About
Tufted, evergreen perennial about 1.5m tall, with unbranched, smooth, dark green canes (culms) growing from vigorous rhizomes. Upright, grassy, mid-brown female spikelets and pendent mid-brown spikelets, in flowerheads, the florets 2-3mm wide and long, are produced in midsummer on separate plants.
About the genus
Thamnochortus comprises a group of plants, ranging from herbaceous perennials to shrubs or small trees. Species within the genus display a variety of growth habits and are cultivated for their decorative or practical qualities
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Grass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Sub-tropical
Native toS Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained acid soil in sun, tolerant of alkaline soils and salt or sand laden winds. Suited to growing in warmer, frost free areas. May be too wide-spreading for greenhouse cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and red spider mite if grown under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free