Sedge (Carex oshimensis 'CarFit01' EVERCOLOR EVEREST)
Carex oshimensis 'CarFit01' EVERCOLOR EVEREST Sedge is a low-maintenance, evergreen grass for part shade. Evergreen margins and compact habit.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Carex oshimensis ‘CarFit01’ EVERCOLOR EVEREST is a highly valued ornamental grass, specifically a fine-textured Sedge, prized for its dependable evergreen foliage. This cultivar features striking green leaf centers beautifully contrasted by wide, brilliant white margins, creating year-round structure in the garden. Known commercially as EVERCOLOR EVEREST, this Sedge forms a neat, mounded clump that rarely requires attention once established.
This particular variety thrives best in partial shade, where its variegated foliage color remains richest and most vibrant. While classified as a Sedge, it offers better tolerance for intermittent dryness than many other wetland-loving species. Its low maintenance requirement and attractive clumping habit make it an outstanding choice for mass plantings, borders, or as a structural accent in contemporary landscapes.
Planting Carex oshimensis ‘CarFit01’ EVERCOLOR EVEREST provides texture and year-round interest, softening hardscape edges and adding movement to shaded areas. As a relatively slow spreader, it maintains its desired form well, earning its reputation as a reliable, compact evergreen groundcover within its hardiness range.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Cyperaceae
- Plant Type: Rush or Sedge
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May
- Bloom Description: Brown
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Carex oshimensis ‘CarFit01’ EVERCOLOR EVEREST in the spring or fall when conditions are moderate, avoiding the stress of peak summer heat. This Sedge prefers medium to wet soils, making it ideal for rain gardens or areas of the landscape that retain moisture. While it tolerates average garden soils, its foliage color is most intense when sited in part shade; full shade will cause the plants to languish noticeably.
Watering should be consistent, ensuring the soil remains moist, especially during the first growing season. Although this Sedge has better tolerance for drier spells than some relatives, regular irrigation will keep the foliage looking its best. Generally, additional fertilization is not required for healthy growth.
Maintenance for this Sedge is notably low. In regions where the foliage remains evergreen, little care is needed. However, if the foliage dies back partially or fully during harsh winters, cut the foliage back to the ground and remove debris in late winter before new growth begins. Plants spread slowly via short rhizomes, and propagation can easily be achieved through rhizome division.
Landscape Uses
The striking, variegated foliage of Carex oshimensis ‘CarFit01’ EVERCOLOR EVEREST lends itself perfectly to softening transitions in the landscape. It excels when used as an edging plant along paths or walkways where its defined, compact mounding form contains boundaries. Because it handles moist soil conditions so well, this Sedge is an indispensable choice for rain gardens, low spots, or along the margins of ponds and streams.
Use this plant in groups or masses to create a dynamic groundcover beneath deciduous trees or in woodland garden settings where deep sun is avoided. Its tidy habit also makes it an effective accent for smaller gardens or entryways requiring year-round texture without extensive upkeep. The strong horizontal contrast provided by the white margins against the green centers captures attention even in shaded borders.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Carex oshimensis, commonly known as Oshima kan suge, is a fine-textured sedge that typically grows in a low, grass-like mounded clump to 10-16” tall and as wide. It is native to dry woods and rocky slopes throughout Honshu Island, Japan. This sedge features narrow leaves (typically to 16” long by 5/16” wide). Insignificant brownish flower spikes appear on triangular stems in spring. This sedge is evergreen in the deep South, maintaining good foliage in both summer and winter. Plants are similar in appearance to Carex morrowii. 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. ‘CarFit01’, commonly sold under the trade name of EVERCOLOR EVEREST, is a naturally occurring mutation of Carex oshimensis Evergold that was discovered by Pat Fitzgerald in 2006. EVEREST is a compact, clump-forming, evergreen Sedge with green leaf centers and wide,white margins.
Tolerances
- Deer
Potential Problems
This plant exhibits no serious insect or disease problems, contributing significantly to its appeal as a low-maintenance selection. Monitoring for adequate moisture is the main preventative task, as inconsistent watering, especially during establishment, can lead to stress. Generally, this Sedge is robust enough to handle typical garden pests without intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Sedge suitable for?
Carex oshimensis ‘CarFit01’ EVERCOLOR EVEREST is hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 9, offering broad applicability across many temperate regions.
How large does Carex oshimensis ‘CarFit01’ EVERCOLOR EVEREST grow?
This Sedge typically matures to a height and spread between 1 and 1.5 feet, maintaining a dense, clumping habit.
What sun exposure does this Sedge need?
It performs best when situated in part shade; too much intense sun can scorch the delicate leaf margins, while deep shade dulls the foliage color.
When does the plant bloom?
The bloom time for this species is May, producing inconspicuous brown flower spikes before putting full energy back into its foliage display.
Conclusion
The Carex oshimensis ‘CarFit01’ EVERCOLOR EVEREST Sedge stands out due to its stunning, year-round architectural presence provided by its sharply variegated evergreen leaves. This extremely low-maintenance grass offers textural contrast and handles moist, partially shaded sites exceptionally well. Before planting, confirm that your USDA zone falls between 5 and 9 and plan your location with part shade in mind to maximize the vibrant white margins of this fantastic cultivar.
Companion Planting
When designing a garden with Carex oshimensis ‘CarFit01’ EVERCOLOR EVEREST, consider companions that share a preference for moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Hostas and Ferns create the perfect textural backdrop, enhancing the Sedge’s fine blades with broader, more dramatic leaves. For seasonal color contrast, pair it under-story bulbs like snowdrops or bloomers like bleeding hearts, which will fade gracefully as the evergreen Sedge takes over the visual interest role.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Summer care for this Sedge is minimal; ensure consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, as it dislikes overly hot and humid climates. In late winter or very early spring, before new growth begins, perform the necessary clean-up: cut back any old or frost-damaged foliage close to the ground to make way for the fresh eruption of white-margined leaves. Since the plant spreads slowly by rhizomes, observing the clump size annually will help you determine if division is necessary, which is best done in early spring.
