Since moving to Maine, I have been watching the weather closely to see how cold it is going to be. I also like to compare the temperature here in Boothbay versus that of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, where we used to live. Until recently, the temperatures were relatively similar. Then, last week, something drastic happened. The jet stream dipped and all of sudden, Maine was shut off from the weather trend of the mid-Atlantic. It was like the small boat we were riding was cut loose from the mother ship. We are now on our own for the rest of the winter unless the jet stream decides to benevolently move back up and pull us away from the arctic, Canadian winter. The temperatures here were 20 degrees lower than Pennsylvania. It was cold outside. Even life-long Mainers said it was cold. The Maine state motto is “Dirigo.” I am starting to think that this means, “wear lots of layers.”

In spite of the cold, we have yet to receive the winter blanket of snow that locals are promising will come. In the garden, we have been busy moving through the plant beds, cutting back perennials before they become covered with the snow. We are also cutting back grasses to eliminate a place for moles to nest for the winter. Last week, the gardens looked neat and tidy. It felt good to have most of the garden in order but along with the fact that it now gets dark around 4:30 in the afternoon, I am longing for some color and sunshine.

Then, on Friday, as I was making my way through the garden, I came across an area where the sun was shining and the plants were still lush. Growing there was Carex laxiculmis ‘Hobb’ or Bunny Blue sedge. I had been by this mass many times but never really noticed it until this instance when almost everything else had been cut back or gone dormant. Any plant that can go down to 18 degrees the night before and still look great is worthy of more use in the garden. Add to this that it is native, has blue-grey foliage, and can survive in shady conditions.

Bunny Blue is the trademark name for this Carex. The plant was introduced by the Head brothers of Seneca, South Carolina. Carex laxiculmis is native from Canada down to Florida so you know that this plant is extremely adaptable. Bunny Blue Carex will make a 12″x12″ clump and slowly spread. We have our plants planted en masse along side of Heucheras. Here is Maine, we have it planted in full-sun, but in the South, you may want to plant it in some dappled shade. It will also stay evergreen in warmer climates.

The color of Bunny Blue is spectacular. I love blue-silver foliaged plants and this one is excellent. One of my dream plants is a hardy Astelia chathamica. The chances of that happening are pretty slim so Bunny Blue will have to fill that void for now.

Have you grown Carex laxiculmus ‘Hobb’ Bunny Blue? If so, are you as impressed with it as much as I am? – Rodney 

Images: Lodge at Moosehead Lake, Pleasant Run Nursery, Ellen HoneyCutt