Overview

Isolepis cernua is a tufted bogs in the genus Isolepis, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Isolepis cernua grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include pondside/marginal, bog garden, patio and container plants, architectural, city and courtyard gardens, coastal and cottage and informal garden.

About

Isolepis cernua (basionym Scirpus cernuus) is a species of flowering plant in the sedge family known by the common names low bulrush, slender club-rush, tufted clubrush, and fiberoptic grass. It is widespread, being native to many regions of the world, including parts of Australasia, Eurasia, Africa, and North and South America. I. cernua is a small sedge that can be common in boggy ground and around ponds in both freshwater wetlands and salt marshes, as well as among dune slacks and other brackish environments. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Isolepis cernua

About the genus

Isolepis is a genus of flowering plants in the sedge family, containing around 70 species. Isolepis is cosmopolitan, and often found in cool tropical and temperate climates in Africa and Australasia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Isolepis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Isolepis

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Isolepis

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained

Aspect

South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Isolepis cernua size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Bogs

Habit

Tufted

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Pondside/Marginal, Bog garden, Patio and container plants, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Isolepis cernua

Propagation

Seed, Division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions