Isolepis cernua
slender club-rush
An evergreen herbaceous annual or perennial, 15-30cm high, with very narrow, thread-like leaves, topped from mid to late summer by small silvery-white petal-less flowerheads which are followed by small brown-red seedheads
Synonyms
Isolepis 'Live Wire'Scirpus cernuus
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Brown Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Isolepis are short annual or perennial herbaceous perennials with narrow, grass-like leaves and spikes of petal-less flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. to Andes
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun or light shade as a marginal pond plant in 2-8cm of water, in damp or wet soil in a bog garden, or in a very well-watered container
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division from mid-spring to early summer; see pond plant propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.