Scientific name: Calopsis paniculata
Synonym: Restio paniculatus
Family: RESTIONACEAE
Common names: “restio” “cape reed”
Plant Type: Herbaceous evergreen perennial
Conditions:
Zone: 8-11 (hardy to -9° C)
Light: Full sun
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Heavy acidic loamy soil
Moisture: Well-drained evenly moist, found beside rivers and streams in native habitat but will not grow well with wet conditions in colder climates
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 3′-10′ W 5′-6′
Leaf and Stem shape: Upright clumps of grass-like flowers, leaves and reed-like stems
Flower: Feathery texture
Pruning: Only prune DDD
Maintenance: Old stems may be removed, low maintenance
Landscape use: Patio and container plants, grassy gardens, green in winter, space 3′-4′ apart
Propagate: By seed after soaking for 24 hours in warm water, divide rhizomes in early spring
Pests & Disease: Prone to white fly and red spider mites in greenhouses
Comments: Generally only germinate in the wild by fire, native to South Africa & Australia
Cultivars:
Vancouver Island Grows 