Elegia

Elegia Capensis Plants For Sale

Adding ornamental grass plants such as Elegia capensis to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They provide a habitat and shelter for native fauna.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Horsetail Restio and Cape Thatching Reeds, and the right one for your space. Many of these amazing Elegia plants have been grown and multiplied in our nursery. They are thriving and ready for their new home. We stock only the highest quality plants, with each plant packed and transported with extreme care to ensure it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Elegia plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Elegia Tectorum and Elegia Capensis Questions

1. Is Elegia capensis invasive?

Elegia capensis can be invasive in warmer climates. It is a fast-growing plant that spreads via rhizomes, which are underground stems that can produce new plants. It can also spread by seed. Normally there is enough competition to slow plants spread and the cold weather sends plants into dormancy.

2. How tall does Elegia capensis grow?

Elegia capensis can grow up to 3 metres tall in ideal conditions. It is a fast-growing plant, and can reach its mature height within 2-5 years of planting.

3. Where is Elegia native to?

Elegia capensis is a native plant of South Africa, and is well-adapted to a Mediterranean climate. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but can tolerate some shade and drought.

4. What is Elegia used for?

Elegia capensis is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of garden settings. It can be planted as a stand-alone specimen, or planted in clusters and borders. It is also a popular choice for informal hedging.

5. How do you care for elegia tectorum?

Caring for Elegia tectorum is relatively straightforward, making it a great choice for gardeners of all levels. Here are the key points to remember:

• Elegia tectorum thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade, particularly in hot climates.
• Well-drained soil is essential. Sandy loam or a mix of compost and sand work well. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
• Water regularly during the first year of planting to establish its roots. Afterward, it's drought-tolerant and needs infrequent watering, even in hot weather.
• Occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer in spring can be beneficial.

6. What is the common name for Elegia tectorum?

While Elegia tectorum doesn't have one widely accepted common name, it has several common names used in different regions:

• Cape thatching reed: This name refers to its historical use as thatching material in South Africa, its native region.
• Dacriet (or dekriet): This Afrikaans name is common in South Africa and translates to "roofing reed," also referencing its historical use.
• Restio: This name refers to the Restionaceae family, to which Elegia tectorum belongs.
• Small Cape rush: This descriptive name highlights its smaller size compared to other restios and its Cape origin.
• Chondropetalum: This is an older genus name for Elegia tectorum, and you might still see it used in some sources.

7. What are the leaves of Chondropetalum tectorum?

It's important to note that Chondropetalum tectorum is now more accurately classified as Elegia tectorum according to recent DNA analysis. So, while both names might appear in older sources, Elegia tectorum is the preferred and current scientific name. With that in mind, the leaves of Elegia tectorum are:

• Long and reed-like: They can grow up to 1 meter in length and are very thin and cylindrical, resembling miniature bamboo shoots.
• Dark green: The leaves have a deep, rich green colour that provides a striking contrast against the plant's brown stems.
• Jointed: The leaves are segmented with nodes at regular intervals, adding to their distinctive appearance.
• Evergreen: Unlike many grasses, Elegia tectorum retains its leaves throughout the year, adding year-round interest to your garden.
• Texture: The leaves are smooth and feel waxy to the touch.

Overall, the leaves of Elegia tectorum contribute significantly to its aesthetic appeal. They create a graceful, vertical form and add a touch of architectural interest to gardens.