Scouring Rush

The Scouring Rush or Equisetum hymenale is one of approximately 25 plants in this family that are found on damp soils around the world (except Australia and New Zealand interestingly enough)

The variety most often sold in garden shops is E. hymenale and while it can be evergreen in warmer areas, it is wildly spreading in almost all garden zones.

Do not let this plant out of its container - do not plant it in the bare soil

I hope I'm clear enough here. Scouring Rush can be a major pest in the garden and very difficult to eradicate.

Growing Conditions

Having said that - growing to 3-4 feet tall, it is a wonderful extension adding height to the garden design. This plant will tolerate being grown in anything from damp soils right through to 8 inches of standing water.

It prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade.

Propagation

It divides easily in the spring and will fill a pot in a single year. It will also self-sow so follow the instructions below

Flowering is a brownish bloom on top of a spike. Not overly attractive, I recommend you deadhead this as soon as it has finished flowering and do not let it set or spread seed in your garden.

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