

Use it as a tall, vertical accent plant with other tropical plants. This plant is well suited for medium to large water features and adds an exotic, tropical feel to a sunny corner. The fireworks-like flower heads are a bold and dramatic addition to both the garden and cut flower arrangements. Papyrus can be grown as an annual foliage plant in the ground, in large containers, or in shallow water. Papyrus can be grown as an annual in the Midwest. It grows only 2-3 feet tall, grows vigorously in or out of water, and is more shade tolerant than the species. This is variously labeled as variety ‘Dwarf Form’, ‘Nanus‘, Tutankhamun’ or King Tut®. These are often used by birds, especially the social species, as nesting sites in its native habitat.ĭwarf cultivars are well suited to container culture.Ī shorter form than the species is normally available as an ornamental. They may become so large that they bend over under their own weight as the cluster becomes almost spherical in shape. This terminal growth, subtended by papery brown bracts, resembles a feather duster at first and will eventually grow to 4-12 inches across. The mature fruits are dispersed in water after they fall from the plant. Eventually brown, nut-like fruits are produced. The nondescript, greenish-brown flowers that are produced at the ends are wind pollinated. Small, secondary umbels with 3-5 rays and narrow, elongated bracts are produced on the ends of the rays. This is a dense cluster of many bright green, shiny thread-like rays. The non-descript, greenish-brown flowers are wind pollinated.Įach straight stem is topped with an umbellate inflorescence. The thick rhizomes creep horizontally along the soil, anchored by numerous roots. These are triangular in shape and a reddish brown color. The new rhizomes and culm bases are covered by papery scales, which are actually reduced leaves. This herbaceous perennial produces just a few basal leaves and many strong, deep green, triangular (3-sided) stems (culms) from woody rhizomes. Papyrus is a vigorous grower that can grow up to 16 feet tall in its native habitat but the ornamental selections are typically a more modest 3-6 feet. Upright stems topped with airy foliage gives this species a tiered effect that is quite ornamental. The starchy rhizomes and culms are edible, both raw and cooked, and the buoyant stems were used for making small boats. In ancient times it was widely cultivated in the Nile Delta, but now is nearly extinct there. The large, dense populations often line bodies of water. It is native throughout the wetter parts of Africa, Madagascar andĮach stem is topped with feather-duster-like growth.Īround the southern Mediterranean where it occurs in vast stands in swamps, shallow lakes, and along stream banks throughout the wetter parts of Africa. papyrus, also called Egyptian reed or paper reed, is a clump-forming African species hardy in zones 9-12. Papyrus is a sedge (family Cyperaceae) – one of about 600 species in the genus Cyperus – that is probably best known as the source of ancient paper called papyrus. Divide in spring.Papyrus is a sedge that naturally grows in shallow water and wet soils. Cut back dead stems and culms in fall.It may be grown at the edge of a pond or water garden, in boggy areas, in shallow water, and in containers. This architectural grass is highly versatile.While it thrives in consistently moist garden soil, it can also be planted in standing water, but the crown of the plant should never be covered.
Dwarf papyrus king tut full#
Performs best in full sun or partial shade in wet soils.It is a very fast grower and will quickly grow to an impressive size when replanted in the spring. Cyperus Papyrus is not hardy enough to survive winters with freezing temperatures, and it is not a candidate to overwinter inside. While papyrus plants are perennials in warm climates, many gardeners use them as if they were annuals in colder climates. It creates a lovely background for other pond plants too. Providing year-round interest, this member of the sedge family is a bold and dramatic addition to the water garden thanks to its strongly upright foliage and fireworks-like flower heads. Greenish-brown flower clusters appear during the summer and eventually produce brown nut-like fruits. Atop the stem rests a rounded umbel adorned with many slender arching threads. Cyperus papyrus 'King Tut' (Papyrus) is a tender aquatic perennial forming a clump of erect, triangular stems that sprout from woody rhizomes.
