Web Site Search Plant Database Search by Plant Name   General Plant Info Search for any word   Advanced Search >> Search by size, origins, color, cultural needs, etc. Site Map Retail Locator Plant Listings PLANT TYPE PLANT GEOGRAPHY PLANT INDEX ALL PLANT LIST PLANT IMAGE INDEX PLANT INTROS SPECIALTY CROPS NEW  2017 PLANTS PRIME LIST>   for OCTOBER  Weather Station

Products > Rhodocoma gigantea   Rhodocoma gigantea - Dekriet     [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Grass-like Family: Restionaceae (Restios) Origin: South Africa (Africa) Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: Brown Bloomtime: Not Significant Height: 4-6 feet Width: 3-4 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F Rhodocoma gigantea (Dekriet) - This grass-like plant in the Restio family (Restionaceae) is an elegant large growing plant to 6 feet tall (to 9 in native habitat) with upright stems that arch over and droop under the weight of the cushions of very finely textured, bright green, lush foliage. Male and female plants have different flowers and each are an attractive feature from when they first emerge in winter until they mature in late spring. The male flowers are dark brown spikelets that hang down along tall stems to 6- 8 feet while the female flowers are lower by several feet and have pink hairy styles protruding from each brown spikelet. Plant in full sun to part shade. Irrigate in the spring when plants are in active growth. Hardy to at least 20° and we have a gardener in Oregon who tells us that it went through the very cold winter of 2008/2009, with temperatures down to at least 17° without damage but Suncrest Nursery reported damage to this species at 20° commenting that it "burned the foliage to a very attractive burnt orange color, but the plants recovered quickly the following spring with new shoots". A very showy container plant. Hails from the seaward side of Langeberg and Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains in South Africa.  This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Rhodocoma gigantea.     [MORE INFO]