Ischyrolepis subverticillata

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 Restio. This 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.