Felder Rushing
Family
Cyperaceae
Botanical Name
CYPERUS alternifolius
Plant Common Name
Alternate Papyrus, Umbrella Papyrus, Umbrella Plant
General Description
The bold look of umbrella plant make it a favorite garden plant for moist containers and subtropical pondside gardens. This upright, evergreen, grass-like perennial is native to Madagascar. It spreads steadily by underground rhizomes to form substantial clumps over time, in fact in some areas it has escaped from garden cultivation and is considered invasive.
The chief selling point of this papyrus is its unique, striking foliage. It bears tall, dark green leafless stems topped with a spoke-like whorl of long, leafy bracts. Small, pale yellow to brown flowers occur in summer above the bracts.
Grow umbrella plant in full or partial sun. It is adapted to wet or moist soils but will also tolerate garden soils with average moisture (it is also less aggressive in soils with lower water). Plant it in a either in a large container with wet-soil or at the margin of a water feature. Light frost will kill umbrella papyrus to the roots, but it will rejuvenate in mid-spring. It may aggressively self-sow or spread vegetatively, so be aware of this before planting it in an outdoor garden space where it may become unmanageable.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Sedge or Rush
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
18"-36" / 45.7cm - 91.4cm (30)
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Width
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Madagascar
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Poorly Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Wet Site
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water, Ample Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow Green, Brown
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bog Garden, Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Tropical, Water Gardens
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
