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Rhodocoma capensis (Cape restio)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
1.8m
Max height
Max height
1.2m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Rhodocoma capensis
Other names
Cape restio, Great cape restio
Genus
Rhodocoma Rhodocoma
Species
R. capensis - R. capensis is a borderline hardy, clump-forming, reed-like, evergreen perennial with arching stems bearing whorled tiers of thin, linear, mid-green leaves and brown or pink flower spikelets in spring.
Rhodocoma capensis is: Evergreen
Habit
Arching, Clump-forming, Upright
Flower
Reddish pink, Brown in Spring
Foliage
Mid-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Glasshouse red spider mite , Whitefly Glasshouse red spider mite , Whitefly
General care
Pruning
Remove dead outer stems in spring.
Propagation
Sow seed at 10-15C in autumn or early spring. Germination rate is higher when seed is treated with smoke or a solution of smoke water.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Rhodocoma capensis (Cape restio) will reach a height of 1.8m and a spread of 1.2m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, City, Coastal, Containers, Low Maintenance
Cultivation
Grows best in neutral to acid soil, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. In cold areas, plant out after last frosts; lift and pot up in autumn and store in a cool, dry place. Do not allow to dry out. Avoid wet winter conditions. Top growth may die back in colder areas.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Rhodocoma capensis
Other names
Cape restio, Great cape restio
Genus
Rhodocoma Rhodocoma
Species
R. capensis - R. capensis is a borderline hardy, clump-forming, reed-like, evergreen perennial with arching stems bearing whorled tiers of thin, linear, mid-green leaves and brown or pink flower spikelets in spring.
Native to
South Africa
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Arching, Clump-forming, Upright
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Colour
Flower
Reddish pink, Brown in Spring
Foliage
Mid-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Glasshouse red spider mite , Whitefly
General care
Pruning
Remove dead outer stems in spring.
Propagation
Sow seed at 10-15C in autumn or early spring. Germination rate is higher when seed is treated with smoke or a solution of smoke water.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Rhodocoma capensis (Cape restio) will reach a height of 1.8m and a spread of 1.2m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, City, Coastal, Containers, Low Maintenance
Cultivation
Grows best in neutral to acid soil, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. In cold areas, plant out after last frosts; lift and pot up in autumn and store in a cool, dry place. Do not allow to dry out. Avoid wet winter conditions. Top growth may die back in colder areas.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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