Elegia capensis

Also Known As

Broom Reed
Horsetail Restio

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 4'-7'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

9b-11

More Options

Elegia capensis plant details

Elegia capensis is an evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with chocolate and green foliage. In spring and summer chartreuse flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Elegia capensis

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: restionaceae
Foliage: evergreen chocolate and green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 4 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: chartreuse blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Elegia capensis

USDA Zones: 9b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This spectacular architectural plant is probably the most well known restio in cultivation. It has dense clumps of wiry, deep green stems with ferny “leaves” emerging at each node. Picture a pine tree crossed with an asparagus fern all with arching stems! It’s very cool. Ideal in an attractive pot or a protected area of the garden, this species is hardy to minus twelve degrees Celsius and prefers sandy, well-drained soil. E. capensis is endemic to South Africa’s Cape Province.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

This handsome vertical growing perennial resembles a giant horsetail, and indeed is found naturally alongside streams and in moist seeps. Reaching almost 7' tall (larger in ideal settings) and forming a dense clump of cylindrical stems ringed with thread-like branches in tight whorls, this large species is well suited to poolside gardens, specimen plantings and oversized containers. Cinnamon-colored papery leaf bracts also line the stems creating additional ornamental interest.