Juncus–commonly called rush–is a grass-like perennial whose leaves are usually cylindrical and green. Juncus bears brown mostly inconspicuous flowers near stem tips. Juncus generally form clumps and are spread by rhizomes. Juncus tends to self-sow.
Juncus wants permanently moist or wet soil to thrive. Plant Juncus near the edge of ponds or streams. Juncus is can be used as a vertical accent in contrast to broad-leaved perennials.
Juncus is a genus of about 300 species found throughout the world mostly in wet, acidic soils.
Get to Know Juncus
- Plant type: Grasslike evergreen or deciduous perennials
- Growing zones and range: Zones 4-10
- Height and width: Juncus grows 18 to 32 inches (45-80cm) tall and 24 inches (60cm) wide depending on the variety.
- Foliage: Stems are cylindrical, nodeless, usually solid
- Flowers: Small green or brown flowers with 6 tepals, borne in cymes
- Bloom time: Midsummer
- Uses: Pond side or bog garden, moist container soil
- Common name: Rush
- Botanical name: Juncus
- Family name: Juncaceae
- Origin: Found worldwide mostly in cool-temperate regions
Where to Plant Juncus
- Grow Juncus in permanently moist, acidic soil.
- Grow Juncus in sun or partila shade.
- Juncus effusus can be grown in up to 3 inches of water.
When to Plant Juncus
- Set container grown Juncus in the garden in spring.
Planting and Spacing Juncus
- Space Juncus 24 inches (60cm) apart.
How to Water and Feed Juncus
- Juncus want permanently moist or wet soil.
- Fertilize Juncus with a nitrogen organic fertilizer in spring.
Juncus Care
- Prune dead or shabby foliage to the ground in spring to make way for new growth.
Juncus Pests and Diseases
- Juncus can be attacked by rusts, fungal leaf spots, and stem rots.
Juncus Propagation
- Sow seed at 43° to 54°F (6°-12°C) in spring.
- Divide tufts from midspring into early summer.
Juncus Varieties to Grow
- Juncus articulatus, jointed rush. Tufted or creeping perennila with slender rhizomes and cylindircal stems; bears flat, often curved faintly jointed, deep green leaves; clusters of dark brown flowers; grows to 32 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
- J. effusus ‘Spiralis’, corkscrew rush. Densely tufted leafless perennial with spriralled, shiny, dark green stems giving a corkscrew effect in a tangled mess; small brown flwoers in loose cymes in summer; grows 18 inches tall and 24 inches wide.
- J. inflexus ‘Afro’, hard rush. Densely tufted, leafless perennial with spiraled matte, blue-green stems and browns flowers; grows 24 inches tall and wide.
- J. patens, California gray rush. Gray-green to gray-blue stemmed perennial grows to 24 inches tall.
