Botanical name:

Schoenus pauciflorus

Common name(s):

Bog rush, sedge tussock

About:

This rush-like plant features striking green to reddish purple foliage that develops more vibrant and pronounced colours during the colder months of the year. It typically grows to a height of approximately 40cm to 1m, making it a notable addition to gardens. This plant thrives in moist soil conditions and requires full sun to flourish. It is commonly found in wet areas, particularly from the King Country region extending southward.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to alpine (up to 1800m). However, mostly montane to alpine in northern two-thirds of its range. Common in damp seepages along cliff faces, in swamps, in seepages within forest, within mires and around lake tarn and stream sides. Sometimes colonises poorly drained pasture.

Growing environment:

Sun, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart, Chatham and Auckland Islands. Uncommon north of Rotorua.

Height: 1m

Flowering: 

September – April

Fruiting:

November - June

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Forests, Wetland’s & Container’s

How to grow:

Easily grown from rooted pieces and the division of whole plants. Can be grown from fresh seed but seed is often slow to germinate. Rather variable and as a horticultural subject it would require some selection of the diversity of forms present in the wild.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.