Juncus inflexus - Hard Rush, Native Pond Marginal Plant

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.