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'
Species	Juncus 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.