About
A bushy, much-branched, evergreen, rhizomatous perennial, producing erect stems up to 2m in height and spreading up to 5m across. The stems are olive green with some purple spotting.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toSW Cape, S. Africa
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in a preferably acidic, peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Water moderately when in growth during the spring summer and early autumn, sparingly at other times. Plants may be placed outside in the summer in frost-prone areas and brought back under cover in the autumn, where they should overwinter in cool temperatures and low atmospheric humidity
PruningNot usually required; old stems may be removed
PropagationPropagate by seed at 16-18°C after soaking for 24 hours in warm water. Divide rhizomes in early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly when grown under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free