|
Rhodocoma capensis (Cape Restio) - Upright growing clump forming (tussock) grass-like plant to 6 feet tall with arching reed-like stems bearing congested tight whorls of branchlets with fine foliage. In spring appear the flowers which, for female plants, are a deep pink, while male flowers are pale yellow-green.
Plant in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil and irrigate regularly to occasionally. Hardy to 25° F but known to rebound from temperatures down to 19°F if well mulched.
The name for the genus comes from the Greek words 'rhodo', meaning "rose" or "red", and 'kome' meaning "hair" in reference to terminal clusters of the reddish inflorescence. Though it has the specific epitet "capensis" this plant is not native to the coastal areas of Cape region of South Africa, but refers to the fact that this plant can be found throughout the southern part of South Africa, which was originally all called the Cape Province. It is found growing in the arid inland margins of the Cape Fold Mountains where it grows in loamy valley bottom soils. We have grown this plant since 2007.
Information displayed on this page about Rhodocoma capensis is based on our research conducted about this plant in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about it as it has grown in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.
|
