Cyperus alternifolius L.

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umbrella plant

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A densely tufted perennial sedge to 90cm tall. Numerous dark green stems each bear a terminal whorl of leaf-like bracts to 15cm long; these arch and fan out somewhat like umbrella spokes. From summer to autumn the stems are topped with small spikelets of tiny brown flowers

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cyperaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
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
Correct
Plant Range
Africa & Arabian Penin.

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

  • Patio and container plants
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Trim off dead or dying stems

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free