Wood rush
Luzula multiflora · Juncaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant wood rush: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- April to June
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm tall
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-20°C)
- Origin
- Europe and temperate zones
- Soil type
- Moist to fresh, well-draining
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist, especially during the spring growing season. Woodrush appreciates consistent moisture but dreads prolonged waterlogging. During summer drought, water regularly to preserve foliage vigor.
Light exposure
Plant in partial shade or full shade, ideal beneath tree cover or in less sunny areas. Woodrush also tolerates sun if the soil remains fresh and moist. Avoid overly hot, dry exposures in direct midday sun.
Soil preparation
Enrich the soil with compost or decomposed leaf litter. Woodrush prefers moist, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Ensure good drainage to prevent winter waterlogging.
Pruning and maintenance
Cut or comb out dried foliage in early spring before new growth begins. No formal pruning is necessary; woodrush spreads naturally into a compact clump. Remove faded flower heads if you wish to limit self-seeding.
Feeding
Apply light amendment in spring as compost or diluted organic fertilizer. Woodrush is undemanding and usually makes do with initial soil enrichment. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would weaken its hardiness.
Diseases and pests
Woodrush is very resistant to common diseases and pests. Overly waterlogged soil can encourage root rot; ensure good drainage. No specific treatment is generally needed under normal conditions.
Did you know?
Multiflowered woodrush was once used in Switzerland and the Alpine regions to line livestock hay, as its evergreen foliage provided an appreciated winter fodder resource. The name "woodrush" comes from the Latin "lux" (light), evoking the subtle gleam of its small flowers and finely-toothed foliage, particularly visible at dawn.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Great woodrushLuzula sylvatica
- Snowy WoodrushLuzula nivea
- Sharp-flowered rushJuncus articulatus
- Compact rushJuncus conglomeratus
- Juncus inflexusJuncus inflexus
- Toad rushJuncus bufonius
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.