Create Your Garden

Juncus patens (California Gray Rush)

California Gray Rush, Spreading Rush

Juncus patens, California Gray Rush, Ornamental Grass, Perennial Grass, Drought tolerant grass
Juncus patens, California Gray Rush, Ornamental Grass, Perennial Grass, Drought tolerant grass

Juncus patens (California Gray Rush) is an evergreen perennial plant that forms dense clumps of narrow, erect, gray-green to gray-blue, leafless stems. They are topped with subtle, inconspicuous golden-brown flower clusters from spring to fall. Native to California and Oregon, this plant is most beautiful in its vertical form and fine texture, providing a stunning contrast to broad-leaved companion plants. It is more heat and drought tolerant than the common Rush (Juncus effusus).

  • Grows up to 18-24 in. tall and across (45-60 cm) and enjoys full sun to partial shade in moist to wet soils. Has a tendency to flop in too much shade. While it thrives in moist soil or shallow water (to 6 in. deep or 15 cm), it is quite drought tolerant once established.
  • This architectural grass is highly versatile. It is a great choice for the dry shade garden or planted in shallow water.
  • Requires very little care, is virtually disease-free, pest-free and provides year-round interest
  • Prune dead of shabby foliage to the ground in late winter to make way for fresh spring growth.
  • Native to California, Oregon, Washington.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Juncaceae
Genus Juncus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants California, United States, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Oregon
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Juncus (Rush) to pick?
Compare Now

Alternative Plants to Consider

Juncus effusus (Common Rush)
Juncus inflexus (Hard Rush)

Recommended Companion Plants

Prunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’ (Black Cherry Plum)
Lavandula stoechas ‘Anouk’ (Spanish Lavender)
Leptospermum scoparium (Tea Tree)
Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

A Singing Mediterranean Pathway
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Juncaceae
Genus Juncus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants California, United States, Pacific Northwest, Washington, Oregon
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Juncus (Rush) to pick?
Compare Now

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Juncus patens (California Gray Rush) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Juncus patens (California Gray Rush) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone