Carex 'Chisai' - 'Chisai' Sedge

Description

This attractive little sedge is named 'Chisai' after the Japanese word for small.  Deep green foliage is sprinkled with pale little flowers giving this plant an enchanting celestial feel.  This sedge is generally clumpy, but does spread slowly over time through short rhizomes to form a mat.  Introduced by San Marcos Growers, it was a standout seedling originating from a batch of C. praegracilis and turned out to have a much smaller clumping habit.  This attribute, when compared with the vigorous rhizomatous nature and height of the straight species, casts some doubt upon its genetic origin.  Regardless, a stunning plant which would work well as a lumpy lawn (think Festuca idahoensis or Festuca rubra) or in a sweet little vignette in a small planting such as a fairy garden.  Will take full sun on coast, but needs dappled or indirect sunlight over the hill.  Summer water will be needed to keep it looking lush.  Shear at will.