About
Luzula nivea, the snow rush, is a slowly spreading, evergreen perennial forming a loose clump of narrow, dark-green leaves to 30 cm long. Lax clusters of small, shiny-white flowers are produced in early and mid-summer on stems to 60 cm tall. A beautiful and ornamental wood-rush for a shaded or semi-shaded border.
About the genus
Luzula, the wood-rushes, are evergreen, sometimes stoloniferous perennials with flat, linear, grass-like leaves edged with long, silky hairs and tiny, brown flowers in dense or lax clusters in spring or summer. Grown in shaded and semi-shaded borders, wild gardens, and naturalistic plantings.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toC & S Europe
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist soil in partial to deep shade; tolerant of sun if soil remains reliably moist
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in spring or autumn; divide between mid-spring and early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free