Cyperus papyrus Graceful Grasses King Tut
A densely tufted, tender perennial sedge to 1.2m tall. Numerous dark green stems each bear a spherical, terminal head of fine, grass-like leaves. From summer to autumn the stems are topped with small spikelets of tiny brown flowers
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Genus
Cyperus can be annuals or evergreen, rhizomatous perennials, with linear, grass-like leaves and terminal clusters of small greenish flower-spikes with spreading leaf-like bracts beneath
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a pot of peat-free, loam-based compost either outdoors or in bright filtered light. Stand the container in shallow tray of water to ensure ample moisture at all times. Apply a balanced liquid feed monthly during the growing season
Propagation
Propagate by division or by inverting a cut stem in water; plantlets will develop from the crown of the submerged stem
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Trim off dead or dying stems
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.