Juncus inflexus (Hard Rush)

Juncus inflexus (Hard Rush) is a rhizomatous perennial forming a dense tuft of upright, rounded, gray-green to glaucous blue stems. From late spring to midsummer, loose clusters of very small, reddish-brown flowers emerge at the tops of some stems and give way to short-beaked brown seed capsules.

Juncus inflexus (Hard Rush) is a rhizomatous perennial forming a dense tuft of upright, rounded, gray-green to glaucous blue stems. From late spring to midsummer, loose clusters of very small, reddish-brown flowers emerge at the tops of some stems and give way to short-beaked brown seed capsules. The foliage dies back in cold winter climates, but emerges again in spring. More drought tolerant than Juncus effusus (Soft Rush), Juncus inflexus is happy in wet, boggy, sunny locations where its spreading clumps can form large drifts.

  • Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall and across (30-90 cm). This plant will slowly spread by rhizomes and by self-seeding.
  • Performs best in full sun in neutral to alkaline, consistently moist to wet soils. While it thrives in consistently moist garden soil, it can also be planted in standing water to 3 in. deep (7 cm).
  • This architectural grass is highly versatile. It may be grown at the edge of a pond or water garden, in boggy areas, in shallow water and may help control soil erosion on moist banks. Great for containers too.
  • Requires very little care and is virtually disease-free, pest-free.
  • Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring.
  • Propagate by division in early spring.
  • Native to Europe, Caucasus.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 9

Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Juncus – Rushes
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 3'
(30cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 3'
(30cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 12″
– 36″
(30cm
– 90cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow