Cape Rush
Chondropetalum tectorum
Small, unique plant forms broad clumps of thin erect jointed stems; excellent used in mass plantings or as a garden specimen. Accepts either dry situations or wet areas such as ponds. Evergreen.
| Botanical Pronunciation: | kon-dro-PET-a-lum tek-TO-rum |
| Key feature: | Waterwise |
| Plant type: | Ornamental Grass |
| Garden styles: | Contemporary, Rustic |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Evergreen |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 8 - 10 |
| Light needs: | Full sun |
| Sunset climate zones: | 8, 9, 14 - 24 |
| Water Needs: | Once established, needs only occasional watering. |
| Average landscape size: | Slow growing to 2 to 3 ft. high, equal spread. |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Special features: | Deer Resistant, Easy Care, Waterwise |
| Landscape uses: | Border, Erosion Control, Poolside, Seacoast Exposure, Water Garden |
| Flower color: | Brown |
| Blooms: | Inconspicuous |
| Foliage color: | Green |
| Item no.: | 3864 |
| Retailers for this plant: |
Care Information
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. For a neat appearance, remove old foliage before new leaves emerge. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.
Design Ideas
Cape rush is particularly well suited to the shores of water gardens and pools, particularly around boulders and in conjunction with rock waterfalls. Really lends the illusion of water in a dry stream bed. Super cool in swanky pots for both Asian and modern garden styles. A versatile plant that offers fine textured interest to broadleaf compositions.
Companion Plants
Combine cape rush with other rugged heat lovers such as Navajo White Autumn Sage, (Salvia greggii 'Navajo White'), Red Rocks Penstemon, (Penstemon x mexicali 'Red Rocks'), Little Ollie Dwarf Olive, (Olea europea 'Montra') and Otto Quast Spanish Lavender, (Lavandula stoechas 'Otto Quast').
History
This unique rush is native to the South African Cape region at the tip of the continent. It is dioecious with separate male and female plants. The genus falls into the newly formed Restio family which is comprised of about 15 genera. The species is found in the wetlands between Clanwilliam and Port Elisableth and can grow to six feet in wild stands. Notoriously difficult to propagate, efforts by the Kirstenbosch Garden have finally brought the plant to the American market.
Lore
This rush is a valuable roof thatching material within its southern African range.
Small, unique plant forms broad clumps of thin erect jointed stems; excellent used in mass plantings or as a garden specimen. Accepts either dry situations or wet areas such as ponds. Evergreen.
Care Information
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. For a neat appearance, remove old foliage before new leaves emerge. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.
Design Ideas
Cape rush is particularly well suited to the shores of water gardens and pools, particularly around boulders and in conjunction with rock waterfalls. Really lends the illusion of water in a dry stream bed. Super cool in swanky pots for both Asian and modern garden styles. A versatile plant that offers fine textured interest to broadleaf compositions.
Companion Plants
Combine cape rush with other rugged heat lovers such as Navajo White Autumn Sage, (Salvia greggii 'Navajo White'), Red Rocks Penstemon, (Penstemon x mexicali 'Red Rocks'), Little Ollie Dwarf Olive, (Olea europea 'Montra') and Otto Quast Spanish Lavender, (Lavandula stoechas 'Otto Quast').
History
This unique rush is native to the South African Cape region at the tip of the continent. It is dioecious with separate male and female plants. The genus falls into the newly formed Restio family which is comprised of about 15 genera. The species is found in the wetlands between Clanwilliam and Port Elisableth and can grow to six feet in wild stands. Notoriously difficult to propagate, efforts by the Kirstenbosch Garden have finally brought the plant to the American market.
Lore
This rush is a valuable roof thatching material within its southern African range.
| Botanical Pronunciation: | kon-dro-PET-a-lum tek-TO-rum |
| Key feature: | Waterwise |
| Plant type: | Ornamental Grass |
| Garden styles: | Contemporary, Rustic |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Evergreen |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 8 - 10 |
| Light needs: | Full sun |
| Sunset climate zones: | 8, 9, 14 - 24 |
| Water Needs: | Once established, needs only occasional watering. |
| Average landscape size: | Slow growing to 2 to 3 ft. high, equal spread. |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Special features: | Deer Resistant, Easy Care, Waterwise |
| Landscape uses: | Border, Erosion Control, Poolside, Seacoast Exposure, Water Garden |
| Flower color: | Brown |
| Blooms: | Inconspicuous |
| Foliage color: | Green |
| Item no.: | 3864 |
