Elegia elephantina

Description

Elegia elephantina is a large architectural evergreen grass like plant from South Africa belonging to a family known as restios. It doesnt really have a common name but we affectionately call it an ‘Elephant grass’ Growing up to around 150cm or more with robust reed like stems this is a bold statement plant that should be more widely grown. Being from South Africa Elegia elephantina like a hot sunny position and is happy in free draining soils so best avoid any spot that is waterlogged particularly in winter. Tests so far confirm that it is hardy to at least minus 7 degrees given the above requirements. So in essence a great candidate for coastal, hot urban, container or roof gardens. Use ericaceous compost if container growing and avoid high nitrogen fertiliser, something like a dilute seaweed feed would be perfect.