Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus KING TUT)
The dwarf Cyperus papyrus KING TUT offers dramatic height for water gardens, thriving in wet soil as a stunning accent plant.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The striking Cyperus papyrus KING TUT is a highly desirable, compact cultivar cherished for its bold, architectural form in aquatic and container settings. This variety of Papyrus brings instant vertical interest, reminiscent of its towering wild relatives, making it an excellent focal point near ponds or patios. Grow this tender perennial primarily for its dramatic foliage structure, characterized by dense clusters of thread-like rays atop sturdy, triangular stems.
Cyperus papyrus KING TUT is best suited for gardeners seeking a lush, tropical look and who can meet its high moisture demands. While hardy in Zones 9 and above, it generally requires winter protection in cooler climates, functioning perfectly as a seasonal annual or a manageable container specimen. Its unique visual texture contrasts beautifully with broad-leaved aquatic plants.
This cultivar typically reaches 4 to 5 feet tall, offering significant stature without the overwhelming height sometimes associated with standard Papyrus. Whether placed at the shallow edge of a pond or sunk deep into a bubbling container feature, the Cyperus papyrus KING TUT provides year-round structure and dynamic texture.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Cyperaceae
- Plant Type: Rush or Sedge
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-5 ft
- Spread: 4-5 ft
- Bloom Time: July to September
- Bloom Description: Greenish brown
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Wet
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant the Papyrus when all danger of frost has passed, ideally setting containers directly into shallow water or very saturated soil. Cyperus papyrus KING TUT thrives in full sun but appreciates some afternoon shade, especially in the hottest regions, which can help prevent scorching of the delicate tips. Ensure the soil remains consistently wet; this plant grows well both submerged and in boggy conditions.
Watering is critical: this sedge requires constant moisture. If grown in standing water, check water levels regularly during the growing season. For container specimens, submerge the pot in a saucer filled with water to mimic natural bog conditions. Fertilization should be moderate, applying a slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for aquatic plants at the beginning of the growing season.
In colder climates (below Zone 9), treat Cyperus papyrus KING TUT as a tender perennial or annual. Before the first fall frost, move potted plants indoors. Overwintering requires placing the container in a saucer of water near a very bright, sunny window in a cool location (60–65°F is ideal) to slow dormancy. Pruning is minimal, involving only the removal of old, yellowing stems near the base.
Landscape Uses
The architectural presence of Cyperus papyrus KING TUT makes it an invaluable structural element in landscape design, especially where water features are present. It serves as a graceful, vertical accent for the peripheries of water gardens, ponds, and shallow bog areas where its need for wet soil can be perfectly satisfied. Furthermore, its manageable size allows it to be prominently featured in patio containers or decorative tubs placed near water features, effectively bringing the pond aesthetic right onto the patio.
When massed together, the upright stems create a screen or backdrop. In rain gardens, the Papyrus helps manage heavy runoff due to its high water requirements. Pair it with broad-leaved marginal plants like Canna Lillies or low-growing bog iris to enhance the textural contrast provided by the fine, feathery heads of the Cyperus papyrus KING TUT.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Cyperus papyrus, commonly called papyrus, is native to Africa. It is a tall, clump-forming, tender perennial sedge that, in frost-free areas, will grow up to 15’ tall. In St. Louis gardens, stems will grow shorter (to 5-8’ tall). It features a grass-like clump of triangular green stems that rise up from thick, woody rhizomes. Each stem is topped by an umbellate inflorescence of 100+ narrow arching thread-like rays (4-12” long). Greenish-brown flower clusters appear at the ends of the rays. Flowers give way to brown, nut-like fruits. In ancient Egypt, the stems of this plant (considered by some authorities to be the bulrush of the Bible) were used to make a paper-like writing material also called papyrus.Genus name comes from the Greek word kypeiros which was the name given to some local sedges.Specific epithet is the Greek name used for paper made into rolls from this plant in Ancient Egypt.KING TUT is a dwarf cultivar that typically grows 4-5’ tall
Tolerances
- Wet Soil
Potential Problems
Generally, Papyrus resists most serious pests and diseases when grown in its preferred conditions. The main concern is cultural rather than biological: insufficient water supply will quickly lead to browning foliage and stem collapse. Ensure the roots are never allowed to dry out, especially when grown in windy or exposed container locations. In containers, ensure adequate air circulation during overwintering indoors to prevent fungal issues, although this plant is quite robust when kept actively growing or cool and dormant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Papyrus suitable for?
The Cyperus papyrus KING TUT is winter hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 10 when grown in perpetually wet or boggy soils.
How large does Papyrus grow?
At maturity, this dwarf cultivar typically reaches a height between 4 and 5 feet with a comparable spread of 4 to 5 feet.
What sun exposure does Cyperus papyrus KING TUT need?
This plant prefers full sun but performs admirably in part shade; aim for locations that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight for best vigor.
When does Papyrus bloom?
The Papyrus produces its greenish-brown flower clusters at the end of its rays from July through September.
Conclusion
The dense, upright structure of Cyperus papyrus KING TUT provides unmatched vertical texture, functioning perfectly as a dramatic accent in water gardens or large seasonal containers. By diligently meeting its high requirement for wet soil and providing appropriate sun exposure, you can showcase this exotic rush throughout the summer season. Assess your growing environment now to determine if this fantastic Papyrus cultivar is compatible with your zone or plan for its relocation indoors this winter.
Companion Planting
When placing Cyperus papyrus KING TUT in or near water features, consider pairing it with plants that enjoy similar moisture levels but offer contrasting forms. Water Hyacinths or Water Lilies provide floating drama at the surface, offsetting the vertical lines of the sedge. For marginal planting where the soil is simply boggy rather than submerged, plants like Pickerel Rush (Pontederia) or Iris varieties thrive alongside the Papyrus, creating rich, layered scenes throughout the garden.
Design Ideas for Container Groupings
Growing Cyperus papyrus KING TUT in pots allows for maximum flexibility, making it excellent for seasonal tropical displays. When grouping containers, utilize the “Thriller, Filler, Spiller” method for maximum impact. Use the Papyrus as the Thriller due to its height, pairing it with mid-height, broad-leaved fillers like Taro (Colocasia) or upright Canna Lilies. Allow water-loving creepers like creeping Jenny or certain Iris varieties to act as fillers or spillers around the perimeter of the container grouping. Remember to keep the Papyrus container well-saturated or placed in a tray of standing water.
