Cyperus papyrus

RHS Plant Profile
papyrus

Other common names

Egyptian paper reed, Egyptian paper rush, Indian matting plant, Nile grass, paper reed

Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse Grass Like Bogs

A tender aquatic perennial forming a clump of erect stems with rounded umbels to 30cm wide, composed of many slender stalks each bearing a small light brown flower-head

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cyperaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Correct
Plant Range
Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light. Water freely in summer and maintain high humidity. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Can be grown outdoors as a bog or marginal plant

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 18 to 21°C in spring in constantly moist seed compost

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

Cut back dead material in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free