Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Grasses and strappy plants
Mixed (some species indigenous, some exotic) | Easy Care | Grasses and strappy plants
Rushes bring vertical, architectural texture to a garden with their upright, cylindrical, often leafless stems. Juncus effusus is the common soft rush with straight, dark green stems.
'Blue Dart' has steel-blue, stiffly upright stems. 'Spiralis' (the corkscrew rush) has uniquely twisted, spiralling stems that are a real conversation starter. All do well in moist conditions and are natural choices for pond margins, bog gardens and areas that stay damp. They handle coastal conditions and some salt exposure.
30 to 60 cm depending on variety. Blue Dart is more compact; effusus is taller.
Moderate to fast.
Pond margins, water features, bog gardens, damp spots, containers (in saucers of water), textural accent.
Full sun to semi-shade. They grow well in both.
Moist to wet soil. Unlike most plants on this list, rushes enjoy damp conditions. They grow naturally in wetlands and along water edges.
High. Keep the soil consistently moist or even waterlogged. They are the opposite of succulents: they want wet feet. In containers, stand them in a saucer of water.
A light feed in spring. Not demanding.
Cut back dead or brown stems at the base in late winter. The spiralis form needs no pruning; just remove any straight stems that appear (reversions).
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
