A bright central stripe
A cream to yellowish stripe runs through the centre of each leaf between green margins, emphasising its length.
1
Carex 'evergold' 17cm
Normal price
€12,00
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’
Hair on point, roots in the soil 💇
- Cream central stripe
- Arching leaves
- Evergreen clump
- Morning sun / partial shade
Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ brightens a planting with fine cream stripes running along its leaves between green margins. The long blades arch gently outwards in several directions, forming a soft, full clump with a sense of movement. Its contrast does not depend on spectacular flowers: it is present in every leaf, creating a calm brightness that is particularly effective alongside broader or darker foliage in a mixed composition.
At the edge of a border it softens the transition towards paving, while in a group of pots its curves relax more formal lines. Texture is its main strength: repeated small clumps create rhythm without forming a heavy, solid hedge.
‘Evergold’ holds the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
What makes it special
Soft curves
Leaves arise from multiple points at the base and arch outwards, giving the clump a natural outline.
Winter foliage
Its evergreen presence keeps the front of a border interesting when other perennials have retreated below ground.
Why you will love it: it visually connects broad leaves and hard surfaces through a fine, bright texture.
In the garden & on the balcony Placement & plant combinations Position, growing space and compatible companions
Best position
Place it at the front of a cool border with morning sun or bright partial shade. For distinct clumps, allow approximately 35–45 cm centre to centre, set slightly back from a path so the leaves can arch without being trodden on.
Compatible planting
Broad green foliage and restrained white flowers reveal the fine striping. Choose companions for cool, moist but well-drained soil, and avoid sharing a pot with plants that require persistent dryness.
- Fatsia japonica — behind the clumps for a strong contrast between broad and fine foliage in bright partial shade.
- Ophiopogon japonicus — low alongside it, where dark green linear foliage emphasises the cream stripe.
- Helleborus orientalis — slightly further back for winter interest, in sheltered partial shade and soil that does not become waterlogged.
Care at a glance
Light
Morning sun or partial shade. In hot conditions, protect from strong afternoon sun.
Watering
Maintain useful, relatively even moisture without saturation or prolonged complete drying.
Climate & hardiness
Very cold-hardy. Dry air and insufficient water can cause brown leaf tips.
Safety
Ornamental, not intended for consumption. Prevent chewing and wear gloves when cleaning the clump.
Detailed careComplete care guidePlanting, water, maintenance and seasonal care
Light without overheating
‘Evergold’ tolerates sun in cool soil, but morning sun and afternoon partial shade are more practical on a hot terrace. Do not treat it as a drought-loving ornamental grass.
Planting the crown
Plant at the original depth, keeping leaf bases above soil level. Well-drained soil containing organic matter helps moisture remain more even.
Checking moisture
Water when the upper layer begins to dry, before the entire rootball dries out. Small pots need more frequent checks in heat, but water should not remain in the saucer.
Clean rather than shear
Carefully remove dead leaves at the base and damaged tips. Do not routinely cut the entire evergreen clump to the ground as you might with certain deciduous grasses.
Division and renewal
An old, overcrowded clump can be divided in spring. Retain sections with healthy crowns and roots, keeping them evenly moist until established.
Feeding and observation
Modest spring feeding is sufficient in an exhausted mix, following the label. If tips turn brown, check moisture, overheating and salts before immediately adding more fertiliser.
Development over timeA clump that gradually extends its curvesFrom establishment to the natural mature form
New leaf bases
As the plant establishes, new leaves emerge from the base. Volume develops from several adjacent growing points rather than a woody trunk.
Low expansion
Outer leaves arch further as they lengthen. The visible mass grows mainly sideways while remaining low.
Subtle flower spikes
Small brown inflorescences appear in spring or early summer. Afterwards, the evergreen striped foliage takes over again.
Mature form & dimensions
Gradual maturityHeight 30–50 cmSpread 30–50 cmArching evergreen clump
Approximately 30–50 cm tall × 30–50 cm wide. Arching evergreen clump; allow room for the leaves to arch naturally. Growing conditions influence the final size.
Form through the seasons
Spring / early summerFoliage with slender brown spikes
WinterClump retained without flowering spikes
The drawings show natural architecture and the seasonal cycle, not a guaranteed size or colour of the potted plant.
History & origin Cultivar origin The history of this particular cultivar
‘Evergold’ belongs to the Japanese species Carex oshimensis and also appears in older horticultural use as Carex hachijoensis ‘Evergold’. The name identifies the selection with a bright central stripe on its leaves.
New Zealand nursery catalogues already include it in 1977, during promotion under ‘Evergold’ rather than ‘Everbright’. This is a historical point in its commercial journey, not a confirmed date of origin. It received the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScience nobody asked forBotanical details for anyone curious about what lies behind the plant’s appearance
Grass-like, but a sedge
Carex belongs to Cyperaceae rather than the grass family Poaceae. Flowering stems characteristically have a triangular cross-section and leaves are arranged in three ranks, anatomical features that help distinguish the groups.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers for this particular cultivar.
01Is it an ornamental grass?
It resembles one visually, but botanically it is a Carex in the Cyperaceae family. The distinction also matters when maintaining its evergreen foliage.
02Should it be cut low in late winter?
Not as routine maintenance. Selectively remove dead leaves while retaining healthy ones.
03Why are the tips drying out?
First check for an excessively dry mix, hot afternoon sun or drying wind. Even moisture does not mean permanently wet roots.
04Does it need flowers to look attractive?
No. The brown inflorescences are subtle and its main ornamental value is the striped foliage.
05Can it grow in a trough?
Yes, with drainage holes and companions that share its preference for a cool, relatively moist mix.
06Can it be planted beside a path?
Yes, provided its leaves have room to arch without being stepped on. It is not a lawn substitute for foot traffic.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.