Fountain Rush (Elegia capensis) | Architectural Bog Garden Plant

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Fountain Rush

Elegia capensis

An architectural, bamboo-like perennial with tall, arching stems and feathery whorls of fine branchlets, perfect for moist gardens and water features.

$76.90

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Description

Elegia capensis, commonly known as Fountain Rush or Horsetail Restio, is a striking, architectural evergreen perennial prized for its tall, arching, bamboo-like stems and feathery, whorled branchlets. Native to South Africa, this dramatic plant forms a dense, clumping fountain of upright, then gracefully arching, hollow, green stems (culms) adorned with distinctive whorls of fine, needle-like branchlets at regular intervals. Small, brownish, scale-like leaves (sheaths) occur at the nodes. In late spring, it produces small, inconspicuous, greenish flowers at the stem tips, followed by small brown capsules. Exceptionally moisture-loving, it is an outstanding choice for bog gardens, pond margins, rain gardens, and containers, where its unique, textural form adds vertical interest and a tropical feel.

Quick Facts

Processed facts

Light: Full sun to partial shade

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Foliage & Flowers: Dense, clumping fountain of upright then arching, hollow, green stems with distinctive whorls of fine, needle-like branchlets at nodes; small, brownish scale-like sheaths; small, inconspicuous, greenish flowers at stem tips in late spring .
Mature Height: 5-8 ft
Mature Spread: 4-5 ft (clumping)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-11 ; Sunset 8, 9, 14-24
Core Benefits: Architectural, bamboo-like stems with feathery whorls, tall fountain-like habit, thrives in moist to wet soils, excellent for water features, unique textural interest.
Best Uses: Bog gardens, pond margins, rain gardens, containers (with constant moisture), water-wise gardens (with regular water), tropical borders, architectural accents.

Faqs

Q: How large does Fountain Rush get?
A: It forms a dense, clumping fountain, typically reaching 5-8 feet in height and 4-5 feet in spread.

Q: Does it need a lot of water?
A: Yes, it thrives in consistently moist to wet soil and is an excellent choice for bog gardens, pond margins, and rain gardens. It does not tolerate drought.

Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: It is reliably hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It is frost-tender and requires protection in colder climates.

Q: Is it a true grass?
A: No, despite its common name "Fountain Rush" or "Horsetail Restio," it is a member of the Restionaceae family (restios), native to South Africa, and is not a true grass or rush.

Q: Does it flower?
A: Yes, it produces small, inconspicuous, greenish flowers at the stem tips in late spring, but the plant is grown primarily for its striking, architectural foliage.

Q: Can it be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in large containers, but it requires constant moisture and regular watering to thrive. It is an excellent choice for container water gardens.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

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