Restios Have Soul And Style

For graceful movement in the wind, turn to the Cape reed family.

- Anna Celliers

If you’re looking for real plant elegance, turn to members of Restionaceae, one of the three main fynbos families. Many of the showiest and most popular species will grow happily in different climatic regions far away from their natural habitat. Another characteristic, which can create confusion and make them difficult to identify, is that restios have male and female flowers on separate plants. But that is not a problem for the gardener, as we will simply enjoy double the pleasure if we can have both sexes.

When clever researchers at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens found out that plant-derived smoke is a natural stimulant to germinate fynbos seeds, and especially those of restios (previously very difficult to propagate!), they did the horticultural world a huge favour. Large numbers of these once difficult to propagate plants are now readily available for us to plant and enjoy.

What do restios need?

The most basic needs for good growth are full sun (although some species can tolerate light shade), sandy, very well drained soil, ample water when in their active growing season and until they have become established, and good air circulation around the plants. And just like other fynbos species, they don’t like their root systems to be disturbed.

Growing tips

Planting time – Restios grow actively in autumn, spring and early summer. Plant them when your climate’s natural rain cycle starts.

Planting hole – Prepare large holes and enrich the excavated soil with a few spades of quality compost and a handful of bone meal or organic fertiliser pellets. Don’t use any chemical fertilisers. If the soil is clayey, add a few spades of sharp river sand or grit to improve drainage.