Dwarf egyptian papyrus care trial#

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.

Dwarf egyptian papyrus care trial#

For evergreen grasses this wounding will really affect their ability to live through the winter.įine Gardening Magazine 2008 Trial Garden Recommendation.Papyrus is a sedge that naturally grows in shallow water and wet soils. Dividing plants wounds them to some degree. In areas where winter temperatures remain above 35 degrees it should be considered a perennial and the following information should be useful.Įvergreen or neutral grasses are usually plants that look like grasses but aren't actually classified as grasses, they are generally called grass-like plants.ĭivide evergreen or neutral grasses and grass-like plants in spring only.Įvergreen grasses don't ever go dormant. It should not be expected to live through the winter and begin growing again in the spring.

Once the grass turns brown it can either be removed immediately or removed in the spring. Where temperatures get colder than 35 degrees F, the plants should be treated as annuals. King Tut is an evergreen or neutral grass. It is best to keep the soil moist, but once established King Tut has proven to be surprisingly tolerant of dry conditions. King Tut will also do well when planted in normal garden beds. If the plant is put into a pot I would suggest plugging the hole or holes in the bottom of the pot to keep as much water as possible in the pot. The root ball can be submerged but it isn't necessary. The purpose is to keep the bulk of the soil or root mass wet. The crown of the plant should never be covered in water and in fact both of these varieties can thrive in water as shallow as a few inches. The plant can be planted in pots, along the waters edge of a pond, or even in a pond. It is a very fast grower and will quickly grow to 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.