Botanical Name: Juncus inflexus ‘Blue Arrow’

Common Name: Blue Arrow Rush, ColorGrass® Blue Arrow

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 5–9

Size: 30–36" Tall × 12–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming, Architectural Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: Moist to Wet Soils; Adapts to Average Garden Soils Once Established

Water Needs: Moderate to High; Tolerates Standing Water and Drought Once Established

Bloom Season: Grown for Foliage

Fertilizer: Minimal; Light Feeding in Containers

Features: Steel-Blue Foliage, Vertical Texture, Heat Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Excellent Moisture Tolerance

Uses: Rain Gardens, Pond Edges, Containers, Accent Plantings, Modern Landscapes

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Juncus ‘ColorGrass® Blue Arrow’

Juncus ‘ColorGrass® Blue Arrow’ is an Ornamental Grass that immediately changes the energy of a space the moment you plant it. Its bold, vertical form and distinctive steel blue foliage create instant structure, especially in designs where clean lines and strong silhouettes matter. The stiff, upright stems rise straight and narrow, almost architectural in feel, which makes it an outstanding focal point in modern gardens, large containers, and structured mixed plantings. Unlike many ornamental grasses that shift color or fade as the Summer heat intensifies, ‘Blue Arrow’ holds that cool blue tone consistently, even through our humidity here in Zone 8a. That steady color presence gives it a reliability I truly value in landscape design.

This variety thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and absolutely shines in rain gardens, pond edges, bioswales, and low lying areas where other ornamentals tend to sulk. I have planted it in spots where drainage is less than ideal, and instead of struggling, it leans into those conditions. What surprises most people is its adaptability once established. In well prepared soil with strong root development, it shows more drought tolerance than you would expect, especially compared to traditional rushes. The clump forming habit stays tight and upright without flopping or spreading aggressively, so it maintains a refined, intentional look with very little intervention.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials here at the garden center, ‘Blue Arrow’ stood out for its durability more than anything else. We had stretches of intense Summer heat followed by heavy rain events, and the plants never lodged or collapsed. The stems remained upright and symmetrical, almost like disciplined columns holding their posture no matter what the weather brought. The foliage stayed clean and blue without scorching or browning, even in full sun exposures where many blue toned plants tend to fade by August. That consistency makes it incredibly dependable in both residential landscapes and commercial plantings.

What I personally appreciate most is the texture it brings without depending on blooms for impact. Not every garden moment needs flowers screaming for attention. Sometimes you need strong form and quiet movement. ‘Blue Arrow’ pairs beautifully with flowering perennials, bold foliage plants, and contemporary designs where contrast is key. In challenging moisture conditions, it performs with confidence and minimal upkeep, offering structure, rhythm, and year round visual strength in a way few plants can match.

Blue Arrow vs. Other Ornamental Grass

Juncus ‘Blue Arrow’ is a true rush, prized in your collection for its tight, upright form and bold vertical structure, making it one of the cleanest architectural grasses you offer. Compared to Juncus ‘Blue Dart’ and Juncus ‘Twister’, Blue Arrow is more rigid and columnar, lacking the curl or movement but gaining a sharper, more modern look. It contrasts strongly with Prince Tut™, which has a softer, fountain-like silhouette, and with Pink Muhly Grass, which is far airier and seasonal in appearance. Where Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’ brings motion and color, Blue Arrow brings discipline and structure.

In mixed plantings, Blue Arrow behaves very differently from Rubrum and Fireworks Pennisetum, which both spread outward and visually soften edges. Blue Arrow also differs from Carex ‘Red Rooster’, offering straighter lines and less foliage texture variation. Compared to Acorus ‘Ogon’, it tolerates drier conditions better and looks more refined in contemporary containers. This makes Blue Arrow your best choice for modern designs, narrow spaces, and structured container arrangements.