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Rhodocoma capensis aka Cape Restio is described by our friends at Xera Plants thusly: “Light textured perennial from South Africa, this species forms a 6′ fountain of stems like giant green feather dusters. Resembles bamboo and grass—though related to neither. Full sun in well drained acid soil–amend with bark, no fertilizer or compost. Regular H2O. Dies to the ground below 15 °F. Returns from the base in spring.”

It’s got it all–texture, movement, and fountainy bamboo-esque grooviness. I’ve been growing mine here in zone 8 for a few years, though it may be that the weather gods have gone easy the past few seasons.

Rhodocoma capensis aka Cape Restio
Rhodocoma capensis aka Cape Restio

How’s this for texture upon texture?

Rhodocoma capensis aka Restio
Rhodocoma capensis aka Restio sporting winter bracts and seed heads.

Cistus Nursery says: “4 to 5′, eventually larger, plumes of asparagus-like foliage with cleverly coordinated rust-brown bracts and seed heads in winter.” And they advise: “Make the pets sleep with it should temperatures fall below 20 ºF, USDA zone 9, for an extended period, or bring it, and them, inside.”

Cape Restio in situ.
Cape Restio in situ.

It looks good from all angles. I may need to move that urn. I’m thinking about painting it a burnt orange. Has anyone tried that? It’s a thing, right, painting pottery?

So luscious. I could take pics of this plant all day.
So luscious. I could take pics of this plant all day.

And one more, because I can’t decide which I like best. I guess like them all.

Pretty good, no? Makes me think of vacation.
Pretty good, no? Makes me think of vacation.

We’d love to hear who else is growing this luscious plant, and in what conditions.

That’s all for now. On to Happy Hour.

Salad appetizer with apples and avocado.
Appetizer salad–baby spring salad mix, apples, and avocado with balsamic dressing.

And bubbly, to make it official. (It was my birthday week, so indulgence ensued. Now back to slow carbs.)

And to put the happy in happy hour.
Putting the happy in Happy Hour–with garden clogs in the rear. Fancy.

Cheers