Overview
Luzula plumosa is a tufted grass like in the genus Luzula, part of the Juncaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Luzula plumosa grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens and low maintenance.
About
Luzula plumosa is an evergreen, grass-like perennial belonging to the genus Luzula in the Juncaceae family. It forms a tufted habit with flat, linear foliage and thrives in full or partial shade, making it suitable for various garden aspects and exposures. This cultivar is hardy to UK zone H7 and prefers moist but well-drained soils, including clay, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels. It is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, wildflower meadows, and wildlife-friendly spaces, offering winter interest and requiring low maintenance. Propagation is by division in late spring.
About the genus
Luzula is a genus of flowering plants in the rush family Juncaceae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species occurring throughout the world, especially in temperate regions, the Arctic, and higher elevation areas in the tropics. Plants of the genus are known commonly as wood-rush, wood rush, or woodrush.
Wikipedia contributors, "Luzula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Luzula
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Luzula
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Luzula plumosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Luzula plumosa
- Propagation
- Division in late spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Luzula plumosa?
Luzula plumosa prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Luzula plumosa need?
Luzula plumosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Luzula plumosa hardy in the UK?
Luzula plumosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Luzula plumosa?
Division in late spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
