Spiral Rush

Spiral Rush (Juncus effusus 'Spiralis')

Spiral Rush, also known as Corkscrew Rush, is a whimsical and sculptural cultivar of Juncus effusus, the common soft rush. With its tightly coiled, twisting green stems, 'Spiralis' adds an architectural and playful element to moist garden beds, rain gardens, water features, and containers. While not native, it provides valuable structure and shelter for wetland insects and amphibians and thrives in waterlogged soils where few other ornamentals perform well.

Key Characteristics

• Twisting, Spiraled Stems for Architectural Appeal
  The cylindrical green stems coil and curl into unique spirals, giving the plant a dynamic and almost surreal appearance. It brings year-round texture and visual interest to landscapes, containers, and water gardens.

• Excellent for Rain Gardens and Wet Soils
  Spiral Rush thrives in medium to wet soils and tolerates standing water, making it a go-to for rain gardens, pond edges, and bioswales. It performs well in saturated conditions where many ornamentals struggle.

• Container Favorite and Seasonal Accent Plant
  Its compact size and quirky form make it a favorite in container plantings. It adds structure and conversation-piece charm to patios, balcony gardens, and water bowls.

• Shelter Plant for Amphibians and Beneficial Insects
  While not nectar-rich, its dense growth offers hiding and resting habitat for frogs, toads, and predatory insects in wetland environments. It contributes to habitat diversity in ecological designs.

• Low Maintenance and Deer Resistant
  Tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions (as long as it stays moist), Spiral Rush is a long-lived perennial with no serious pest or disease issues and good resistance to deer browsing.

Product Details

• Native range: Cultivar of Juncus effusus (cosmopolitan species, native to much of North America, Europe, Asia)

• Plant life cycle: Perennial

• Sun requirements: Full sun to part shade

• Soil requirements: Medium to wet soils; tolerates standing water

• Mature height: 12–18 inches

• Bloom time: June–August

• Bloom color: Inconspicuous green-brown flowers

• USDA Hardiness zones: 4–9

Spiral Rush brings form, texture, and wet-soil utility to gardens where drainage is poor but design still matters. A favorite for eco-functional water features and rain gardens that need a twist of personality.