Some plants demand attention with colour and flowers. And then there are plants like Apodasmia similis that win you over slowly. Quietly. Almost politely. You notice the upright stems first, slim, tidy, architectural. Then the movement. A soft rattle in the breeze. A kind of living texture that makes a space feel calmer without you quite knowing why.
Apodasmia similis is commonly called OiOi or Jointed Wire Rush. This native wetland plant has a presence that is subtle but deeply effective. Gardeners who buy it from The Plant Company often say the same thing: it looked simple in the pot, but magical in the ground. And that is exactly its charm.
What Makes OiOi So Appealing?
Apodasmia similis does not rely on flowers or bright foliage. Its appeal is in structure, tone, and motion.
- Fine, upright stems create vertical rhythm in a garden
- Grey-green colouring shifts into soft bronze during colder months
- Gentle movement in the wind adds life to still spaces
- Works beautifully in modern, coastal, and native garden designs
It is one of those plants that blends in and stands out at the same time. Hard to explain. Easy to love.
Built for Tough Conditions
This is where the “flexibility” part really shows. Apodasmia similis naturally grows in coastal wetlands, estuaries, and marshy ground across New Zealand.
Which means:
- Salt spray does not bother it
- Waterlogged soil is perfectly fine
- Wind exposure? No problem
- Poor, peaty soils are tolerated easily
Its sturdy rhizomes and compact growth make it great for keeping soil where it belongs. Plant it near a pond, along a damp slope, or in that persistently wet corner, and it quietly does the stabilising for you. A little moisture early helps; after that, it is easy-going.
A Secret Weapon of Designers
When a space needs softness instead of drama, designers reach for OiOi. It gently eases the look of paving, timber decking, and stone, while sitting comfortably alongside bold foliage and bright blooms without competing for attention.
You can use it in so many ways:
- Mass planting for a natural screen
- Around water features for a wetland feel
- Along pathways instead of traditional grasses
- In large containers for a sculptural effect
It does not shout. It complements.
More Than Just a Good-Looking Plant
OiOi plays an important ecological role, too.
- Provides habitat for insects and small wildlife
- Helps filter water and trap sediment in wet areas
- Historically used by Māori for weaving mats and baskets
So, while it looks elegant in a garden, it is also doing meaningful environmental work in the background.
Why Apodasmia similis Just Works
Not every garden needs bold colour. Some spaces need calm. Structure. Movement. A sense of being connected to nature rather than being dominated by it.
That is exactly where Apodasmia similis proves its worth. It establishes without fuss, helps secure the soil, and subtly lifts the atmosphere of a space with very little upkeep. Once OiOi is in the ground, gardeners often start noticing several other spots where it would have looked right at home.
