Restio quadratus
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
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Restionaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost (JI No. 2) 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Prune out older stems to ground level when they begin to deteriorate
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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