Jesse Saylor
Family
Cyperaceae
Botanical Name
CYPERUS papyrus(KING TUT®)
Plant Common Name
Papyrus
General Description
The showy papyrus King Tut® is compact, fast-growing and will add a tropical foliar element to any border or container with moist soil. Its papyrus plumes are very filamentous, feathery and sit on strong, stout stems.
Best known for its use in paper making by the ancient Egyptians, papyrus is typically a large aquatic sedge that originates from tropical Africa and the Nile River Basin. Its bright green color and striking bold looks have made it a popular plant for contemporary aquatic container plantings and subtropical and tropical water gardens.
Egyptian papyrus is an evergreen water-loving plant that produces tall, dark green stems topped with umbrella-like sprays of long thread-like filaments. Tan spikelets of flowers and seeds appear when growing conditions are favorable. These are highly ornamental and great for cutting.
Plant papyrus in full or partial sun. It requires saturated organic soil. Pond-edges, water-filled containers or areas with dense mucky soil are ideal. Areas with hot and humid summers are also preferable. Remove brown or damaged stems to keep clumps looking clean and fresh. Specimens can be easily overwintered indoors or grown as houseplants. Divide papyrus when the clump becomes too large for a container or area. The center of the plant may die out with age and should be discarded during division.
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
Showy
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Flower Color
Green, Tan
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Fruit Color
Tan, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, 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
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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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, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Water Gardens
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
