About
Restio subverticillatus is a wiry, rush-like South African perennial producing the characteristic photosynthetic, jointed green stems and small, sedge-like flowerheads of the genus. A rewarding and architectural plant for a frost-free, sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Restio are wiry, rush-like perennials from the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa with photosynthetic, jointed green stems and small, sedge-like flowers. Grown in frost-free, sunny, well-drained gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toSouth Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Water moderately and provide low humidity. In winter water sparingly. Outdoors, grow in moderately fertile, well-drained preferably acidic soil in full sun. In frost prone areas, plant out after last frosts and then lift and bring under cover in the autumn
PruningLittle or no pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers at 16-18°C (61-64F) after soaking the seed for 24 hours
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly when grown under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free