Papyrus Ornamental Grass

Commonly known as an umbrella plant, papyrus is a bold foliage specimen offering a tropical feel to the garden scape, making an excellent exotic vertical accent plant in containers or ground. Thick leafless stems are clump-forming, growing up to 6 feet with green-brown arching grassy plumes that look like exploding fireworks. Ancient Egyptians used plant fibers to make one of the earliest forms of paper, as well as baskets, boxes, sandals, and rope; they roasted and ate papyrus roots too. Suited for water features and wet areas, and ideal to grow in patio containers without drainage. Perennial zone 9 and above. 

100 seeds

PLANTING

Cyperus papyrus

Annual/Tender Perennial

Germination: 15-30 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures are 70-75ºF

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface and keep moist until germination

Starting Indoors:  Start indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-70ºF soil temperature for germination. Transplant after the last frost, 10-16” apart

Sowing Outdoors: Direct sowing is not recommended

Growth Habit: Upright

Height and Width: 4-6’ x 12-18”  

Spacing: 24-36” apart

Light Needs: Full sun

Soil Needs: Wet soil, but can handle average soil when watered often so it will not dry out

Approximate days to flower from seed: Foliage plant, seed heads arrive mid to late summer 

Uses: water gardens, boggy or wet areas or shallow water, containers (perfect for ones without drainage), vertical specimen plants for the landscape, houseplant

Care: Easy to grow and low maintenance. Prune out and remove dried stalks