Thamnochortus insignis

RHS Plant Profile
Albertinia thatching reed
Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial Grass Like

Tufted, evergreen perennial about 1.5m tall, with unbranched, smooth, dark green canes (culms) growing from vigorous rhizomes. Upright, grassy, mid-brown female spikelets and pendent mid-brown spikelets, in flowerheads, the florets 2-3mm wide and long, are produced in midsummer on separate plants

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Restionaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
S Africa (Cape)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained acid soil in sun, tolerant of alkaline soils and salt or sand laden winds. Suited to growing in warmer, frost free areas. May be too wide-spreading for greenhouse cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to glasshouse whitefly and red spider mite if grown under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free