2008 list

Updated 13 March 2008

The Restionaceae is a family of rush like plants largely from the southern hemisphere. In California they are beginning to enter the gardening world, and are valued for their great form and year round presence. Many of them make great cut foliage, with individual stems that can last for months in water. There are very large, as well as smaller and more delicate, species. They tend to come in two foliage styles, which can be labeled "fluffy" or "smooth". Fluffy varieties have densely branched culms, and often form a firm, springy mass. Flowering stems are held over the foliage. "Smooth" varieties tend to have erect or arching naked culms, often with ornamental banding in contrasting color. Sometimes the ornamental banding (bracts) are dehiscent after the culms mature. Many species do well in containers.

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 40-50 seeds unless stated otherwise. Price per packet is $4.00 and includes "instant smoke" to aid germination.

Cannomois grandis - This giant bamboo like clumper makes thick culms which are 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 well known as Cannomois virgata. No damage at 20 degrees F. 50 seeds

Chondropetalum elephantinum - The big form of what has been known as Chondropetalum tectorum for years. Dark green erect culms are banded with chestnut bracts, which peel off to reveal their shiny golden undersides as culms mature. Eventual size is 5'+ tall. Can grow in water or with drought. One of the hardiest (known in cultivation) species -- seemingly untouched in the severe freeze of 1998 in inland valleys in the San Francisco Bay area. No damage at 20 F. 100+ seeds

Ischyrolepis sieberi- A mounding species to 3' high with smooth green stems. Great for larger landscapes. Not as sculptural in form as some species, but it makes attractive large bright green mounds and is from higher altitudes, so may have increased hardiness. No damage at 20 degrees F.

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

Restio quadratus -- Square stems distinguish this restio from most others. It forms great clumps to 5-6’ high, with branched (fluffy) culms that droop at the tips, creating broad clumps. Not for the smaller gardens. Some damage at 20 degrees F.

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

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 foliosa – Erect bright shiny green clumps have well branched culms. Golden male flower stems drape with an intricate lacy appearance; female flowers are more subtle. To 5’, with erect rather than drooping habit. Similar to Rhodocoma gigantea though smaller in stature, and spreading a little more. Significantly damaged at 20 degrees F.

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

Thamnochortus acuminatus - This is a small (1 ft. to 1.5 ft tall by 1 ft. at base) densely tufted plant with finely branched stems plumed with silvery bracts from NW mountains of the Western Cape, where it is listed as rare. It has a medium to slow growth rate. Seed of many Thamnochortus have low viability rates, but seed offered here have been hand extracted to ensure high viability. 8-10 seeds per packet
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 insignis - One of the best restios for its architectural grace in the garden. Forming a hemispherical kinetic sculpture in time with its slender gray 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. This is the only species observed to reseed in a limited way in the garden. Good container plant. No damage at 20 degrees F.

Thamnochortus rigidus - Another small restio, this one is a dense, springy, interlocked foliage bun to 18". Flower bracts are silvery and held over the tight foliage. No damage at 20 degrees F.

Thamnochortus schlecteri - A mix of well branched dark gray-green stems (fluffy) and naked flower stems topped with dark bracts. This species is still developing its eventual form, but should stay 2' or less. No damage at 20 degrees F.