University of Maryland Extension: Plant of LAST week!
(Garden Variety is catching up, after a week's vaction.)
Corkscrew Rush
Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’
Text and photo by Marian Hengemihle
The corkscrew rush is a fun and whimsical addition to your backyard water garden. It reminds one of a “bad hair day.”
This irregular, clump-forming ornamental grass has curious spiraling, corkscrew-shaped thin green tubular stems that uncoil as they grow. It spreads upright and prostrate about 18 inches tall and wide.
Growing best in containers in full sun to light shade, it requires consistently moist soil with about 1 to 6 inches of water over the crown of the plant.
For shallow areas near ponds, bogs, and water container gardens, it can provide a good accent, texture, or contrast to other aquatic plants. The interesting foliage can also be used in fresh and dried flower arrangements.
The corkscrew rush is semi-hardy and may overwinter with protection in a garage or cool place that will allow it to go dormant.
