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Grass LikeHerbaceous Perennial

Elegia tectorum

Cape thatching reed

A tufted evergreen perennial with short rhizomes and mid to dark green stems. Male and female inflorescences are produced in late spring or summer composed of dark brown-black spikelets

Synonyms
Chondropetalum tectorum

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Black Brown
Summer Green Black Brown
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Restionaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Elegia is a genus of grass-like plants endemic to Cape Province in South Africa. Some species are grown as ornamentals with their decorative golden to dark brown flower spikes. Flowers can be white to greenish yellow and are fairly small and insignificant.

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Africa (Cape)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained preferably acid soil in full sun but tolerates alkaline soils. Grow under glass where temperatures fall below -5°C, in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. When in growth maintain low humidity and water sparingly in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 16-18°C in spring after soaking for 24 hours in warm water. Propagate by division in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required, tidy as necessary

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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