Snowy Woodrush, Luzula nivea

Two years ago I bought a couple of small Snowy Woodrush (Luzula nivea) plants from a lady who was selling plants outside one of our local charity shops.

I first grew Luzula nivea in the garden at the Belvedere Centre in Norwich, where it did very well in dappled shade in heavy clay soil. I wasn’t sure how well the plants would do in our very light sandy loam, but I needn’t have worried. They have done extremely well and have produced several seedlings, which I have potted up for sale at my wife’s Open Studios opening.

Luzula nivea is a native of southwestern and central Europe. It will grow in a range of soil types and from sun to quite deep shade, though it is happiest in semi-shade. It is an evergreen perennial, reaching 60cm (2 feet) tall and providing dense ground cover as it gradually spreads outwards. On light soil it is a good idea to add compost to improve the soil structure and retain moisture, before planting.

The leaves are quite attractive, covered in tiny white hairs to give the plant its white or ‘snowy’ appearance. In late spring (May – June here in Norfolk) it has spikes of white flowers. (The name nivea means ‘white’.) The flowers are very attractive for about a month, then they start growing brown. At this point the spikes can be cut off down to the base, to tidy up the plant, though if you want seedlings you’ll need to leave a few on the plant. Otherwise the plant needs little or no maintenance. The flowers last well in water and can be dried as well.

As you can see from the photograph above, my Snowy Woodrushes are planted next to a perennial wallflower, Erysimum ‘Bowles’ Mauve’, which will provide interest after the woodrushes’ white flowers have gone.