Cyperus albostriatus ‘Variegatus’

If you’ve been looking for plants that thrive in dry shade, there aren’t many better than Cyperus albostriatus. Although the streaked form was popular with house plant enthusiasts back in the ’70s, few people realized any garden potential except for a certain Asian herb. For us, this stoloniferous (not weedy) plant makes a superb groundcover of 12″ tall, miniature, palm tree-looking rosettes. Each green leaf is splashed with an uneven silver streaking. Do not plant this close to small treasures or they will soon be swallowed alive. In 5 years, you can expect a 5′ wide patch.