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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, 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
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Juncus effusus, Common Rush, Soft Rush, Corkscrew Rush, Pin Rush, Sugar Grass, Ornamental Grass, Perennial Grass, Drought tolerant grass
Juncus inflexus, Hard Rush, European Hard Rush, Ornamental Grass, Perennial Grass, Evergreen Rush

Recommended Companion Plants

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra',Black Cherry Plum, Prunus 'Blaze', Prunus 'Pissardii Nigra', Flowering Tree, Pink flowers, pink prunusAGM Award
Lavandula Stoechas 'Anouk' , French Lavender 'Anouk', Spanish Lavender 'Anouk', Butterfly Lavender' Anouk',Purple Lavenders, Drought tolerant plant, Summer blooms, Deer resistant plants, fragrant flowers
Leptospermum scoparium, Tea Tree, Broom Tea Tree, Mānuka, Manuka myrtle, New Zealand Tea Tree, Mediterranean plants, Mediterranean shrubs, Evergreen shrub
Eschscholzia Californica, California Poppy, Golden Poppy, California Sunlight, Cup of Gold, Golden Cup, California Poppies, Yellow flowers

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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.
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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
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Learn Now
Not sure which Juncus to pick?
Compare Now

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