Thamnochortus insignis

Also Known As

Thamnochortus insignis
Albertinia Thatching Reed
Thatching Reed

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

H: 4'-6'
W: 6'-8'

planting zones

9a-10b

More Options

Thamnochortus insignis plant details

Thamnochortus insignis is a broadleaf evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In summer flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun and regular - occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Thamnochortus insignis

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: restionaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall

GROWING CONDITIONS for Thamnochortus insignis

USDA Zones: 9a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Exhibiting a kinetic sculptural quality in the wind and a graceful architectural flair all year, slender, unbranched reedlike stems tipped with small golden inflorescences spring from a dense basal tussock. Its tidy and tenacious upright habit prefers good air circulation and acidic soil, and abides drought, frost and seaside conditions once established. Hailing from the South African coast between Cape Agulhas and Albertinia, Thamnochortus insignis is commonly utilized to thatch traditional Cape Dutch homes, and can be featured in your garden as a dramatic long-lived specimen.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

Similar in some respects to Chondropetalum tectorum, this species forms a tall, unbranched clump of slender, reed-like stems with inconspicuous chocolate flowers held at the tips. At the base of this 6' architectural mound is the immature fern-like foliage, forming a lacy ring at the plant's crown. Plants grown in part shade are less strongly vertical, but still exhibit a handsome form.

By: Native Sons

A fabulous restio from South Africa, forming 3' clumps up to 6' tall or more. A beautiful accent plant! Prefers sun, good air circulation, and sandy, well-drained soil -- but adapts to many soil types. Drought tolerant, but water regularly to establish. Plenty frost hardy in USDA zone 9 with many horticultural reports into upper USDA zone 8. Our recommendation: protect at 20 °F for plants in the ground; 25 °F for container specimens.