Rush Swordleaf Juncus Ensifolius is a rhizomatous perennial herb native to North America, Japan, and far eastern Russia. Rush Daggerleaf seeds have to be just slightly pressed into the soil and not covered, because the seeds need light to germinate. Also commonly called Dwarf Rush, Daggerleaf Rush, Dagger-leaved Rush, and Sword-leaved Rush this popular ornamental grass-like plant forms large, upright clumps of dagger-shaped leaves flowering in mid-summer with rounded clusters of small dark brownish, purple flowers.
Rush Swordleaf looks interesting all summer long growing in moist borders or along the edge of a pond, or even in containers, and naturally Swordleaf Rush is often can be found growing in marshes, wetlands, stream banks and wet meadows. Juncus Ensifolius seeds can be started directly outdoors or indoors in a bright, sunny window and grown until the rush seedling reaches 4 inches in height. After hardening the seedlings off, it can be transplanted outdoors into its permanent location. Sword-leaved Rush requires extremely minimal maintenance, and despite the plant spreads through rhizomes, it largely clumps rarely presenting enough aggression to be invasive.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial
Height: 10-24 Inches
Bloom Season: Summer
Environment: Sun/Partial Shade
Soil Type: Average/Poor/Sandy/Wet/Evenly Moist pH 5.9-6.2
USDA Zones: 3-10
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Winter/Spring (6-8 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Spring/Fall
Seed Depth: Surface sowing - press seeds slightly into the soil
Germination Time: 21-28 Days
