Luzula Nivea or Snowy Woodrush

Luzula Nivea is a spreading evergreen perennial with pure white summer flowers. This no-fuss woodland plant likes damp soil and shade. It’s an excellent choice for ground cover, low maintenance pathways, or pond edging. 

Better known as Snowy Woodrush, this spreading plant is a native European forest flower that will slowly colonise moist soils. Although it looks like a type of grass, it’s a member of the rush family.

Luzula Nivea grows in an evergreen clump, with long dark green strappy foliage that inches its way across shady open ground, preserving the soil. In June and July, masses of pure white pollinator-friendly flowers emerge in fluffy clusters on tall stems.

This is an excellent no-care soil preserving evergreen for edging and naturalising shady spots.

Height and Spread of Luzula Nivea
Each clump of Luzula Nivea will reach a maximum height of 60 centimetres and spread 50 centimetres across.

How Hardy is Luzula Nivea
This is a hardy evergreen if it’s grown in damp, but not waterlogged, soil. It can cope with UK winters and exposed spots, but does best when sheltered because it’s naturally a woodland plant.

How To Use Luzula Nivea
This low-maintenance spreading evergreen is a useful architectural plant that brings year-round interest and a big flush of pure white brightness in summer. It fills gaps in a shady mixed border, edges pathways, and can be used to colonise an open space.
If you have a difficult shady spot, fill it with a swathe of Snowy Woodrush and it will attract bees and amphibians that like to shelter in the moist soil beneath its protective strappy foliage. 

How To Care For Luzula Nivea
Snowy Woodrush is easy to grow and needs very little care.
Plant it in shade to partial shade on damp ground and it will spread every year. Pruning isn’t required, but you can tidy up dead foliage in spring to make room for new growth. When plants reach three years old, you can split them with a sharp spade to rejuvenate the clump and make new plants.
Water it well until you see new growth and during dry spells because it needs consistently moist soil to thrive. Mulch Snowy Woodrush in early spring to help retain moisture and add nutrients to boost its summertime flower display.