Rhodocoma capensis (Cape Restio)

This is one of a group of related plants that are collectively known as the Restios from Cape Province in South Africa. Therefore they are definitely on the red-side of amber where their hardiness is concerned. Twenty years ago, briefly, they became trendy as was declared by the horticultural journos. We acquired 10 different species to experiment with and all but one died in their first winter in Sussex - but not this one which despite some pretty cold winters has flourished and never appears to have suffered any damage from cold winds or low temperatures. However, it's really about allowing this plant to flourish not just survive so you need to be particularly aware of your garden situation and the seasonal conditions that can affect it.

They're hard to describe but they're certainly striking to look at and owe something to the grasses and rushes. They get quite big (8ft tall x 6ft wide), don't spread but have perpendicular stems in the centre surrounded by floppier ones round the edge. They can be tidied up round the edge like the one in the photo with 5 year old Jack.

The tips of the stems are covered with very delicate flowers and seed heads. An exotic sight.

Propagated by seed.