Juncus patens 'Carmen’s Gray' Rush Seeds

Carmen’s Gray Rush Seeds

Add cool blue-gray texture to a sunny wet garden with Juncus patens ‘Carmen’s Gray’. This perennial rush forms neat clumps of upright, rounded foliage, making it an attractive accent along pond edges, in moist borders or in pond containers.

Also known as spreading rush or California gray rush, Juncus patens is native to the western United States and Baja California. It tolerates seasonal flooding and, once established, some drought.

Plant details

• Perennial for USDA zones 7–10
• Mature height: approximately 12–24 inches
• Mature width: approximately 24 inches
• Blue-gray foliage with brown flowers
• Full sun; moderate growth rate

Starting from seed

Surface-sow on moist seed-starting mix. Do not bury the seeds, as light is needed for germination. Keep the mix consistently moist and maintain a temperature of approximately 64–71°F. Germination typically takes 14–21 days. Sow approximately 10 seeds per plant.

Transplanting and care

Grow seedlings in a bright location. When they reach about 4 inches tall, gradually harden them off before transplanting outdoors. Space plants approximately 12–18 inches apart. Keep young plants well watered while they establish, particularly in containers.