Should I Cut Back Common Rush And Mohawk Rush?

Question

I am in zone 8a and it is mid to late March in N.C. piedmont.. The 2 plants above are still mostly green and full but some tan spikes… probably 85% green…Should I cut back to the ground ?

Answer 1

Most ornamental grasses, sedges, and rushes look best when cut almost to the ground before new growth starts in spring. If you think your plants still look good and they didn't die back over the winter, you can leave them. Try pulling out the dead spikes with gloved hands and see if that improves their look. If the center is dying out it needs to be divided. Here is more about common rush:

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/juncus-effusus/