Botanical Name: Juncus effusus ‘Twister’

Common Name: Ornamental Rush

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 5–9)

Size: 18–24" Tall × 12–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Clumping Habit with Twisted Stems

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: Moist to Wet Soil; Adapts to Average Garden Soil

Water Needs: High; Prefers Consistently Moist Conditions

Bloom Season: Grown for Foliage (Spring through Fall)

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Corkscrew Blue-Green Stems, Strong Texture, Architectural Interest

Uses: Containers, Water Gardens, Rain Gardens, Accent Plantings, Modern Landscapes

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Juncus ColorGrass® Twister

Juncus ColorGrass® Twister is a playful yet architectural rush known for its naturally twisted, corkscrew-like stems. The blue-green foliage creates movement and visual interest even without wind, making it an excellent accent plant in containers and contemporary landscapes.

Like other juncus varieties, Twister thrives in consistently moist or wet soils, performing beautifully near water features or in rain gardens. It also adapts well to standard garden soil when watered regularly.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Twister has been extremely reliable in both sun and partial shade. It holds its twisted form throughout the season, tolerates heat and humidity, and requires very little maintenance once established.

We especially appreciate its role as a statement plant. It works beautifully as a container centerpiece or a focal accent where its unique form can be appreciated up close. The twisted stems pair well with softer, mounding plants and flowing textures.

ColorGrass® Twister vs. Other Other Grasses

Juncus ‘Twister’ is a curly ornamental rush, offering movement and personality that none of the other grasses in your selection provide. Compared to Blue Arrow and Blue Dart, Twister trades rigidity for motion, creating visual interest even without wind. It feels more playful than Prince Tut™, which relies on mass rather than form, and far more sculptural than Pink Muhly Grass outside of bloom season. Twister also stands apart from Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’, offering year-round interest instead of seasonal flair.

In containers, Twister contrasts strongly with Rubrum, which focuses on color rather than shape. Compared to Carex ‘Red Rooster’, Twister feels lighter and more dynamic, while Red Rooster brings foliage richness. It is less moisture-dependent than Acorus ‘Ogon’ and easier to integrate into mixed containers. Twister is your best grass for adding motion, texture, and modern flair without relying on flowers.