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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.
This information about Rhodocoma capensis displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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