Twisted Juncus: A twisted plant

  Grasses offer a lot to the garden. They provide movement and structure in a form that other perennial plants simply cannot. However true grasses fall short in their habitat preface. The majority of true grasses prefer dry conditions and as such, they would be unsuitable for damp or wet locations. Luckily for the gardeners, there are several grass-like plants that prefer these inhospitable conditions and offer the same attributes as true grasses to the garden, one such genus is Juncus. The genus Juncus is incredibly diverse with members being found all around the world in a variety of habitats. The focus of today is Juncus effus f. spiralis, a species that has many traits considered classic to the genus but with a few twists in store as well.
  Juncus effusus f. spiralis is an unusual grass-like plant that features spiraled foliage.  The straight species is found all around the world and is considered circumpolar. In the wild the plant is found in bogs and as such is a plant of moist locations given the gardener hints of where it could be used. This plant is recommended for pond and bog plantings. In my own garden, it is a resident of a bog pot to which it shares it home with the likes of astilbes and heucheras. It is small compared to some of its relatives with maximum growth reaching 18 inches when fully established. This makes the plant a good specimen for either midground or container plantings. Being found in colder climates means that this plant suffers from the heat we have in the south. That is not to mean one can't grow it. In the south simply plant it in the shade. Regardless where you plant it one must keep an eye on this plant. It is known to slowly spread by rhizomes below the soil surface, ever encroaching on the territory of its neighbors. This is a trait that many Juncus have but this species is perhaps one of least aggressive of this genus. If one is concerned about its ability to spread simply plant it in a pot. If allowed to free roam the plant is easy to cut back. Simply take divisions from it outer layers and share them with friends.

Some potted on divisons of Juncus effus f. spiralis 

   In terms of foliage, the Juncus effus f. spiralis differs from the straight species in having twisted leaves. Leaves first emerge straight and with age start to twist in on themselves. The leaves are a glaucous green and waxy in texture. This waxy texture in the wild aids in protecting the plant from herbivores be it the jaws of deer or invertebrates. This plant creates a dynamic statement in terms of architecture in any planting as its form is so unique. Along with its spiraling foliage, it is an evergreen species which is added bonus. Some, however, may argue that the overall form of the plant is messy but to this gardener, it is messiness that brings back memories of childhoods messy hair. This messy twisting foliage has some benefits to wildlife. This twisting maze of foliage provides habitat to many invertarabates. With my own specimen, I have observed several assassin bugs hanging about and no doubt hunting the Juncus's other residents.
  Maintenance of this plant is quite simple, follow any dead foliage down to the crown and cut it away. Removal of said foliage should be done on an annual basis as to maintain a clean look for your plant. Propagation of the plant is also pretty straightforward. This plant can be propagated by division. I have  tried using my hands but the roots are tough and thick and do not give in easily, I instead recommend the use of spade and shovel to pry the plant apart. There are several cultivars and seed strains on the market now, I have no experience on them and they seem to resemble the species closely. Perhaps later we can run a trial on them, instill then watch this space.

*Update: Unfortunately the Juncus in the bog pot passed away from prolonged drought. It has been replaced but this time in a separate pot that experiences a bit less moister than the bog. The hope is that this specimen will be a little more leanit and survive any prolonged droughts given it has adapted to the drier but still slightly most conditions of its current home.