Corkscrew Rush

Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' aka 'Twister'

Overview

Uses: Unique houseplant, garden plant, or water plant

Benefits: Grows eye-catching, dark green, spiraled foliage. Great for drying and preserving! Rabbit and deer resistant.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 11

Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Life Cycle: Perennial 

Mature Height: 18" 

Mature Width: 18" 

Bloom Season: Summer

Summary

Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' (the cultivar is also often referred to as 'Twister')—commonly referred to as Corkscrew Rush, and sometimes referred to as Unicorn Rush—is a unique and eye-catching, semi-evergreen perennial that's perfect for a variety of locations! 

Although it resembles a grass (and is a part of our "Grasses Collection"), it's technically a rush. The difference is that rushes have cylindrical stems and grasses have flat stems.  

The twisted growth patterns of this rush make it one of the most popular types for landscaping and houseplant uses. It's great for water beds, borders, patio pots, rock gardens, indoors, and many other uses. 

Although Corkscrew rush does exceptionally well in a variety of areas, it's quite special in the sense that it's able to thrive in wet areas, too! It's perfect for in and around swamps, ponds, lakes, rivers, marshes, and creeks! In fact, it's known to grow with as much as 6" of water above it's base. 

Dries particularly well and is often used in dried floral arrangements. 

Develops yellowish-green, small (somewhat insignificant) flowers during summer.

Is known to tolerate deer and rabbits.

Care

Corkscrew Rush Care

Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' is known to be extremely low maintenance and requires minimum care. 

Prune to control growth as necessary. It's best to do any heavy pruning and trimming during periods of dormancy, such as late fall (after flowering) or early spring. 

Propagation is best accomplished through division of its rhizomes. We suggest doing such division in the spring. Additionally, Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' is known to be a prolific self-seeder, and will likely spread itself in conducive environments.  

Fertilizations will accelerate growth and keep your plant well fed. We suggest using our slow release fertilizer, or something similar. 

Corkscrew Rush prefers full sun, but it also does well in areas of partial shade. 

Water regularly after planting until established, or in periods of drought. Requires regular irrigation to maintain moist soil, or an aquatic environment. Is known to thrive in bogs, swamps, wet soil, and partial submersion.  

It's known as a semi-evergreen because it may die back and brown in cold, winter conditions; or thrive year-round in warmer and/or indoor climates. 

Size

Size of Corkscrew Rush for Sale Online

The Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.

Size of Corkscrew Rush When Fully Grown

Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' typically grows in a somewhat mound-like shape to an average size of around 18" x 18". Some people have plants that max out around 12" x 12".

Additional Information

Common Names of Juncus effusus 'Spiralis'

• Corkscrew Rush

• Unicorn Rush

Toxicity and Risks of Corkscrew Rush

We are unable to find any information that would lead us to believe that Juncus effusus 'Spiralis' is toxic.