Rhodocoma capensis

The Rhodocoma capensis is a large perennial that resembles grasses, reeds or bamboo, originating from South Africa and Australia and commonly known as Restio. This one is one of the hardiest, most adaptable in cultivation, and also one of the most ornamental. It forms a large clump of flexible stems on which the foliage is replaced by many very fine branches, giving the plant an incredibly feathery appearance. Dense, flexible, airy, light green and vibrant, this plant is both beautiful and original and has its place in a dry, wild or contemporary-style garden. Let yourself be surprised and seduced by adopting it in a large container on the terrace or balcony!

The Rhodocoma capensis is a plant of the botany family Restionaceae. It is a robust, remarkably adaptable, and relatively hardy South African restio. In its country of origin, it can be found along roads and streams, in small pockets of soil between rocks, in loamy and cool soils, or in dry and warm ericaceous landscapes.

This large herbaceous perennial forms a clump of stems emerging from the base, tapering upwards. In three years, it will reach a height of 1.50m (5ft) with a 1m (3ft) diameter at the base, 1.50m (5ft) for the crown in open ground under favourable climates. The culms can reach 2m (7ft) in height after 5 to 7 years of cultivation. The plant develops flexible but sturdy stems with nodes like those on bamboo canes. Along these stems, at regular intervals, at the level of the nodes, there are clusters of feathery branches gathered in dense whorls. The stems are devoid of true leaves. At the end of each branch, brown flower heads appear. This plant is dioecious, meaning there are male and female plants. Flowering occurs in May-June, depending on the climate, in the form of long dark pink spikes in females and pale yellow-green in males, followed by the formation of capsules in females. In theory, it is evergreen, but the vegetation will be destroyed by frost, although a well-established plant will regrow from the stump in spring.

The Rhodocoma capensis is hardy down to -12 °C (10.4°F) in well-drained soil and protected by a thick mulch. This claim is supported by numerous French and British horticulturists who have tested this fantastic plant. Its bamboo-like and exotic silhouette, with large, vibrant green plumes, cannot fail to impress when glimpsed along a path or in the background of a border. Its extreme adaptability and hardiness allow it to be grown in open ground in many regions unaffected by severe frosts. It can be used decoratively on water edges, where it appreciates moist soil, and in much drier soil. It can also be used decoratively on a patio to be stored indoors in winter. It always pairs well with the astonishing Boronia, bamboo or Nandina, Dierama, Callistemon or even Gomphostigma virgatum, whether in open ground or a pot. Its flowers are gorgeous in dried bouquets.