Juncus effusus
common rush
J. effusus is a clump-forming, evergreen, grass-like perennial to 1.5m tall. Its bright green to yellowish rounded stems that form arching fans, From late spring to summer, rounded heads of small green to brown flowers emerge on the sides of the stems just below the stem tips
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow Green | |||
| Winter | Yellow Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Full shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Juncaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Juncus can be annuals, deciduous or evergreen perennials, forming clumps of narrow, often cylindrical leaves, with clusters of small brown flowers borne on leaf-like stems in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Cosmopolitan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in permanently moist, acid soil in sun or partial shade. May also be grown in very shallow water at pool margins
Propagation
Propagate by division from mid-spring to early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
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.