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Perennials, Tropicals > Elegia > Elegia capensis > Elegia capensis

Elegia capensis


Horsetail Restio, Broom Reed




Origin:  Native to South Africa (Cape).
Family
Restionaceae
Genus
Elegia
Species
capensis
Category
Perennials, Tropicals
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
9b - 11
Canadian Hardiness Zone
Requires cool season protection under glass.
RHS Hardiness Zone
H1c - H3
Temperature (°C)
-4 - 10
Temperature (°F)
25 - 50
Height
2 - 3 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
MayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovember
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.
Growth
Fast
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