Elegia capensis (Horsetail Restio, Broom Reed)
Botanical Information
| Family | Restionaceae |
| Genus | Elegia |
| Species | capensis |
| Category | Perennials, Tropicals |
| Origin | Native to South Africa (Cape). |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 9b - 11 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cool season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1c - H3 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -4 - 10 |
| Temperature (°F) | 25 - 50 |
| Height | 2 - 3 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | May, June, July, August, September, October, November |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | A tall species with an open horsetail-like growth form. |
| Cultivation | Plant in a sheltered, consistently moist location in mild climates. If potting, use large containers (60 L) and an ericaceous mix with about 10 - 20 % composted bark chips for drainage. A slow release fertilizer such as osmocote may also prove advantageous. A layer of coarse mulch will assist in retaining moisture and provide some protection in winter. Tying the foliage if winter snows are expected will help protect the crown of the plant. Some winter burn may occur, however old foliage should not be removed in the spring until new growth has started to emerge. |
Photographs
