Juncus inflexus 'Afro'

European Meadow Rush

Juncus inflexus ‘Afro’ — commonly called blue rush — is a compact ornamental rush valued for its dense tuft of upright, finely textured blue-green stems that form a rounded, fountain-like clump resembling a soft pom-pom. The foliage has a distinctive steel-blue cast, and small brown flower clusters may appear near the stem tips in summer, adding subtle seasonal interest.

Type: Perennial

Mature Size:
Width: 12–18 in.
Height: 18–24 in.

USDA Zones: 4a–9b

Form: Dense, upright clump

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist to wet soil; tolerates clay and boggy conditions

Water: Medium to high; prefers consistently moist soil

Wildlife: Provides cover for beneficial wetland insects

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for rain gardens, pond edges, containers, and mixed moisture-loving plantings. Its compact blue foliage provides strong texture and color contrast with flowering perennials.

Care: Keep soil evenly moist for best appearance. Cut back old stems in early spring before new growth emerges. Divide clumps every few years if needed to maintain density.

Plant type

Perennial, Sedge Or Rush

Height

18-24"

Width

12-18"

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring, Summer

Flower color

Brown

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Average, Tolerant of Clay, Wet Area

Landscape use

Bog Gardens, Container, Water Garden

Shape

Clumping, Dense, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No