Luzula nivea

RHS Plant Profile
snow rush

Other common names

snow-white wood-rush, snowy wood-rush

Synonyms

Luzula 'Nivea'

Herbaceous Perennial

A slowly spreading evergreen perennial forming a loose clump of narrow, dark green leaves to 30cm long, with lax clusters of small, shiny white flowers in early and mid-summer on stems to 60cm tall

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Juncaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Luzula are evergreen perennials, sometimes stoloniferous, with flat, linear leaves and tiny brown flowers in dense or lax clusters in spring or summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
C & S Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor to moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist soil in partial to deep shade; tolerant of sun if soil remains reliably moist

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in spring or autumn; divide between mid-spring and early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free