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
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Black Brown | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Black Brown | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Restionaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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 loam-based (JI No2) 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
Get involved
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