BAUMEA rubiginosa ‘Variegata’. New Zealand. Spike rush, striped rush. One has to be cautious about common names, which usually address what something looks like, or smells like, or tastes like. This “rush” is actually a sedge with confusing features. It forms tight clumps up to 2’ high. The leaves are narrow and tightly folded, resembling the stems of rushes. Along their joined margins are narrow yellow stripes, appearing as one. This is becoming a popular plant for poolside, moist shade gardens and containers. It thrives in sun or light shade along the coast, light shade or marshy conditions inland, in most non-alkaline soils. Its hardiness seems to be in dispute, though it has weathered 20^oF. here with no damage and logically would endure 15^o or less.