Luzula sylvatica

Description

Luzula sylvatica – greater woodrush

Botanical name: Luzula sylvatica
Common names: Greater woodrush
Family: Juncaceae (rush family)
Plant type: Evergreen woodrush
Habit: Clump-forming, spreading
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–70cm tall × 60cm+ spread (spreads to form groundcover)
Foliage: Broad, glossy, arching mid-green leaves forming dense clumps; evergreen
Flowers: Clusters of small flowers on airy stems in spring to early summer
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Partial to full shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; tolerates dry shade once established; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–8
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Luzula sylvatica, greater woodrush, is a tough, vigorous evergreen forming dense clumps of broad, glossy green leaves. One of the very best plants for weed-suppressing groundcover in dry shade.

GardenAdvice notes

A vigorous, clump-forming native evergreen, greater woodrush spreads to form dense, weed-suppressing carpets of broad, glossy green leaves, topped by airy brown flower clusters in spring. It is one of the toughest and most useful groundcover plants for difficult dry shade under trees, thriving where little else will grow.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Woodrushes are among the best plants for shade, including the dry shade under trees once established. Work in leaf mould, and space about 40cm apart to knit into groundcover.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Comb out or trim off dead and tatty foliage in spring to freshen the clump. It spreads gently to form groundcover; lift and divide congested patches in spring to increase it or keep it in bounds. Water while establishing, after which it tolerates drier shade.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring.
• Seed: Sow seed in spring, though named forms are best from division.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and tough. Little troubled by pests or disease, and one of the most reliable plants for difficult shady spots.

Uses in the garden

Superb as tough, weed-suppressing evergreen groundcover in dry shade under trees and shrubs, on shady banks, in woodland and in difficult, low-maintenance areas where reliability matters most.

Wildlife value

The evergreen tufts provide year-round ground-level cover and shelter for insects and small creatures, and woodrushes support wildlife in woodland and shady plantings.

Toxicity & safety

Woodrush is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

Greater woodrush is the plant to reach for when you need reliable groundcover in dry shade under trees, where most things fail — it forms a dense evergreen carpet that smothers weeds and asks for almost nothing. Plant it in bold sweeps for maximum effect, water it until established, and then simply leave it to get on with the job.

Our plants are guaranteed for 24 months for more details Click Here