Rush Skeletonplant

Choosing the Right Spot: The Rush Skeletonplant, or Lygodesmia juncea, is a hardy plant that thrives in dry, sunny environments. This makes it perfect for areas with full sun and well-drained soil. If you have a spot in your garden that’s a bit sandy or rocky, this plant will love it there!

Timing: You can plant Rush Skeletonplant in either early spring or fall. The cooler temperatures during these seasons will help the plant settle into its new home without too much stress from heat.

Tools and Materials:

Seeds or young plants (if you're a beginner, starting with young plants might be easier)

Sandy or well-draining soil

A small trowel or hand shovel

Watering can

Tip: If your soil tends to hold water, mix in some sand or gravel to improve drainage. This plant doesn’t like wet feet!

If Starting with Seeds:

1. Prepare a small patch of soil by loosening it with your trowel.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil, spacing them about 6 inches apart.
3. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil – they need light to germinate, so don’t bury them too deep.
4. Gently water the area, making sure the soil is moist but not soaking wet.

If Using Young Plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your young plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
3. Fill in the hole with soil, gently pressing down to remove any air pockets.
4. Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle in.

Tip: Since Rush Skeletonplant likes it dry, you won’t need to water it as often as other plants. Just keep an eye on the soil in the first few weeks to make sure it doesn’t completely dry out.

Sunlight Requirements: Rush Skeletonplant loves sunlight! It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. If you’re growing it indoors, place it near a south-facing window where it can soak up plenty of rays.

Watering Method:

• Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant, meaning it doesn’t need frequent watering.
• During the first month, water lightly once a week if there’s no rain.
• After that, you can reduce watering to every two weeks or just rely on natural rainfall.

Fertilizing Tips:

• Rush Skeletonplant doesn’t need much fertilizer. In fact, too much can harm it!
• If you want to give it a little boost, use a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Support and Pruning:

• This plant grows upright and doesn’t usually need staking or support.
• You can trim back any dead stems in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.

Tip: Don’t overwater! Remember, this plant thrives in dry conditions, so err on the side of caution when it comes to watering.

When to Harvest: While Rush Skeletonplant isn’t typically grown for food or flowers, you might want to collect seeds if you’re interested in propagating more plants. The seed heads will form in late summer or early fall. Wait until they turn brown and dry before collecting.

How to Harvest:

1. Gently snip off the dried seed heads using scissors or pruning shears.
2. Place the seed heads in a paper bag and shake gently to release the seeds.
3. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them.

Storage: If you’re keeping the seeds for next season, make sure they’re completely dry before storing them in an airtight container. Label the container with the date and plant name so you don’t forget!

Tip: Even though this plant isn’t harvested for eating, it’s great for adding texture and interest to your garden. Its unique appearance makes it a standout in rock gardens or xeriscapes.

Q: My Rush Skeletonplant looks droopy. What should I do?

A: Drooping can be a sign of overwatering. Check the soil – if it’s soggy, cut back on watering and let the soil dry out a bit. This plant prefers dry conditions, so less is more when it comes to water.

Q: Can I grow Rush Skeletonplant in a pot?

A: Yes, you can! Just make sure the pot has good drainage holes and use a sandy or gritty soil mix. Keep it in a sunny spot and water sparingly.

Q: Why are my plant's leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellowing leaves could mean too much water or poor drainage. Make sure the soil is drying out between waterings and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Q: Does Rush Skeletonplant attract pollinators?

A: While it may not produce showy flowers, it does attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which can help support the health of your garden.

Q: Is this plant invasive?

A: No, Rush Skeletonplant is not considered invasive. It’s a well-behaved native plant that fits nicely into naturalized areas or wildflower gardens.