Grass - Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance

Provides cover for small wildlife and ground-nesting insects but is not a major nectar or pollen source. The dense foliage also offers habitat for beneficial insects.

Evergreen in mild climates, semi-evergreen to deciduous in colder regions. Offers visual appeal throughout the year with minimal seasonal dieback.

Shade gardens, woodland edges, mixed borders, mass plantings, containers, erosion control on shaded slopes, and evergreen groundcover

Attractive arching, evergreen leaves that are deep green with bold creamy-white edges. The leaves are narrow, grass-like, and form graceful mounds that move beautifully in a breeze. The variegation stays bright through winter in most climates, giving year-round interest.

Produces small, greenish-brown flower spikes in spring (April–May). The blooms are subtle and ornamental mostly for texture rather than color.

Plant ‘Ice Dance’ in spring or early fall when temperatures are moderate. Choose a location with moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or leaf mold. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide, place the plant at the same depth it was growing in its container, and gently firm the soil around it. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the roots. Space plants about 12–18 inches apart to allow room for spreading clumps. Apply mulch to help conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Minimal pruning required. Trim back old or damaged foliage in late winter to early spring before new growth appears. Avoid cutting into the crown during the growing season.

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but looks best with regular watering in dry periods. Avoid allowing the soil to completely dry out.

Prefers partial shade to full shade, though it tolerates some morning sun in cooler climates. Too much hot afternoon sun may scorch the foliage.

This ornamental grass is not typically harvested for cut use or seed production. The small seeds that follow flowering are inconspicuous and have no ornamental or edible value.

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins, or top-dress with compost annually. Avoid excessive feeding; sedges thrive in moderately fertile soil.

As a sedge (Carex), it is wind-pollinated and does not rely on insects. It produces inconspicuous flowers that release pollen into the air rather than attracting pollinators.

Excellent companions include Hosta, Heuchera, Astilbe, Ferns, Helleborus, Tiarella, and Pulmonaria, as well as Hakonechloa and shade-loving Hydrangeas. These plants share similar moisture and light preferences and create lush, textural combinations.