Great wood-rush 'Aurea'

Luzula sylvatica 'Aurea' is a fantastic cultivar of the native British Great Wood-rush, perfect for adding a year-round splash of gold to the woodland floor. This evergreen perennial forms dense, tufted mounds of broad, grass-like leaves that are a bright greenish-gold, especially vivid in the winter and spring. In early summer, it produces airy, brownish flower clusters that are held above the foliage, though they are less significant than the leaves themselves. Reaching about 30-60cm in height and spread, it is incredibly tough and fully hardy (H7). It is one of the best plants for colonizing large areas under the canopy of established trees, as it is very tolerant of dry shade once it has settled in. It is effective at suppressing weeds and requires virtually no maintenance. The golden foliage provides an excellent contrast to dark green ferns or blue-flowered plants like bugle. It is also a valuable habitat plant for ground-nesting insects and spiders. 120-180 words.

Sun: Full shade.

Soil: Any well-drained soil; tolerates dry shade.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Apr, May, Jun.