RESTIOS

2012 list

Updated 5 November 2011

The Restionaceae is a family of rush like plants largely from the southern hemisphere. Restios -- or the species offered here-- are plants that appreciate acid soils of low fertility. January 2007 provided useful cold hardiness information on many species—night temperatures were 20 degrees F. or lower for quite a few days here. 

Best germination comes when seeds are treated with "instant smoke" prior to planting, and when they experience a marked difference (30 degrees F. is ideal) between day and night temperatures after they are sown. Best in soils low in phosphorus.

All restios offered here are from South Africa, and all are, of course, in the Restionaceae. Seed pkts. are 50 + seeds unless stated otherwise. Price per packet is $4.00 and includes "instant smoke" to aid germination. Ordering information is at How to Order on the main page.

Cannomois grandis –smaller seed This giant bamboo like clumper makes thick culms often pink to red in color when they are new. Can reach 10'. The very large seeds of this species have been difficult to germinate even after treatment with 'instant smoke', 10 % germination typical.  Previously called Cannomois virgata.   No damage at 20 degrees F.    50 seeds

Chondropetalum (Elegia) hookerianum - A tightly clumping restio with unbranched culms similar to C. tectorum, but growing only 18 to 24" tall and with a finer texture. Flushes of new growth in spring and early summer are elegantly banded by shiny mahogany bracts. More difficult to germinate than C. tectorum. 25 seeds

Chondropetalum (Elegia) tectorum  – Smaller scale than Chondropetalum elephantinum, tidy clumps reach 3-4', with a narrower base and very dark green culms. The same chestnut bracts reveal gold undersides as they peel from the stems. Graceful, adaptable. No damage at 20 deg. F. 100+ seeds

Ischyrolepis subverticillata - One of the best for cut stems, even small portions of a stem have great symmetry and beauty. Can reach 6' high and densely clumping, this species will also thrive in part shade. Has bright green culms and darker branchlets, with the form of the branched horsetails (Equisetum), but much stiffer, and of course, not running. Some plants quite damaged at 20 degrees F., others were untouched.    30 seeds

Ischyrolepis venustulus - A mounding species to 3' high. Plants grown “lean” have shiny bright green smooth “naked” stems. From higher altitudes, so may have increased hardiness.  No damage at 20 degrees F. Previously listed here as both I. sieberi and I. sieberi venustulus but closer inspection and new botanical information settled the issue.

Restio similis – Small clumping species to 18” makes draping clumps. Dark green stems, with branched culms, shining bronze flowers in summer.                               

Rhodocoma arida – Erect blue gray columns of leafless culms reach 5’+ in this species. Typical (bronze) flowers are interesting, but not striking. Drought tolerant. No damage at 20 degrees F.   

Rhodocoma capensis - Tall, erect columns of branched "horsetail" dark green stems droop at their tips. Small flowers are golden and line the branch tips. This is very graceful in form and creates great contrast with all other plants. Clumps here are 6'+ at present and are a visual treat in the garden.  Untouched at 20 degrees F.         100+ seeds

Rhodocoma gigantea –  Dense, springy foliage mass to 4’ or so; fl. stems rise far above the vegetative clump. Male flowers on 6’+ stems, with drooping Briza-like effect; ephemeral female fls. are pink when they are actually open.  Damage at 20 degrees F., with quick recovery.    30 seeds    limited supply

Rhodocoma [vleibergensis] – Low tangled green leaves are densely clumping; smooth blue-green flowering stems to 6’ dangle long lacy clusters of shiny bronze “flowers” in male plants. Similar to Rhodocoma arida, but with more robust and greener (or more blue green) culms. From dry areas of the interior S.A.

Thamnochortus bachmannii - This species only reaches 2'+. Green culms are branched, but flower stems that rise over the foliage mass are naked and quite graceful. Golden bracts on the flowers. No damage at 20 degrees F.

Thamnochortus fraternus – One of the smaller stature restios, found in nature on limestone soils. Grows to 2’ with bright reddish brown flowers. Female plants have nice, tidy vase shaped form.

Thamnochortus insignis - Forms a hemispherical kinetic sculpture in time with its slender dark green stems moving with the slightest breeze. Stems can be 5' in length and rise from all points of the dense basal clump. Golden flowers tip these branches. Can reseed in a limited way in the garden. Good container plant. No damage at 20 degrees F.          100+ seed

Thamnochortus pellucidus – Smaller species has distinctive “skirts” of sterile branches that cover the lower half of this clumper. Flowers are silvery bronze. Grows to 18” to 2’ and is found in nature on acid coastal sand.

Thamnochortus spicigerus – Tall species to 6’ seems to keep a narrower profile than other species grown so far. Stems are smooth and leafless and dark gray green; shiny bronze flowers are typical form. Seems drought and cold hardy.