UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA
University of California
UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA

Water Wise Plants

Chondropetalum tectorum

Pronunciation
kon-dro-PET-al-lum tek-TOR-um
Common Name
Cape Rush
Plant Type
Grass
Mature Size
4-6 ft. tall and wide
Water Requirements
Low: water every three weeks until the root ball is wet
Sun/Shade Requirements
Full to half sun
Wildlife
Flower Color
Tan brown bracts
Maintenance- Design- Planting Tips

Chondropetalum is a low water plant from South Africa that has a nice reed-like look. Many garden designers favor it as a specimen for its strong architectural lines. It is often use in modern designs and in pots as the “thriller.” Overwatering the plant will make it floppy. Remove old stems to highlight new growth. It can also be sheared to ground just as new sprouts start to show.

PADG notes: We also tried Juncus, a similar looking plant, but found it did not do well with once every three weeks watering.

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