Elegia

( el - leh - JEE - ah )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus, commonly called Goldreeds or Restio, is composted of grassy perennial native to water-adjacent areas in South Africa. These plants reach 6-8 feet tall on average and are decorated at the nodes with whorls with papery leaf bracts. Flowers top stems from fall through winter, and are copper-brown in color. Stems arch and sway with the wind. These plants were practically made for poolside locations and pond edges. They can also do well in large pots.

Elegia Species and Varietals

The genus Elegia is a member of the Restiionaceae plant family and includes between 50 and 52 distinct species. The best growing zones for these plants are USDA hardiness zones 9-11 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9, and 14-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Elegia capensis (Horsetail Restio, Bergamboes, Broom Reed, Besemriet, Fonteinriet, Katstert)
This perennials species is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Plants look similar to those in the genus Equisetum. Individual plants reach up to about 5 feet tall when mature (exceptionally 10 feet tall). Flowers are brown and inconspicuous. These plants form upright, reed-like stems with dark papery sheaths at the joints. This species is considered invasive in New Zealand.

Elegia elephantina (Chondropetalum elephantinum) (Large Cape Rush)
This species is native to the western Cape Provinces of South Africa, and is commonly cultivated as a garden ornamental. These plants do well in coastal or water-wise gardens, and are valued for their tall, dark green, reed-like stems that can reach up to between 6 and 15 feet tall at maturity.

Elegia equisetacea (Horsetail Restio, Broom Reed)
This species of reed-like flowering plant is native to the southwestern region of the Cape Provinces in South Africa. It is commonly grown as a garden ornamental. It forms a dense, clumping plant with dark green stems and golden-brown flowering heads.

Elegia tectorum (Chrondropetalum tectorum, Restio tectorum) (Cape Thatching Reed, Dakriet, Kaapse Dakriet, Small Cape Rush, Restio, Roof Reed)
This perennial species forms tufts of leaves, and is native to marshes and seeps in the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa. Individual plants reach up to between 2 and 4 feet tall and just as wide.

Caring for Elegia

Plant Restio (Elegia) in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms. They can also tolerate light shade, especially in warm climates. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Restio does well in sandy soils. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants are drought tolerant, though they do appreciate regular moisture. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Do not allow soil to dry out completely.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Elegia plants are long-lived evergreen perennials, and are able to survive in the landscape for over a decade with proper care before needing to be replaced. They form clumps over time that can be divided to produce new plants, as well. For instructions on how to successfully divide a Restio plant, see the Propagation section below.

Caring for Elegia in Containers
Elegia are wonderful in the ground, but also make a bold statement in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Elegia plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot. For instructions on how to divide Elegia, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

Elegia, or Restio, is best propagated by seed or division. These plants will form clumps that can be divided every two or three years for planting elsewhere or simply to control their spread. Seeds are also produced in fall, and can be harvested and intentionally sown (indoors or outdoors) to create new plants. To propagate your Restio, follow the directions below:

Propagating Elegia by Seed

Gather your materials. You will need a pot or seed tray and well-draining potting soil.
Harvest your seeds. They are contained inside of the seed pods that form at the top of stems in fall. Remove pods from the plant and place them in a paper bag to avoid losing them. They are wind dispersed, and will easily blow away in a breeze.
These seeds typically need a smoke treatment to germinate; it is recommended to use a smoke disc or liquid smoke to treat the seeds and improve germination success rates.
Prepare a pot or growing tray by filling it with well-draining potting soil. Place seeds on top of the potting mix, spaced about 4- 6 inches apart. Sprinkle potting medium over the top until the seeds are just lightly dusted. Place the seeds in an area that remains between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
As the seeds are starting out, it is best to use a spray bottle to add moisture to avoid uncovering their light soil topping. Keep the soil moist as the seeds develop.
Continue to monitor for moisture and adequate soil covering until the seeds start to sprout, which should take between 3 and 6 weeks. Once they are of adequate size and the chance of frost has passed by, seedlings can be transplanted to a sunny area of the garden. Keep the soil moist as the plant establishes itself, and then resume regular care.

Propagating Elegia by Division
Division is the simplest way to propagate these plants. The idea behind this method is to take an existing clump of live plants and break it into smaller segments. This is something you will want to do whether or not you are looking to propagate your plant, as they need to be divided every few years (especially if grown in containers or cramped spaces) for health. Otherwise, the roots will become too crowded. To propagate your Restio by division, follow the instructions below:

Identify the area of plants you're going to divide. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the roots. Once you've gotten your clump out of the ground, lay it out on its side.
Divide the clump into segments, either with your shovel or with a pruning saw, as many as you'd like as long as there is at least one viable 'shoot' per segment. Inspect each segment to ensure health, trimming off any diseased or dying parts and lay them out on the ground.
If you will be planting the division in the ground, this is when you'll prepare a new hole. Dig a hole (large enough to accommodate the root ball of the clump you are planting) in the ground with your shovel in a sunny location with soil that is well-draining. Backfill and water generously.
If you are transporting your division elsewhere, or hanging on to it until you're ready to plant it, you'll need your pot filled with potting soil. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of your division, and place your new plant in the soil. Water generously, ensuring that adequate drainage is occurring. Place the pot in a sunny location until you are ready to plant it in the ground.

Problems and Pests

Certain species of Elegia are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Elegia grasses can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the garden: