Cyperus papyrus King Tut (Papyrus)

Cyperus papyrus ‘King Tut’ (Papyrus) is a tender aquatic perennial forming a clump of erect, triangular stems that sprout from woody rhizomes. Atop the stem rests a rounded umbel adorned with many slender arching threads. Greenish-brown flower clusters appear during the summer and eventually produce brown nut-like fruits.

Cyperus papyrus 'King Tut' (Papyrus) is a tender aquatic perennial forming a clump of erect, triangular stems that sprout from woody rhizomes. Atop the stem rests a rounded umbel adorned with many slender arching threads. Greenish-brown flower clusters appear during the summer and eventually produce brown nut-like fruits. Providing year-round interest, this member of the sedge family is a bold and dramatic addition to the water garden thanks to its strongly upright foliage and fireworks-like flower heads. It creates a lovely background for other pond plants too. While papyrus plants are perennials in warm climates, many gardeners use them as if they were annuals in colder climates. Cyperus Papyrus is not hardy enough to survive winters with freezing temperatures, and it is not a candidate to overwinter inside. It is a very fast grower and will quickly grow to an impressive size when replanted in the spring.

  • Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or partial shade in wet soils. While it thrives in consistently moist garden soil, it can also be planted in standing water, but the crown of the plant should never be covered.
  • This architectural grass is highly versatile. It may be grown at the edge of a pond or water garden, in boggy areas, in shallow water, and in containers.
  • Virtually disease and pest free
  • Cut back dead stems and culms in fall. Divide in spring.

Requirements

Hardiness 10
– 11

Heat Zones 6
– 12

Climate Zones 16, 17, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Cyperus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 36″
– 48″
(90cm
– 120cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Wet Soil
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden