About
A clump-forming, upright and arching, reed-like perennial to 1.5m tall, with square, bamboo-like stems bearing clusters of feathery branches at the nodes. Dark brown flower spikelets are borne at the tips of the stem branches in summer.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toS Africa (Cape)
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
PruningPrune out older stems to ground level when they begin to deteriorate
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free