Sedge (Carex dolichostachya 'Kaga-nishiki' GOLD FOUNTAINS)

Overview

Carex dolichostachya ‘Kaga-nishiki’ GOLD FOUNTAINS is a highly sought-after ornamental grass valued for its striking, fine-textured foliage that brightens shady spaces. This stunning Sedge cultivar forms a dense, fountain-like clump of narrow, bright green leaves dramatically edged in yellow. Commonly recognized by the trade name GOLD FOUNTAINS, this plant provides exceptional year-round interest, particularly in woodland and shade gardens.

Known for being extremely adaptable, this Sedge thrives in consistently moist to wet soils, making it an excellent groundcover for challenging damp conditions. Carex dolichostachya ‘Kaga-nishiki’ GOLD FOUNTAINS offers low maintenance requirements once established, appealing to gardeners looking for dependable performance without constant upkeep. Its unique coloring ensures that even deep shade areas receive a vibrant, arching accent.

This clump-forming perennial Sedge is perfect for naturalizing slopes or integrating into rain gardens where its tolerance for wet soil is fully utilized. The graceful mounding habit of Carex dolichostachya ‘Kaga-nishiki’ GOLD FOUNTAINS adds texture and movement, contrasting beautifully with broad-leaved shade perennials.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Cyperaceae
• Plant Type: Rush or Sedge
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.5-1 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May
• Bloom Description: Brownish
• Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Water Needs: Medium to wet
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Carex dolichostachya ‘Kaga-nishiki’ GOLD FOUNTAINS is best executed in the spring or fall, ensuring the soil is prepared to retain moisture. This Sedge demands average, moist soils to perform optimally, though it tolerates wet conditions well. Site it where it receives part shade to full shade; too much direct sun, especially in hot climates, can scorch the beautiful variegated foliage.

Watering is a significant cultural requirement; ensure the soil never dries out completely, especially during establishment. While it thrives in wet soils, average garden soils are acceptable provided consistent moisture is maintained. Maintenance is generally minimal. A significant spring job involves cutting the old foliage down to the ground in late winter before new growth emerges.

In warmer regions (USDA Zones 7-9), this Sedge may remain evergreen, though persistent foliage color can diminish during harsh St. Louis area winters unless temperatures remain mild. For gardeners in colder zones, cutting back the foliage in late winter prepares the clump for robust new growth featuring that signature bright yellow edging.

Landscape Uses

The versatility of this ornamental grass shines when utilizing Carex dolichostachya ‘Kaga-nishiki’ GOLD FOUNTAINS in shade and woodland settings. It excels when massed or grouped to create continuous drifts of glowing color beneath the canopy of trees, acting as a vibrant alternative to traditional lawn areas. Its medium texture pairs well with hostas, ferns, and bleeding hearts, providing essential contrast.

Specific functional uses include edging paths and walkways, where its tidy, upright habit defines borders without overrunning space. Because the species is highly tolerant of moisture and erosion, it is an outstanding choice for rain gardens, low spots in the landscape, or stabilizing the margins of ponds and streams where permanent wetness is a factor. Its compact size also makes the GOLD FOUNTAINS an effective accent plant in smaller foundation plantings or rock gardens.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Genus name from Latin means cutter in reference to the sharp leaves and stem edges (rushes are round but sedges have edges) found on most species’ plants. ‘Kaga-nishiki’ is a dense, clump-forming sedge typically growing 10-14” tall and to 20” wide. It has insignificant flowers and is grown for its foliage effect. Features fine-textured, narrow, grass-like, bright green leaves (to 3/16” wide) which are edged with yellow, arching upward and outward in a fountain-like tuft.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Heavy Shade
• Erosion
• Wet Soil

Potential Problems

This Sedge cultivar is generally robust and rarely suffers from serious insect or disease problems, a key benefit for low-maintenance gardeners. Proper site selection, specifically providing consistent moisture in dappled light, prevents most potential stress issues. Avoid planting in hot, dry, full-sun locations to preserve foliage quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Sedge suitable for?

Carex dolichostachya ‘Kaga-nishiki’ GOLD FOUNTAINS is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9.

How large does Sedge grow?

This plant typically reaches a height between 0.5 and 1 foot tall, spreading to a width of 1 to 1.5 feet.

What sun exposure does Carex dolichostachya ‘Kaga-nishiki’ GOLD FOUNTAINS need?

It performs best in part shade to full shade conditions, offering excellent color saturation when protected from intense afternoon sun.

When does Sedge bloom?

Flowering occurs in May, producing small, brownish blooms that are generally considered visually insignificant compared to the foliage.

Conclusion

The Carex dolichostachya ‘Kaga-nishiki’ GOLD FOUNTAINS Sedge is an invaluable asset for gardeners needing reliable texture and bright color in shaded, moist areas. Its deer resistance and low maintenance profile make this GOLD FOUNTAINS cultivar a perfect native grass alternative. Before planting, confirm your USDA hardiness zone and ensure soil moisture availability reflects its preference for medium to wet conditions.

Companion Planting in Shade

Selecting the right partners is crucial to maximizing the visual impact of the variegated foliage on Carex dolichostachya ‘Kaga-nishiki’ GOLD FOUNTAINS. Because this Sedge requires consistent moisture, pair it with other shade-loving plants that share similar water needs, such as Astilbe, Ligularia, or various moisture-loving ferns like the Ostrich Fern. Large-leaved Hostas or Brunnera macrophylla provide essential textural contrast against the fine, arching blades of the Sedge.

Groupings of three or five clumps of this Sedge spaced throughout a woodland border will create an effective, flowing rhythm. Consider using rocks or boulders in dry-stacked walls near the Sedge, as the contrast between the sharp, dry stone and the soft, moist foliage is visually satisfying throughout the growing season.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Late winter or early spring is the best time to perform essential cleanup for your Carex dolichostachya ‘Kaga-nishiki’ GOLD FOUNTAINS. Cut all old foliage back to ground level just before new growth begins; this keeps the clump tidy throughout the season. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells, as droughts cause significant stress to this moisture-loving plant.

During the summer growing season, minimal intervention is required beyond weeding competition. Monitor for excessive dryness, particularly if planted in average garden soil rather than consistently wet locations. In autumn, while the leaves may soften, they often persist partially in milder zones, providing late-season interest until the cleansing cut-back the following year.