Juncus patens (California Gray Rush)
California Gray Rush, Spreading Rush
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, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, United States, Washington |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Wet Soil |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
(c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com, Kevin Yuan, Shutterstock
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.
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, Oregon, Pacific Northwest, United States, Washington |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Wet Soil |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
