Aquatic perennial
Cyperus papyrus
Papyrus
Also known as: Egyptian paper reed, Paper plant
A statuesque aquatic sedge with tall triangular stems topped by airy, firework-like umbels.
- Full sun, Partial shade
- 2–4 m (7–13 ft)
- 0.8–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
- H1c · Zone 9
- July–September
- Evergreen
Overview
This tender rhizomatous perennial brings strong vertical structure to pond margins, bog gardens and large water containers. It grows rapidly in warmth when its roots remain continuously wet.
At a Glance
Sun
Full sun, Partial shade
Height
2–4 m (7–13 ft)
Spread
0.8–1.5 m (3–5 ft)
Hardiness
H1c · Zone 9
Flowers
July–September
Soil
Clay, Loam
Moisture
Wet
Habit
Clump forming, Upright
Water
High
Maintenance
Moderate
Growing Conditions
Min. Temperature
5°C (41°F)
pH Range
5.5–8
Fertility
Fertile
Aspect Suitability
- East-facing
- South-facing
- West-facing
Site Tolerance
- Wet soil
Soil Tolerance
- Clay
- Loam
- Acid
- Neutral pH
- Alkaline
Foliage
Persistence
Evergreen
Colour
Green
Leaf shape / texture
Linear|Grass-like
- Architectural foliage
Foliage interest: 12 months of the year
Seasonal Timeline
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Fruiting
Propagate
- Flowering Jul Aug Sep
- Foliage 12 months of the year
- Fruiting Aug Sep Oct
- Propagate Mar Apr May
Maintenance Calendar
- Mar Divide crowded clumps and repot into rich soil
- May Move outside after frost and stand in shallow water
- Jul Keep the root ball continuously wet
- Sep Bring into a bright frost-free place before temperatures fall
Garden Design
Works well in: Bog, Container, Contemporary, Pondside, Specimen
Use in a watertight container or pond basket; its fine umbels contrast well with broad-leaved plants.
Companion planting: Cannas, Colocasias, Iris, Lobelias
Wildlife Value
- Birds
- Shelter