Carex Feather Falls

Description

Carex oshimensis ‘Feather Falls’ – Japanese sedge

Botanical name: Carex oshimensis ‘Feather Falls’
Common names: Japanese sedge
Family: Cyperaceae (sedge family)
Plant type: Evergreen sedge
Habit: Arching, cascading, mound-forming, vigorous
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 40–50cm tall × 50cm spread
Foliage: Long, arching, cascading green leaves striped and edged with white; evergreen
Flowers: Insignificant brownish flower spikes; grown for its foliage
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–9
Exposure: Sheltered or open
Native range: Selected form; the species is native to Japan
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Carex oshimensis ‘Feather Falls’ is a vigorous evergreen sedge with long, cascading green-and-white striped leaves forming a lush fountain. Superb in large containers, hanging displays and lightly shaded borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A more vigorous, longer-leaved relative of ‘Evergold’, ‘Feather Falls’ forms a lush, cascading fountain of green-and-white striped foliage. Its length and vigour make it particularly striking in large containers and raised positions, where the leaves can tumble freely, and it gives bright, evergreen, year-round structure in sun or partial shade.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil, in full sun to partial shade. Space about 40cm apart; it establishes into a neat clump. Improve very dry or very wet ground before planting.

Care & maintenance

Sedges are not cut hard to the ground like many grasses. Instead, in spring comb through the clump with gloved fingers or a spring-tined rake to pull out the dead leaves, and trim off any tatty foliage; a very untidy plant can be cut back harder to encourage fresh growth. Water in dry spells, as most sedges dislike drying out, and divide congested clumps in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring — quick, easy and the standard method.
• Seed: Species can be raised from seed, though named forms are best from division.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Aphids occasionally occur, and clumps can rot or die out in the centre in cold, wet, poorly drained conditions. Good drainage and combing out dead growth keep plants healthy.

Uses in the garden

Superb in large containers and pots, raised beds and elevated positions where its leaves can cascade, as well as in borders and lightly shaded spots as bright evergreen groundcover.

Wildlife value

The dense tufts provide ground-level cover for insects and small creatures, and sedges support a range of wildlife in damp and naturalistic plantings.

Toxicity & safety

Sedges are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Feather Falls’ really earns its name in a tall pot or raised bed, where its long green-and-white leaves can cascade like a fountain — more dramatic than the shorter sedges for this. It’s vigorous and easy; keep it moist, comb out old foliage in spring, and divide it when the clump gets congested.

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