Restio subverticillatus
Part whorled restio, Broom restio, Dune restio, Garden restio, Besemriet
Also known as Ischyrolepis subverticillata
- Height × spread
- 2m × 1.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A handsome plant that is part of the Fynbos community of South Africa. It has a soft and appealing growth habit with long slender cane-like stems. They have nodes on their stems and at each of these points there are whorls of long slender grass like leaves, often held somewhat pendulously. The overall effect is of a soft elegance. There are male and female flowers, borne on separate plants and scarcely noticeable. It is wind pollinated and is only likely to develop fruits if grown in close company of male forms. The female develops seeds - in great numbers if fertilized - and the plant is sometimes cut for use in dried flower arrangements as the seeds become a feature. This is hardy to -6 degrees Centigrade and can only winter outside in the very warmest parts of the country. It is well suited to pot culture and can be brought in for the winter. It grows naturally alongside streams and enjoys regular watering, needing acid or neutral soil.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 2m
- Spread
- 1.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous)
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
AutumnNow
Autumn · Planting
Lift before winter
Lift bulbs. tubers or rhizomes in autumn, to keep for the following year. Keep dry and in a frost-free location for the winter. Re-plant in spring.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Winter
Winter · Outdoors
Water lightly during dormancy
The soil should be kept just moist during the plant's rest period.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Compost · Planting
Loam based compost + grit for repotting
Use a free draining loam based compost rather than one which has been modified to be 'moisture retentive'.
Alternatively prepare a compost using three parts of loam (John Innes no. 2 or 3) to one part of (horticultural) sand or fine (horticultural) grit.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.