Evercolor® series of Japanese sedges

Carex 'Everillo'

Japanese sedges (Carex oshimensis)  are fine-textured variegated sedges that typically grow in a low, grass-like mounded clump to 10-16” tall and wide. This tough colorful sedge was originally found growing in dry woodlands and rocky slopes throughout Honshu Island, Japan. Brownish floral spikes are mostly inconspicuous.

Japanese sedge are evergreen across the southern U.S. They’re long-lasting and easy to grow! Evercolor® series of variegated Japanese sedges are the result of breeding from Pat Fitzgerald, at Fitzgerald Nurseries in Kilkenny, Ireland. This collection of seven cultivars (to date)have been introduced so far. They are hardy in zones 6-8, but are being evaluated in USDA zone 5. Plants are evergreen through most of their growing range.

Sedges are grass-like plants, and prefer moist, organic rich soil and partial shade. Once established sedges tolerate dry shade, accompanied by intermittent watering during dry periods. Foliage colors are richer in partial shade than in full sun. Plants spread are propagate by rhizome division in early spring.

Evercolor® series make exceptional ground covers, as well as bedding and specimen plants. They are planted in mixed containers and window boxes, as billowy plant mounds spilling over the edge into a path or billow up (mound) in a container or window box. Spacing varies with cultivar. Utilize sedges for edging along pathways, streams or ponds, and in rock gardens.

'Evercolor' sedge

Evercolor® sedges grow 12 inches high and 12-18 inches in spread in shade or part shade in moist to average soil with good drainage. Water well after planting and regularly until established after one year. Trim back all last year’s growth in late winter. No serious insect or disease problems trouble sedges and are deer resistant

‘Evergold’ - (original variegated form) - narrow leaves with broad, creamy, yellowish-white center stripe and bordered by thin dark green margins.

‘Everillo’ - a cascading mounding fountain of lime green leaves deepen to yellow-gold later in the summer.

‘Everest’ - more vigorous sport of ‘Evergold’ with green center and crisp snow-white edging.

‘Everlime’ – a mound of leaf blades with deep green centers flanked by lime green margins.

‘Eversheen’ has distinctive lime yellow striped foliage, all in a neat flowing mound.

‘Everoro’ – leaf blades emerge lime-green and turn golden yellow late in the season.

‘Everlite’ – rich green leaf blade edges and broad white center stripe.

Multi-Purpose 'Evergold' Sedge

'Evergold' sedge

Japanese sedges (Carex oshimensis)  are fine-textured variegated sedges that typically grow as low, grass-like mounds or clumps. They are found in woodlands and rocky slopes throughout Honshu Island, Japan (USDA hardiness zones 6-8).

Japanese sedges are long-living and foliage is evergreen through most of their growing range. Narrow grass-like variegated leaf blades are upwards of 16 inches long by 5/16 inch wide. Brownish flower spikes appear on triangular stems in spring and have zero ornamental value. 

There are many fine cultivars. I recommend starting with an outstanding cultivar named 'Evergold'. It grows 12 - 18 inches high and 12-18 inches in spread in full shade to partial sunlight and in moist to average soil well- drained soil. Water well after planting and regularly until established after one year. Foliage color is richer in part shade. Plants spread slowly by short rhizomes and can be propagate by rhizome division in early spring.

Space plants 10 inches apart. Group or mass as a ground cover for edging along paths or sidewalks. Utilize as a specimen accent plant in a woodland or a rock garden. Evergold sedge can be planted in low spots and along the edges of a stream, pond, or a water garden. Evergold sedges make perfect additions to mixed containers and window boxes. The leafy mounds spill over the edge of containers. 

Trim back all last year’s growth around the start of spring. No serious insect or disease problems trouble sedges and are deer resistant.