Papyrus in the garden !

Design and InstallationGarden Caregarden TriviaIndoor plantsPlant Health CareUncategorized
Written By Grahame Hubbard

Cyperus papyrus

Description

Papyrus is a sedge in the family Cyperaceae. Sedges have triangular stems and are not grasses. It is best known as the source of ancient paper called papyrus. Cyperus papyrus - also called Egyptian reed or paper reed, is a clump-forming African species.

There are about 600 species in the genus - each with stems topped by a feathery growth. 

they still make paper out of it !

Environment

 It is native throughout the wetter parts of Africa, Madagascar, and around the southern Mediterranean where it occurs in vast stands in swamps. 

pretty water feature in the garden

Uses

The starchy rhizomes and culms are edible, both raw and cooked. The stems are also buoyant and were used for making small boats. Upright stems topped with airy foliage gives this species a tiered effect that is quite pretty in the garden. 

grows well in pots !

Growing it

Papyrus is a vigorous grower to about 6 feet. This herbaceous perennial produces just a few basal leaves and many strong, deep green stems. These are covered by papery scales, are triangular in shape, with a reddish-brown color. The thick rhizomes creep horizontally along the soil, anchored by numerous roots.

It can be grown as an annual foliage plant in the ground, in large containers, or in shallow water. This plant is well suited for medium to large water features and adds an exotic, tropical feel to a sunny corner. 

perfect for a bowl - dwarf papyrus

Dwarf cultivars

A shorter form than the species is also used as an ornamental. It grows only 2-3 feet tall, grows vigorously in or out of water, and is more shade tolerant than the species. 

Overwintering

As a tropical plant it is very sensitive to frost. It should be moved indoors when temperatures get below 40°F. Plants can be kept over the winter in a bright spot indoors. Place the pot in standing water. It may become dormant but will resume growth when you put it outside again in the spring when the weather warms. 

How about filling your garden with Papyrus !

Here in NYC we plant them in early summer -

Call us - we know where to get them !

PLANT SPECIALISTS

GREENING NEW YORK FOR OVER 53 YEARS !

Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBA

All photographs used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK

Grahame Hubbard

Grahame was born in a small village in North Queensland, Australia. He grew up on a
fishing boat with his parents until the age of 12. He was educated via the "Outback School of the Air", a two-way radio-learning system.

Ironically, Grahame ended up amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City -- quite a contrast from the village of sixty people he was born in.
This change was brought about by his overwhelming desire to travel, his passion for experiencing the diversity of the world, and his desire to immerse himself in varying cultures.

After growing up on the sea, Grahame resided in New Zealand for ten years, Thailand for three seasons and then lived for a decade in Canada before making New York City home.

Coming from a gardening family of Orchid experts, Grahame has always been mesmerized by nature. He has a lifelong love of plants, gardens, garden design and all aspects of the horticultural arts and sciences.

Owner of Plant Specialists since 2004, he is proud to be involved with a team that have been Greening New York’s interiors and exteriors since 1972!

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