Nancy Engel
Family
Cyperaceae
Botanical Name
Cyperus papyrus 'Perkamentus Compact' PP15454
Plant Common Name
Compact Egyptian Papyrus, Egyptian Papyrus, Papyrus
General Description
Compact Egyptian papyrus is an easy-to-grow clump-forming aquatic plant that produces sturdy bright green stems topped with robust plumes of fine grassy foliage. The stems look much like hairy green feather dusters rising from the water. These produce inconspicuous feathery tan flowers when conditions are favorable. In addition to a shorter size, ‘Perkamentus Compact’ has thicker stems and more compact plumes.
Though moisture-loving, this plant will only tolerate shallow water that just covers the base of its roots. It needs full to partial sun and should be rooted in organic-rich heavy soil. When stems die or become damaged just cut them off at the base to allow fresh ones to grow. Clumps can be easily divided if they become too broad. Where tender, Egyptian papyrus can be easily overwintered indoors or grown indefinitely as a houseplant in moist soil. Otherwise it is super for moist containers and small water gardens.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 7
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 16, 17, 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
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Width
2'-5' / 0.6m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
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
Tan
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Fruit Color
Brown, Chocolate
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Light 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 Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
