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Colour Grasses
Small Cape Rush / Kaapse dekriet
Elegia Tectorum / Chondropetalum tectorum
Is a hardy, evergreen, clump-forming, reed-like plant with thin, dark green stems.
Quick Care Summary
Light
Full sun to Partial Shade.
Water
Moderate
Mature size
100–150 cm high and 60–100 cm width
Frost
Frost hardy
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering
Summer; produces small, inconspicuous brown flowers at stem tips
How to Grow and Care
- Watering: Chondropetalum tectorum is drought-tolerant but benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods. It is recommended to water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, making it versatile for various garden settings.
- Soil: It adapts well to different soil types, including sandy and well-drained soils, and can tolerate a wide pH range
Best Uses
- Outdoor garden
- Patio / container
- Standing Plant pot /container
Growth and Size
- Height: 100–150 cm
- Width: 60–100 cm
- Growth rate: Moderate
- Foliage: Tall, upright, reed-like stems with dark brown sheaths at the joints; clump-forming with a striking architectural look
Climate Suitability
- Soil condition: Well-draining sandy soil.
- Temperature: Warm & dry.
- Watering: Drought tolerant once established.
- Watering: Regular watering until settled.
- Wind: Tolerant
Maintenance Level
- Low maintenance.
- Minimal feeding required
- Occasional pruning
- Seasonal maintenance
- For optimal growth, it is advisable to remove old foliage before new leaves emerge and to divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring
- Fertilize in spring with slow-release fertilizer.
Additional Information
- Native to the Cape region of South Africa