Description
Juncus inflexus, known as hard rush, is a UK native rush that forms dense tufts of stiff, ridged, blue-green stems. It stays upright through winter, giving the pond edge structure all year.
Hard rush at a glance
| Botanical name |
Juncus inflexus |
| Common name |
Hard rush |
| Plant type |
Evergreen, clump-forming rush |
| Height and spread |
About 60 cm tall (up to 1 m), 50–100 cm wide |
| Flowers |
Small, brown, loose clusters, May to August |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Permanently moist to boggy soil; copes with heavy, alkaline soil |
| Pond depth |
0–8 cm of water |
| Hardiness |
RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to |
UK and Ireland (native wild plant) |
How is hard rush different from soft rush?
Hard rush has stiff, ridged, blue-green stems, while soft rush has smooth, bright green stems. The RHS notes that hard rush tolerates heavy, alkaline soil.
Where to plant it
- The edge of a wildlife pond, up to 8 cm deep
- Boggy ground and wet clay
- Wet ground beside streams and ditches
Is it good for wildlife?
Leave the seed heads over winter as food for birds.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
