RESTIOS

2016 list

Updated 20 October 2014

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 $4.50 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) 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 deg, F.   100+ 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

Elegia capensis – This great horsetail-style restio grows along and in streams in its native South Africa, though it will grow in moderately watered gardens as well. Culms can reach over 6' in height, with horsetail-like branching along the stems. It sustained some damage at 20 degrees F., though plants recovered. Clumping.      

Ischyrolepis (now Restio) 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.   

Ischyrolepis (now Restio) 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 species – 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 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 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. 100+ seed