About
Baloskion tetraphyllum is an evergreen perennial that resembles bamboo, reaching heights of up to 2 meters. Its stems are rigid and smooth, showcasing a vibrant green color accented by brown bracts. The upper section of the plant features dense clusters of slender, leaf-like modified stems, which are capped with loose, upright spikes bearing small, grass-like flowers in a reddish-brown hue.
About the genus
Baloskion consists of rhizomatous perennial plants characterized by their tufted, rush-like structure and delicate, feathery leaves. They produce subtle flowers arranged in brown spikelets, which can cluster to form substantial panicles. Notably, male and female flowers occur on different plants.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like, Shrubs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- Australia
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, preferably acid soil in full sun or partial shade. Shelter from cold winds. In cold areas grow in large pots of humus-rich compost and overwinter in a frost-free place
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown at 16-18C in spring, or by division in spring. Divisions should be over-potted, kept in a shady, moist frame, and may take a year to recover. Seedlings and divisions should not be allowed to dry out
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free