage. In North America, it shines in rock gardens, along pathways and in containers.

C. oshimensis stands out for its soft, gently curling foliage, which turns a lovely pale brown for the winter. One of our favorites is ‘Ice Cream’, a sport of the wildly popular ‘Evergold’ with a stark contrast of rich green and creamy white stripes on arching, spherical low mounds.

Quick Culture Tips

Pot up from a 50-cell tray into 1 gallons for spring sales in eight to 10 weeks.

Temperature: Keep greenhouses at 60-70° F during the day and 50-60° F at night.

Soil: Aim for pH 5.8-6.2 and electrical conductivity (EC) at 1.0-1.5 mS/cm using the 2:1 extraction method. C. oshimensis, like most sedges, does well in moist to wet soil.

Light: Provide partial shade to shade or 1,500 to 2,000 foot candles.

Fertilizer: Provide a constant liquid feed at medium levels of 150 to 200 ppm nitrogen.

Water: Grow plants evenly moist.

Watch for: No serious pests or diseases.