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Collector's item

Ischyrolepis subverticillata

Ischyrolepis subverticillata
Whorled Restio

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1 reviews

Plant not very nice upon reception for the 2nd time. Roots very black, it still hasn't grown since reception. Disappointed.

Clément , 01/06/2024

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

More information

This restio is one of the most spectacular and elegant. It's a giant South African perennial that has an incredibly feathery reed-like appearance. It forms a dense and flexible tuft, of a bright and vivid green, magnificent in a pot or in a well-drained bed. It is grown in open ground in mild regions, or in a pot to overwinter everywhere else. Evergreen, it starts again from the stump up to -7°C (19.4°F) once well-established.
Flower size
90 cm
Height at maturity
1.75 m
Spread at maturity
1.25 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -6°C
Soil moisture
all types
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Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to May
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Description

Ischyrolepis subverticillata (synonym Restio subverticillatus) is part of a group of tall perennials from South Africa and Australia, resembling grasses, reeds or bamboos commonly known as RestioThis one has a fine stature, and is one of the most elegant thanks to its particularly dense vegetation. It forms a large clump of thin and strong stems on which the foliage is replaced by clusters of very fine branches, giving the plant a beautifully feathery appearance. Dense, flexible, and airy, with a bright green colour, this species also offers interesting flowering, in brown spikes which are also feathery. It is both very beautiful and unique. Grow in the ground in mild climates, or in large pots to overwinter in cool regions. It is not the most hardy. 

 

Ischyrolepis subverticillata belongs to the Restionaceae family. It is a spectacular South African botanical restio, requiring little maintenance once established. In its country of origin, it is found in a fairly limited area covering Table Mountain, as well as the valleys of the south-western Cape. There, it can reach 2m (7ft) in height and 1.5m (5ft) in width. It is indifferent to sunlight, semi-shade or even shade.

Under our favourable climates, this large herbaceous and rhizomatous perennial forms a large clump of stems emerging from the stump, flaring upwards. In the ground, it will reach at least 1.5m (5ft) in height and 1m (3ft) in diameter at the base, 1.5m (5ft) for the crown, within three years. The culms or stems can reach 2m (7ft) in height after 5 to 7 years of cultivation. The plant develops thin, flexible but robust tender green stems, where nodes with short purple sheaths appear like on the canes of some bamboo. At regular intervals along these stems, at the level of the nodes, clusters of feathery branches are implanted, gathered in whorls or dense bouquets. The stems are devoid of true leaves. At the end of each branch appear male or female inflorescences depending on the individuals. This plant is dioecious, meaning that there are male and female plants. Flowering takes place in April-May depending on the climate, in the form of long silver-white spikes in females, pale yellow-green in males, followed by the formation of shiny brown capsules in females, in the presence of male plants. Theoretically evergreen, the vegetation will be destroyed by frost, but a well-established plant will start again from the stump in spring, in the same way that it is capable of regenerating after a fire in its country of origin.

 

Ischyrolepis subverticillata is hardy up to -7 to -8°C (19.4 to 17.6°F) in well-drained soil and protected by a thick mulch. Its exotic silhouette, with bright green feathers, is sure to make an impact when planted at the background of a bed. Plant in the ground in coastal regions spared by severe frosts. Plant it alongside water features, where it can appreciate the moist soil. It can also be planted in areas with dry and sandy soil. In colder climates, grow it in a container on a terrace and overwinter it indoors. Plant it with boronia, bamboo, nandina, dierama, callistemon, or other grasses in a more contemporary setting. Its flowers are very beautiful in dry bouquets.

Ischyrolepis subverticillata in pictures

Ischyrolepis subverticillata (Flowering) Flowering
Ischyrolepis subverticillata (Foliage) Foliage
Ischyrolepis subverticillata (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.75 m
Spread at maturity 1.25 m
Growth rate fast

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant
Flowering time April to May
Inflorescence Spike

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Ischyrolepis

Species

subverticillata

Family

Restionaceae

Other common names

Whorled Restio

Origin

South Africa

Product reference857321

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Planting and care

In cooler regions, plant in spring after the last frosts. In milder climates, plant in early autumn. Plant it in any well-drained and properly loosened soil. It is not very demanding about the nature of the soil, which can be clayey, stony, loamy, sandy, even slightly calcareous, or slightly acidic. Choose a sunny exposure or light shade, or even more shaded in hot and sunny regions. Protect the stump with a thick protective mulch in winter. In case of a very dry summer, a few generous but spaced out waterings will be welcome. It is adaptable and does not require any particular maintenance. It has no enemies in our climates.

In pots, ensure that the plant does not lack water and provide green plant fertiliser from spring to autumn, diluted in watering water, every 15 days.

Propagation is done by dividing clumps in spring.

 

Planting period

Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to May

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Back of border, Free-standing, Container, Greenhouse
Hardiness Hardy down to -6°C (USDA zone 9a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture all types, Ordinary soil, well-tilled and well-drained.

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture all types
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Needs protection
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