About
Juncus inflexus, the hard rush, is a densely tufted, evergreen perennial to 60 cm with matt, blue-green, stiff, cylindrical stems and small, loose clusters of brown flowers at the stem tips from late spring to midsummer. A handsome and architectural rush for moist borders and pond margins.
About the genus
Juncus, the rushes, are annuals and evergreen or deciduous perennials forming clumps or tussocks of narrow, cylindrical or flattened, often grass-like leaves and bearing clusters of small, brown flowers borne on leaf-like stems in summer. Grown in moist borders, bog gardens and pond margins.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toEurasia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in permanently moist, acid soil in sun or part shade, in boggy soil or in up to 8cm of water. Also thrives in heavy alkaline soils
PruningNo pruning required, tidy after flowering if necessary
PropagationPropagate by seed in spring or by division from mid-spring to early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free