About
A tufted evergreen perennial with short rhizomes and mid to dark green stems. Male and female inflorescences are produced in late spring or summer composed of dark brown-black spikelets.
About the genus
Elegia is a genus of grass-like plants endemic to Cape Province in South Africa. Some species are grown as ornamentals with their decorative golden to dark brown flower spikes. Flowers can be white to greenish yellow and are fairly small and insignificant.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toS Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained preferably acid soil in full sun but tolerates alkaline soils. Grow under glass where temperatures fall below -5°C, in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light. When in growth maintain low humidity and water sparingly in winter. See ornamental grasses cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required, tidy as necessary
PropagationPropagate by seed at 16-18°C in spring after soaking for 24 hours in warm water. Propagate by division in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free