About
Cyperus involucratus, the umbrella plant, is an evergreen, clump-forming sedge reaching around 60 cm with erect, triangular stems each topped by a whorl of bright-green, grass-like, leafy bracts arranged in an umbrella-like formation, with insignificant, yellowish-green flowers at the centre. A popular and architectural aquatic or marginal plant for a sunny position.
About the genus
Cyperus, the galingales, are annuals or evergreen, rhizomatous perennials with linear, grass-like leaves and terminal clusters of small, greenish flower-spikes with spreading, leaf-like bracts beneath. They range from the giant papyrus to compact aquatic and marginal sedges grown for their architectural form.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Bogs, Grass Like
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toAfrica, Arabian Pen.
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light. Water freely in summer and maintain high humidity. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Can be grown outdoors as a bog or marginal plant
PruningCut back dead material in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed at 18 to 21°C in spring in constantly moist seed compost
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free