About
A tufted, grass-like evergreen perennial to 50cm tall, with branching, narrowly linear, light green stems that turn yellowish-green during flowering. Tiny flowers are carried in feathery, brown spikelets during winter and early spring. Plant it where the wind can catch its grassy stems.
About the genus
Restio is a genus of dioecious (with male and female flowers are borne on separate plants) perennials with a rhizome-creeping or tufted habit that superficially have a rush-like appearance. Leaves are reduced to persistent sheaths enclosing the bases of the flowering stems. Originating from Southern Africa and Australia
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Native toSouth Africa
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with low humidity. When in growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every month; water sparingly in winter. Outdoors, grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably acid soil in full sun. In frost-prone areas, plant out after the last frosts; lift and pot up in autumn and overwinter in a cool, dry place
PruningRemove dead stems from the outer edge of the clump in early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring, or by division of clumps in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free