Restio subverticillatus
whorled restio
A tufted, reed-like perennial with erect to arching dark green, almost woody stems with whorls of thread-like green leaves or modified branches growing from each node, giving a fountain effect. Stems grow to 2m in height, forming clumps to 1.5m wide. Male and female plants are separate (dioecious). White female flowers are borne on masses of thin stems in spring, followed by grey-brown shiny nutlets in autumn. Male flowers are yellow-green, maturing through bronze to grey
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Brown Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Restionaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- South Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Under 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers at 16-18°C (61-64F) after soaking the seed for 24 hours
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Cut flowers
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Little or no pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly when grown under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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