Juncus effusus 'Spiralis'

Juncus effusus 'Spiralis', the corkscrew rush (sometimes referred to as Juncus spiralis), is a perennial plant with green spiraling stems. It is a cultivar of the soft rush, Juncus effusus.

Juncus effusus 'Spiralis'
SpeciesJuncus effusus
Cultivar'Spiralis'

Description

The plants grow to 45 cm (18 in) high.[1] The young, leafless stems are light green and coiled, with the coils becoming looser with age.[2] They grow in both a horizontal and vertical direction. By winter, the stems become a yellow-brown or tan colour. Flowers are both rare and insignificant in terms of the plant’s appearance. They are yellow-green or light brown.[3]

Origin and name

The origin of the cultivar is uncertain, though Japan is thought to be a possibility. The cultivar has also been referred to as Juncus effusus f. spiralis and Scirpus lacustris 'Spiralis'. In the United States the cultivar is often confused with Juncus balticus 'Spiralis'.[4]

Cultivation

The cultivar is often grown as a novelty plant due to its unusual form. It prefers a situation in sun or partial shade and acidic soil.[5][6] Plants require permanent water, ideally between 5 and 10 cm deep, or continual irrigation. In-ground containers are sometimes used to contain spread. The cultivar is relatively free of pest or diseases, but is susceptible to drought stress.[7] The plants are maintained by the removal of old stems in spring.[6] In North America, they are able to be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 and higher.[1][3] It is suited to container cultivation and can be used as a houseplant.[7][8] It can be grown on the edge of water bodies to help control erosion. Propagation is done by division of plants during the active growing phase of the plant.[6] Stems are used in floral arrangements. It can self-seed and become troublesome in some areas.

References
  1. Nash, Helen; Steve Stroupe (2003). Complete Guide to Water Garden Plants. New York: Sterling Publishing Company. p. 195. ISBN 978-1-4027-0954-8.
  2. Aker, Scott; et al. (2005). Better Homes and Gardens New Garden Book. Des Moines, Iowa: Meredith Books. p. 496. ISBN 978-0-696-02557-0.
  3. "Juncus effusus f. spiralis". Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  4. Speichert, C. Greg; Sue Speichert (2004). Encyclopedia of water garden plants. Portland: Timber Press. p. 204. ISBN 978-0-88192-625-5.
  5. Arnold, Michael A. (2006). "Juncus effusus 'Spiralis'" (PDF). Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  6. "Juncus effusus f. spiralis". Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  7. Rogers, Ray; Rob Cardillo (2010). The encyclopedia of container plants : more than 500 outstanding choices for gardeners. Portland: Timber Press. ISBN 978-0-88192-962-1.
  8. Urban, Shelly. "corkscrew rush" (PDF). Super Floral Retailing. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
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