Overview
Equisetum telmateia is a bushy, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Equisetum, part of the Equisetaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and Wider than 8 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Equisetum telmateia grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include bog gardens, containers and pond plants. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Madeira Island and Porto Santo island.
About
Equisetum telmateia, the great horsetail, is a species of Equisetum (horsetail) native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa. It was formerly widely treated in a broader sense including a subspecies in western North America, but this is now treated as a separate species, Equisetum braunii.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Equisetum telmateia
About the genus
Equisetum is the only living genus in Equisetaceae, a family of vascular plants that reproduce by spores rather than seeds.
Wikipedia contributors, "Equisetum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Equisetum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Equisetum
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Equisetum telmateia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- Wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Bog gardens, Containers, Pond plants
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Madeira Island, Porto Santo island
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Equisetum telmateia
- Propagation
- Division, Spores
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Equisetum telmateia?
Equisetum telmateia prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Equisetum telmateia need?
Equisetum telmateia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained to well-drained.
How big does Equisetum telmateia grow?
Equisetum telmateia reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of Wider than 8 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Equisetum telmateia hardy in the UK?
Equisetum telmateia has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Equisetum telmateia?
Division, Spores.
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