Carex plantaginea 'Shade Fanfare' PPAF CPBRAF

Carex 'Shade Fanfare' Plantain-leaved Sedge

Common Name: Plantain-leaved Sedge, Seersucker Sedge

Bring refined texture and brightness to the shade garden with 'Shade Fanfare', a variegated form of Midwest native Plantain-Leaved Sedge. This selection features broad, slightly puckered green leaves edged in creamy white, offering a crisp, elegant look throughout the season. The semi-evergreen foliage adds year-round interest, especially in mild climates.

With its low, tidy, clumping habit, 'Shade Fanfare' is ideal for edging pathways, softening borders, or massing as a low-maintenance groundcover. Thriving in shade to part shade, it's a perfect solution for woodland gardens or tricky low-light areas. Native to North America and tolerant of a range of conditions, this sedge combines beauty with adaptability.

Compared to 'Noble Native', the foliage of 'Shade Fanfare' is almost three times as wide and much cold hardier, going to Zone 3.

Available Sizes (Wholesale):

Product Profile

72ct Plug Tray

Height:

8.0-12.0 Inches

Spread:

12.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8

Foliage Color:

Variegated

Sunlight:

Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Evergreen

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Cottage Eclectic Rain Garden Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Edging Ground Cover Attractive Foliage Small

Origin:

Native to North America

Low-maintenance sedge for shade gardens. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil; deer-resistant, adaptable, and semi-evergreen for year-round texture with minimal upkeep.

Carex

Download .PDF

30ct LF

Container:

Trade 1 Gallon Container

When to Plant:

Early spring - summer or late summer

Finish:

7-9 weeks

72ct

Container:

Trade 1 Gallon Container

When to Plant:

Late summer or early spring to mid summer.

Finish:

10-12 weeks

Growing Temperature:

68-72° F

Holding Temperature:

55-60° F

Soil PH:

5.8-6.2

EC (What is EC?):

1.5-2.0 pour through method

Fertility:

Feed moderatly with 75 - 100 ppm N at each watering.

Vernalization:

Not required

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids, mealybugs, and slugs are the most common pests seen on Carex.
Rust and crown/root rots are the most common diseases growers are likely to observe.

Potting & Timing:

Small plugs are best for quarts and trade 1 gallon containers.
Large plugs work well for quick turn spring planted trade 1 gallon containers or if a slightly larger container is desired.

Moisture:

Carex Evergold prefers moderate moisture to slightly dry.
Carex such as Bowles Golden, Ice Dance, Banana Boat, and Snow Cap prefer higher moisture and do not like to dry down.

Planting Level:

Crown level with soil line.

PGRs/Pinching:

Carex can be trimmed lightly if desired. Avoid cutting back too drasticly.

Lighting:

Most Carex prefer to have light to moderate shade in production during the warmer seasons.

Grower Tips:

Avoid salt buildups by leaching the media every few weeks. Check EC levels often to avoid root burning.

Download Images

Characteristics

Height:

8.0-12.0 Inches

Spread:

12.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8

Foliage Color:

Variegated

Sunlight:

Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Evergreen

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Cottage Eclectic Rain Garden Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Edging Ground Cover Attractive Foliage Small

Origin:

Native to North America

Companions

Gardening Tips

Low-maintenance sedge for shade gardens. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil; deer-resistant, adaptable, and semi-evergreen for year-round texture with minimal upkeep.

Cultural Info

Carex

Download .PDF

30ct LF

Container:

Trade 1 Gallon Container

When to Plant:

Early spring - summer or late summer

Finish:

7-9 weeks

72ct

Container:

Trade 1 Gallon Container

When to Plant:

Late summer or early spring to mid summer.

Finish:

10-12 weeks

Growing Temperature:

68-72° F

Holding Temperature:

55-60° F

Soil PH:

5.8-6.2

EC (What is EC?):

1.5-2.0 pour through method

Fertility:

Feed moderatly with 75 - 100 ppm N at each watering.

Vernalization:

Not required

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids, mealybugs, and slugs are the most common pests seen on Carex.
Rust and crown/root rots are the most common diseases growers are likely to observe.

Potting & Timing:

Small plugs are best for quarts and trade 1 gallon containers.
Large plugs work well for quick turn spring planted trade 1 gallon containers or if a slightly larger container is desired.

Moisture:

Carex Evergold prefers moderate moisture to slightly dry.
Carex such as Bowles Golden, Ice Dance, Banana Boat, and Snow Cap prefer higher moisture and do not like to dry down.

Planting Level:

Crown level with soil line.

PGRs/Pinching:

Carex can be trimmed lightly if desired. Avoid cutting back too drasticly.

Lighting:

Most Carex prefer to have light to moderate shade in production during the warmer seasons.

Grower Tips:

Avoid salt buildups by leaching the media every few weeks. Check EC levels often to avoid root burning.

Download Images