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Grass LikeShrubs

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

Synonyms
Restio tetraphyllus

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H3
Botanical 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

Get involved

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