Elegia tectorum

Also Known As

Chondropetalum tectorum
Cape Rush
Restio

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 2'-3'
W: 2'

planting zones

9a-10b

More Options

Elegia tectorum plant details

Elegia tectorum is an evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In summer chocolate flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Elegia tectorum

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: restionaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: chocolate blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, pond margin, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Elegia tectorum

USDA Zones: 9a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Zn 9. Dark green clumps of unbranched stems.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

This architectural plant offers dense clumps of wiry, deep green stems that develop papery, chocolate-brown bands and long lasting dark brown seed heads. Ideal in an attractive pot or a protected area of the garden, this species is hardy to minus seven degrees Celsius and prefers sandy, well-drained soil. C. tectorum is endemic to South Africa's Cape Province and belongs to the restios, a family of Southern Hemisphere rush- and sedge-like plants.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

This long-lived plant belongs to the Restionaceae, a family of rushlike evergreens from the Cape region of South Africa. Papery chocolate-brown bands and long lasting dark brown seed heads contrast with the wiry, deep green stems and small greenish inflorescences. Ideal for low maintenance gardens, this sculptural beauty is hardy to 20

By: Digging Dog Nursery

Plant above water line

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

A superb member of the Restionaceae family (the Restios) from South Africa, the dark green, reed-like stems rise from a dense basal clump and reach up to 5' tall. Each stem is banded with chocolate bracts that lighten to a warm golden color before being shed. A strong and durable perennial for full sun or light shade with regular to moderate water, Chondropetalum has also proved to be quite tolerant of boggy or clay soils. Stunning when used in containers. Hardy to 20F. South Africa.

By: Native Sons

“Rich dark green stems giving the appearance of a common rush, but more relaxed - radiating in an arc.” Hardy to 25 °F.

By: Cactus Jungle

This stunning South African restio has arching, evergreen foliage, wispy on reed-like stems to 3-5' or so, with brown flowers appearing on the stem tipes. Very striking and useful as an accent in the garden, but truly shines in a container. Though the native habitat is wet, these accept both drenched and dry conditions once established. Full to part sun. Protect at 20 °F, the bottom of USDA zone 9.