White Tinged Sedge

Without doubt the most difficult areas of gardens are dry shade. There are a host of gorgeous plants that love moist shade, but when the soil is dry it is a different story. Often, when trees grow larger, the area beneath them becomes dry and empty of grass. Often areas of woodland are dry, as are beds on slopes. For an attractive and easy solution, as a lawn substitute or groundcover, our native White-tinged Sedge is a winning solutions. It forms dense, arching clumps of thin green leaves to about 18 inches tall, making an attractive natural covering over the ground. Space plants about 15 inches apart for a carpet effect. In spring spikes of curious green and tan flowers grow, producing seeds which may self-seed, but never aggressively. Durable and reliable, this plant is a great solution to a perennial problem. Also effective edging a path or mixed with other shade plants like heuchera and some drought-tolerant ferns.

• Slim, bright green leaves in dense clumps
• Green and tan flowers in spring
• Very tolerant of difficult dry shade areas
• Grows well beneath trees and in woodlands
• Great lawn substitute where grass won’t grow

Partial or full shade are what the White-tinged Sedge enjoys, in ordinary soil that is well-drained. Once established it tolerates an amazing amount of dryness – but not in direct sun. It normally has no pests or diseases, and both deer and rabbits just leave it alone. No maintenance is required, but if after a few years it starts to look messy, set the mower on high, or use shears, and give it a haircut in spring. A little fertilizer in spring will help if there is a lot of competition with tree roots.