Baloskion tetraphyllum
tassel cord rush
A bamboo-like, evergreen perennial to 2m, with stiff, smooth, bright green stems banded with brown bracts. The upper part of the plant produces dense clusters of fine, feathery, leaf-like, modified stems, topped with loose, upright spikes of small, red-brown, grass-like flowers
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Green | Brown | Green | |
| Autumn | Brown Green | Green | ||
| Winter | Brown Green | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Restionaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Baloskion are rhizomatous perennials with a tufted, rush-like growth and feathery foliage. Inconspicuous flowers are borne in brown spikelets, that grouped together can form large panicles; male and female flowers on separate plants
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, preferably acid soil in full sun or partial shade. Shelter from cold winds. In cold areas grow in large pots of humus-rich compost and overwinter in a frost-free place
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 16-18C in spring, or by division in spring. Divisions should be over-potted, kept in a shady, moist frame, and may take a year to recover. Seedlings and divisions should not be allowed to dry out
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wall side borders
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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