Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Chondropetalum tectorum

Thatching Reed, Small Cape Rush

Chondropetalum tectorum is an elegant evergreen restio valued for its slender upright stems and fine architectural form. It provides year round texture and movement, making it a popular choice for contemporary, coastal, and naturalistic gardens. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, this hardy plant is easy to grow and delivers a striking structural element with minimal maintenance.

chondropetalum-tectorum-2
chondropetalum-tectorum-

Chondropetalum tectorum (Thatching Reed) is currently unavailable.

Notify me when this is available:
Please enter your email address below if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Grasses
Height:1.00 m
Spread:1.00 m
Flowering time:Summer
Tolerances:Extended dry periods, Wind
Garden uses:Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles:Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known asThatching Reed, Small Cape Rush
Sku14510

How to grow Chondropetalum tectorum in NZ

Chondropetalum tectorum grows best in full sun with fertile, free draining soil. It also tolerates consistently moist soils provided drainage is adequate. Water regularly while establishing, mulch annually to conserve moisture, and apply a balanced fertiliser each spring to promote vigorous growth.

Chondropetalum tectorum care tips

Remove old or damaged stems at ground level to keep the clump looking fresh and tidy. Water during prolonged dry periods, particularly in the first few years after planting. Divide mature clumps every few years if required to rejuvenate growth and create additional plants.

Chondropetalum tectorum size, spacing, and growth rate

Chondropetalum tectorum typically grows 1 to 2 metres tall and 80 centimetres to 1.2 metres wide. Space plants about 1 metre apart to allow them to develop into dense, graceful clumps. Growth is moderate under favourable conditions.

Landscaping uses for Chondropetalum tectorum

Chondropetalum tectorum is ideal for modern gardens, coastal landscapes, rain gardens, pond margins, feature borders, and mass planting. Its upright stems pair beautifully with grasses, flaxes, palms, and other architectural plants while adding year round texture.

Why buy Chondropetalum tectorum from The Plant Company?

The Plant Company is NZ’s most trusted plant nursery and supplies premium quality Chondropetalum tectorum plants that are grown for exceptional health and long term garden performance. Every plant is carefully selected before dispatch and securely packaged for fast nationwide delivery. Our experienced team provides expert advice and dependable customer service to help your garden thrive.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Chondropetalum tectorum (Thatching Reed)? We are here to help.

A large Chondropetalum elephantinum rush with green foliage growing in a garden.
Most Popular Chondropetalum elephantinum (Large Cape Rush)

Chondropetalum elephantinum is a striking evergreen restio grown for its upright reed like stems that create bold architectural form and movement...

CUSTOM QUOTE
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Most Popular Carex comans Green

Carex comans Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$11.50
Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.
Most Popular Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra Tanika is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a graceful...

From$10.97
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Most Popular Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$6.95
isolepsis-cernua-1
Most Popular Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua)

Isolepis cernua (Fiber Optic Grass) is a distinctive ornamental grass prized for its fine green stems tipped with tiny white flowers that resemble...

From$16.49
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews