Species hard rush
green-brown foliage

hard rush

Juncus inflexus 'Afro'

Hard rush is a dense, drought-tolerant grass-like plant known for its bright green foliage and elegant arching stems. This clump-forming species is grown most often in mass plantings and is a dependable choice for its heat and sun tolerance. It will thrive in wet or dry conditions and reaches an average height of one to two feet, making it a great choice for borders, edging, and mass plantings. Its round, stiff stems give it a textured look and contrast nicely with bold plants. It requires minimal care with typical maintenance such as occasional pruning and occasional division. With its attractive foliage and tolerance to a variety of conditions, hard rush is a versatile garden choice.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Brownish Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Hard rush (Juncus inflexus 'Afro') should be watered regularly 1 to 2 times per week. Typically, the soil should be moist but not saturated. During the hot summer months, hard rush may need to be watered 3 times per week. When providing water, be sure to thoroughly water the entire pot to ensure moisture is evenly distributed. The plant should not be kept in standing water. To check if the plant needs watering, stick your finger in the soil to a depth of 2-3 inches, if the soil is dry it means it is time to water.

sunlight

Hard rush is a species of rush plant which prefers sunny areas with abundant sunlight. This plant should be placed in an area where it receives direct sun for at least 5 to 6 hours a day. During the spring, summer and early fall, it should receive full sun which is 8 to 10 hours or more. In late fall and winter, however, it will do just fine with only a few hours of direct sun. Additionally, hard rush should not be exposed to freezing temperatures as this can cause damage. To provide optimal health for the hard rush, it is best to place it in an area which receives full-sun for as much of the day as possible.

pruning

Hard Rush (Juncus inflexus 'Afro') is best pruned in late winter to early spring for optimal growth and health. Pruning should be done before new growth begins in the spring. Try to avoid pruning during the fall and summer months when the plant can be under stress due to changes in temperature and the amount of light it is receiving. When pruning Hard Rush plants, start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased fronds. Cut stems back to a healthy, viable bud or to the base of the stem. Then, shorten any long or "leggy" stems and thin out crowded areas. This will encourage air and light circulation and help maintain an even, attractive growth pattern. Since the Hard Rush plant has fibrous roots, it does not grow back readily from root cutting, so pruning is the better option over cutting back. Also, consider using manual tools like pruners or loppers to remove fronds instead of using string trimmers. Pruning too severely can harm or even kill the plant, so prune carefully and selectively to maintain healthy growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Hard rush typically starts flowering in June.

Hardiness Map