Overview
Luzula purpurea is a tufted grass like in the genus Luzula, part of the Juncaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Luzula purpurea 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 purpurea is an evergreen perennial cultivar within the Luzula genus, known for its tufted habit and flat, linear foliage. It produces small brown flowers in compact or loose clusters during spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in full or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Suitable for cottage and informal gardens, wildflower meadows, and wildlife gardens, it is hardy in the UK (H7) and can be propagated 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 purpurea 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 purpurea
- 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 purpurea?
Luzula purpurea prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Luzula purpurea need?
Luzula purpurea 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 purpurea hardy in the UK?
Luzula purpurea 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 purpurea?
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.
