£3.17 – £4.57Price range: £3.17 through £4.57
Luzula sylvatica ‘Tauernpass’, the Great wood-rush, is an outstanding evergreen perennial. It provides glossy, vibrant green foliage year-round, excelling in shady UK garden spots, even dry shade. This low-maintenance plant is deer resistant and RHS H6 hardy.
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Discover Luzula sylvatica ‘Tauernpass’, the Great wood-rush, a superb evergreen perennial bringing vibrant, glossy green foliage to any shaded UK garden space.
This exceptional cultivar of Great wood-rush offers year-round interest and effortless charm. It forms neat, spreading clumps, making it an ideal choice for challenging shady areas in British gardens. Known for its robust nature and adaptability, Luzula sylvatica ‘Tauernpass’ thrives where many plants struggle. Gardeners appreciate its low-maintenance qualities and the elegant texture it adds to woodland borders or naturalistic planting schemes. Consequently, it has become a favourite for those seeking reliable, evergreen ground cover.
The botanical name Luzula likely comes from the Latin word luxula, meaning ‘little light’ or ‘sparkling’, perhaps referencing the dew drops on its leaves. Similarly, sylvatica means ‘of the woods’ or ‘forest-loving’, perfectly describing its natural habitat. The cultivar name ‘Tauernpass’ often suggests an origin from the Tauern mountain range, possibly where this particular selection was discovered or developed. As a true rush, it is distinct from grasses, yet shares a similar graceful form. This plant brings an authentic woodland feel to your outdoor space.
Luzula sylvatica ‘Tauernpass’ showcases striking, strap-like leaves. These leaves boast a glossy, mid-green colour and an attractive arching habit. They remain vibrant throughout the year, providing essential structure and colour during winter months. In late spring to early summer, between April and June, tiny, insignificant brownish flower spikes emerge. While these flowers are subtle, they add a delicate, airy quality to the plant’s overall appearance. However, the primary appeal of the Great wood-rush undoubtedly lies in its superb evergreen foliage.
This versatile perennial serves many purposes in the garden. It acts as an excellent ground cover, helping to knit together planting schemes in shaded areas. You can plant it under trees and shrubs, where it establishes well, even in dry shade once settled. It also works beautifully along the front of borders, creating a soft, textural edge. Furthermore, the Great wood-rush performs well in containers, providing a strong focal point or a complementary backdrop. Its naturalistic appeal makes it ideal for woodland gardens or naturalising in wilder areas.
While the modest flowers of Luzula sylvatica ‘Tauernpass’ do not typically attract many bees or butterflies, the dense foliage provides valuable shelter for small garden creatures. This contributes to the biodiversity of your garden. Regarding maintenance, this plant is remarkably fuss-free. Generally, you only need to remove any old or tatty leaves. Perform this simple task in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. This light trim helps to rejuvenate the plant, ensuring a fresh display of foliage each year.
Very hardy. Tolerates temperatures typical of a continental winter.
Luzula sylvatica 'Tauernpass' is a low-maintenance plant. Water regularly during its first year to aid establishment, especially in dry spells. Once established, it tolerates drier conditions, particularly in shade. In late winter or early spring, remove any old, damaged, or brown leaves to encourage fresh new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. No significant pruning or feeding is generally required.


