Chondropetalum tectorum

cape rush
Wiry grass-like growth with ornamental joints and flower-heads. Excellent in containers. Elegant and neat.
Chondropetalum tectorumChondropetalum tectorum
height 3–5ft
width 2–3ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Narrow Planting, Pots, Wind
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 Restios are drought-tolerant plants, but they tend to look better with weekly or bi-weekly water once established.

These plants grow in seasonally dry areas of Africa, but in low swales and gullies where water tends to collect.

Restios are also quite adaptable to high levels of watering, provided there is good drainage.
hardy
to		 20F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Acid 1/2 Strength, Bloodmeal, Low Needs, No Phosphorus
origin South Africa
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 14–24

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Generally thrives without fertilizer. If fertilized use a high nitrogen low phosphorus and potassium fertilizer such as blood meal or fish emulsion. Phosphorus in particular should be avoided. Prefers lightly acidic soil; add sulfur or iron if necessary.
Thin out older stems in late winter to keep it looking fresh or cut down all the stems to the ground before new shoots arrive in spring. Avoid pruning the stems half way down. This won’t hurt the plant, but is unsightly, especially when new shoots fill in.

Special Interest

Stems become nodding and fountain like in the summer, under heavy blooms.

Plants are dioecious (male and female on separate plants) though the flowers look very similar.