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Elk Blue California Gray Rush*
Juncus patens 'Elk Blue'
* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details
Height: 24 inches
Spread: 24 inches
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 8
Other Names: Wire Grass
Description:
A grass-like, evergreen perennial featuring smooth, upright, blue-gray cylindrical stems that are absent of leaves; grows in dense clumps; very versatile, and is adaptable to a wide range of conditions; a great garden or pondside accent
Ornamental Features
Elk Blue California Gray Rush is primarily valued in the garden for its ornamental upright and spreading habit of growth. It features subtle clusters of brown frilly flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to mid fall. Its attractive grassy leaves remain grayish green in color with hints of powder blue throughout the year. The powder blue stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.
Landscape Attributes
Elk Blue California Gray Rush is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Spreading
Elk Blue California Gray Rush is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- Border Edging
- General Garden Use
- Container Planting
- Bog Gardens
Planting & Growing
Elk Blue California Gray Rush will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 8 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.
This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Elk Blue California Gray Rush is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
* This is a "special order" plant - contact store for details
Disclaimer - This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for availability. It does not include our entire inventory of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list.