Rhodocoma capensis
Cape restio
A reed-like, rhizomatous perennial with green arching stems up to 2m tall, with distinctive nodes. At each node there is a whirl of finely divided branches which give the plant a feathery appearance. The deep green foliage-like branches are tipped with small brown infloresences in the autumn. The stems are arching when young, but becomer more erect with age.
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Brown | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Restionaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained acid to neutral soil in sun or partial shade. Protect plants from ecxessive winter wet by a thick pine bark mulch
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring but plants should be divided into large clumps as they are slow to recover
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Prune winter damaged stems to the ground
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.