Cape thatching reed

Chondropetalum tectorum

Cape fynbos restio with tall, slender, leafless dark-green stems carrying dark seed bracts at the tips. The principal thatching reed of traditional Cape architecture.

Hardiness ratings

Cape thatching reed hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 8–11 −12.2 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H3 −5 °C to 1 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 9 −1 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 3–6 −5 °C to 15 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Native to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa — winter-rainfall Mediterranean climate
  • Architectural plant for hot dry borders, gravel gardens, and around pools — fountain habit
  • Stems traditionally cut and used for the iconic thatched roofs of Cape Dutch cottages
  • Tolerates summer drought and brief frost — hardier than most fynbos

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Cape thatching reed against your zones