Find out How you Can Perfectly Garden Restios
Restios may look like grasses but in fact they are reeds, their most striking feature being their solid and jointed stems, usually arranged in the form of a fountain.
Most restios occur naturally in the winter-rainfall region, so they should be an important part of any wild fynbos garden where they mix in well with proteas and ericas. But because they are so ornamental, they also work well in a formal or geometric garden try using one as a focal point next to water or amongst rocks.
For the same reason they look good in containers, preferably simple ones that complement the plants bold form. Most restios require only moderate watering and are highly wind-resistant.
Restio despair
This large sturdy restio will bring the warm glow of autumn to your garden when it flowers. It is better suited to a larger garden, preferably used as an individual specimen. Try it in a large pot.
<2m, full sun>
RESTIO festuciformis
This small restio looks more like a grass than reed. Soft and fine in texture, it is bright green during active growth but turns golden green during flowering. It is ideal for a small garden or patio container.
<50cm, full sun>
CALOPSIS paniculata
This tall restio is bright green and has bamboo-like stems. As it is found naturally on river or stream banks it is well suited to a waterside location in a larger garden.
<3m, full sun>
By: Michelle Viljoen
Published with permission of Chris Wilkinson Graemark