Overview
Luzula sylvatica is a matforming grass like in the genus Luzula, part of the Juncaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Luzula sylvatica grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, ground cover, woodland gardens, low maintenance, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.
About
Luzula sylvatica, commonly known as greater wood-rush or great wood-rush, is a perennial flowering plant in the rush family Juncaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Luzula sylvatica
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, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Luzula sylvatica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Ground cover, Woodland gardens, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Luzula sylvatica
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; tolerant of a range of soil types including clay, loam, and sand; low maintenance once established
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves in early spring to maintain appearance; cut back old foliage to ground level if necessary
- Propagation
- Division, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Luzula sylvatica?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in shaded or semi-shaded locations; tolerant of a range of soil types including clay, loam, and sand; low maintenance once established.
Where is the best place to plant Luzula sylvatica?
Luzula sylvatica prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Luzula sylvatica need?
Luzula sylvatica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How do I prune Luzula sylvatica?
Remove dead or damaged leaves in early spring to maintain appearance; cut back old foliage to ground level if necessary.
How big does Luzula sylvatica grow?
Luzula sylvatica reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Luzula sylvatica hardy in the UK?
Luzula sylvatica 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 sylvatica?
Division, Seed.
