Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Sedge, Dwarf Papyrus Grass, Cyperus alternifolius subsp. flabelliformis, Cyperus flabelliformis, Cyperus involucratus 'Flabelliformis'
Prized for its easy nature and relaxed habit, Cyperus involucratus (Umbrella Plant) is a tender aquatic perennial forming a clump of erect, triangular stems that sprout from woody rhizomes. Atop the stem rests a whorl of dark green, radiating grassy leafy bracts, up to 12 in. long (30 cm), which form a showy umbrella shape. Greenish-brown flower spikelets appear from summer to fall and eventually produce small dark brown nut-like fruits. This architectural plant retains its green color all year long in warm climates. Adding an exotic and tropical feel, it is a bold and dramatic addition to the water garden and creates a lovely background for other pond plants. While Umbrella plants are perennials in warm climates, many gardeners use them as if they were annuals in colder climates. This native of Madagascar will tolerate light frosts but not prolonged cold weather. Plants in Zones 8-9 will die back with frost, but may survive the winter and put out new foliage in spring if the roots remain unfrozen.
Hardiness |
9 - 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
10 - 11 |
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials |
Plant Family | Cyperaceae |
Genus | Cyperus |
Common names | Umbrella Plant |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | High |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Hardiness |
9 - 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
10 - 11 |
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials |
Plant Family | Cyperaceae |
Genus | Cyperus |
Common names | Umbrella Plant |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | High |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
How many Cyperus involucratus (Umbrella Plant) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Cyperus involucratus (Umbrella Plant) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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