Intermediate
skill rating
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Elegia tectorum (Cape reed)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
0.5m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Elegia tectorum
Other names
Cape reed, Thatching reed, Chondropetalum tectorum
Genus
Elegia Elegia
Species
E. tectorum - E. tectorum is a fairly fast-growing, architectural, evergreen perennial, forming a grass-like clump that has brown markings on its stems as it ages. In autumn, it bears compact, brown flower heads.
Elegia tectorum is: Evergreen
Habit
Arching, Clump-forming
Flower
Brown in Spring; Brown in Summer
Foliage
Green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Elegia tectorum (Cape reed) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, City, Coastal, Containers, Low Maintenance
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Not reliably frost-hardy so overwinter indoors. Straggly when young, but soon grows into a dense clump. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light. Water moderately.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Elegia tectorum
Other names
Cape reed, Thatching reed, Chondropetalum tectorum
Genus
Elegia Elegia
Species
E. tectorum - E. tectorum is a fairly fast-growing, architectural, evergreen perennial, forming a grass-like clump that has brown markings on its stems as it ages. In autumn, it bears compact, brown flower heads.
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Arching, Clump-forming
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Colour
Flower
Brown in Spring; Brown in Summer
Foliage
Green in All seasons
General care
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Elegia tectorum (Cape reed) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, City, Coastal, Containers, Low Maintenance
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Not reliably frost-hardy so overwinter indoors. Straggly when young, but soon grows into a dense clump. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light. Water moderately.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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