Top 5... Ornamental sedges and rushes
These decorative evergreen plants provide year-round interest, even in winter
1 Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’
Low, mound-forming sedge. Leaves with bright cream stripe all year. Brown flowers in spring. Any soil, sun to shade. H/S: 30cm (12in). Tip: Comb out old foliage in spring to keep it neat. From: www.crocus.co.uk; tel: 01344 578111.
2 Carex testacea
Loose clump of narrow, arching leaves in unusual olive-orange tones. Any soil, especially those that are damp. Sun to partial shade. H/S: 45-60cm (18-24in). Tip: Excellent with bright summer perennials such as crocosmia. From: www.knollgardens.co.uk; tel: 01202 873931.
3 Luzula nivea
Snowy woodrush. Low, slow-spreading perennial grown for its sprays of attractive longlasting, white flowers in early summer. Any soil in semi-shade, damp soil in sun. H: 60cm (24in), S: 45cm (18in). Tip: Mass clumps together for a dramatic effect. From: www.knollgardens.co.uk; tel: 01202 873931.
4 Luzula sylvatica ‘Hohe Tatra’
Shade-tolerant, slow-spreading woodrush. Lime-green leaves, bright yellow in winter. Brownish flowers in spring. Any moist soil in sun. Tolerates dry soil in semi-full shade. H/S: 45cm (18in).
Tip: In dry shade, keep young plants watered until established.
From: www.holdencloughnursery.com; tel: 01200 447615.
5 Uncinia rubra ‘Everflame’
Hummock-forming hook sedge with bronze-toned leaves striped in red and pink. Moist but well-drained soil, in sun or semi-shade. H: 30cm (12in), S: 35cm (14in). Tip: Ideal as a feature plant in pots. From: www.knollgardens.co.uk; tel: 01202 873931.