Carex Ice Dance (Japanese Sedge)

Brightening up the shade garden, Carex ‘Ice Dance’ is a semi-evergreen Japanese Sedge forming a low, slow-spreading tufted mound of narrow, arching, shiny, dark green leaves adorned with bright white edges. In late spring, it bears inconspicuous brown flower spikes on long stems. Attractive both in shape and foliage, this highly decorative grass is evergreen in USDA Zones 8-9.

Brightening up the shade garden, Carex 'Ice Dance' is a semi-evergreen Japanese Sedge forming a low, slow-spreading tufted mound of narrow, arching, shiny, dark green leaves adorned with bright white edges. In late spring, it bears inconspicuous brown flower spikes on long stems. Attractive both in shape and foliage, this highly decorative grass is evergreen in USDA Zones 8-9. Easy care, it is one of the most beautiful ornamental grasses for the garden, where it provides a lovely contrast with other plants, mulch or gravel.

  • Forms a densely tufted, spilling tussock of slender, iridescent foliage that shimmers in slight breezes. It mixes beautifully with almost any flowering bulbs or perennial plants to create spectacular and elegantly mobile combinations.
  • Grows easily about 9-12 in. tall (22-30 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
  • Enjoys full sun to shade and thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Best foliage color is obtained in part shade rather than in sun. Foliage may bleach if grown in full sun. Do not let the soil dry out.
  • This is a graceful accent plant for beds, borders, rock gardens, city or cottage gardens and as ground cover. Excellent choice to brighten shady areas. Does well in containers too where it adds wonderful character and texture to your plant combinations.
  • Deer tolerant, it requires very little care and provides almost year-round interest.
  • Generally disease and pest free.
  • Where not evergreen, foliage should be cut to the ground and removed in late winter.
  • Propagate by plant division in spring or seeding in the fall.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 12

Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Carex – Sedges
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 9"
– 1'
(22cm
– 30cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″ (45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Modern Garden