Overview
Cyperus longus is a perennial in the genus Cyperus, part of the Cyperaceae family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Cyperus longus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include pond margins and wetland gardens. It is native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia.
About
Cyperus longus is a perennial sedge reaching about 1.2 m, noted for a sweet, aromatic scent. It produces upright stems suited to damp ground and margins of shallow water. Flowering occurs from June to September. Plant in full sun in sandy, loamy or clay soils that remain moist to wet.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cyperus longus
About the genus
Cyperus is a large genus of about 700 species of sedges, distributed throughout all continents in both tropical and temperate regions.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cyperus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cyperus
In the garden
Cyperus longus belongs to the sedge family Cyperaceae and is native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia. As a perennial it provides a tall, vertical presence at water margins and in wetter parts of the garden, where its fragrant flowering period runs from June to September. Position plants in full sun where soil stays moisture-retentive; it tolerates sandy, loamy and clay textures so long as they remain moist to wet rather than bone-dry. Hardiness is H6 (very hardy) and aligns roughly with USDA zones 6–9, so established clumps survive typical UK winters; allow space for stems to reach around 1.2 m at maturity. Sweet galingale is most effective at pond edges, in wetland beds and across damp hollows where taller, upright growth provides screening and structural rhythm. Plant in small groups to create a linear margin or occasional island within bog beds. Expect the plant’s sweet, aromatic scent to be most noticeable on warm days while it is in flower from June to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cyperus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Cyperus longus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Pond margins, Wetland gardens
- Native to
- Europe, North Africa, Western Asia
- Fragrance
- Sweet, aromatic
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cyperus longus
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates wet conditions; plant in full sun to partial shade
- Pruning
- Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cyperus longus?
Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates wet conditions; plant in full sun to partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Cyperus longus?
Cyperus longus prefers full sun.
What soil does Cyperus longus need?
Cyperus longus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Cyperus longus?
Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring.
How big does Cyperus longus grow?
Cyperus longus reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Cyperus longus hardy in the UK?
Cyperus longus has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Cyperus longus?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.
More in the Cyperus genus
- Cyperus alternifoliusumbrella plant
- Cyperus difformisdirty Dora
- Cyperus rotundusnutgrass
- Cyperus niveus var. leucocephalus