Juncus ensifolius

RHS Plant Profile
swordleaf rush
Grass Like

Semi-evergreen to evergreen, rhizomatous perennial about 45cm tall, with upright stems and flat, curved, mid-green basal leaves to 25cm long. Produces globular flowerheads of small green or reddish-brown flowers in summer followed by dark brown or chestnut brown seedheads to 4mm across

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Juncaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen, Semi 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
Unresolved
Plant Range
North America, Mexico, Japan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in permanently moist acid soil in sun or part shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring or by division from mid-spring to early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required, tidy after flowering if necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free