Can Papyrus be grown in the UK?

Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) can be grown in the UK, but since it’s a plant native to warmer, tropical regions like Egypt and parts of Africa, it requires specific care to thrive. In the UK’s cooler climate, papyrus is usually grown as a pond or bog plant, often in containers or pots, and may need to be brought indoors during winter or grown in a greenhouse.

Growing Papyrus in the UK

Here’s what papyrus generally requires:

1. Location: Full sun to partial shade. It thrives best in warm and bright conditions.
2. Water: Papyrus is a marsh plant, so it needs constant moisture. Plant it in shallow water, the edge of a pond, or in very water-retentive soil.
3. Temperature: Papyrus is not frost-hardy. During winter, temperatures must not drop below 5°C (41°F). It should be brought indoors or protected in a greenhouse.
4. Soil: It prefers rich, loamy soil with good water retention. Ensure the soil is consistently wet, almost bog-like.
5. Containers: If you’re growing papyrus in a pot, ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate the root system and keep it in a water tray to mimic the marshy environment.
6. Overwintering: In colder months, move your papyrus into a greenhouse or indoors where the temperature stays above freezing. It can be cut back in winter when growth slows down.

Best Varieties of Papyrus to Grow in the UK

1. Cyperus papyrus (Common Papyrus)

• Description: The traditional papyrus plant that was historically used by the Egyptians for paper-making. It has tall, green, triangular stems that can grow up to 2-3 meters in ideal conditions, with umbrella-like clusters of fine, thread-like leaves on top.
• Growing Requirements: Needs lots of water, full sun, and protection from frost. Ideally grown near a pond or in a container filled with water.

1. Cyperus alternifolius (Umbrella Plant)

• Description: Often referred to as the umbrella papyrus, this species is smaller than Cyperus papyrus, reaching about 1-1.5 meters. It has a similar look, with radiating leaves that resemble an umbrella, but it’s easier to manage in smaller spaces.
• Growing Requirements: Easier to grow indoors, in water or very wet soil. It can also tolerate partial shade and is better suited for container planting.

1. Cyperus involucratus (Dwarf Papyrus)

• Description: A compact variety, reaching about 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) in height. It has similar umbrella-like foliage but is smaller and more manageable in smaller gardens or ponds.
• Growing Requirements: It prefers full sun and constant moisture, though it can be grown indoors in containers or in water gardens. It also needs to be protected from frost.

General Care Tips:

• Fertilizing: Papyrus grows rapidly in fertile conditions. A liquid fertilizer high in nitrogen can help boost its growth in summer.
• Pruning: Trim any brown or yellowing leaves, especially before bringing the plant indoors for winter.
• Pest Control: Aphids and spider mites can occasionally attack papyrus, especially indoors. Regular misting can help keep pests away, or use a gentle insecticidal soap if necessary.

In conclusion, with proper care, papyrus can be a stunning addition to a UK garden, especially in pond areas or as a striking potted plant. However, it’s crucial to manage its water needs and protect it from frost during the colder months.

Papyrus – Cyperus papyrus Grow Guide

Common name: Papyrus
Family: Cyperaceae
Type: Tender perennial / marginal aquatic
Hardiness: RHS H1–H2 – not frost hardy; needs winter protection in the UK
Ultimate size: 1.5–3 m tall × 1–2 m wide (smaller in pots)

Overview

Papyrus is a dramatic, architectural marginal plant best known for its tall triangular stems topped with umbrella-like heads of fine green bracts. Native to African wetlands, it is ideal for pond margins, water features, containers, and tropical-style gardens. In the UK it is usually grown in pots so it can be moved under cover for winter.

Position

• Light: Full sun to light shade
• Sheltered from strong winds, which can snap stems
• Performs best in warm, bright positions

Soil & Growing Medium

• Type: Heavy, moisture-retentive soil
• Use loam-based compost (e.g. John Innes No. 3)
• Can be grown:
  • In pots standing in water
  • In shallow water up to 10–20 cm deep

Planting

• When: Late spring, once temperatures are consistently above 10 °C
• Grow in large, stable containers to prevent toppling
• Sink pots into pond margins or stand in trays of water

Watering

• Papyrus must never dry out
• Keep pots constantly standing in water during the growing season
• In hot weather, ensure water levels are maintained daily

Feeding

• Heavy feeder
• Apply liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks during active growth
• Slow-release fertiliser can be added at planting

Growth & Habit

• Upright, clump-forming plant
• Tall green stems with flat, spreading umbels
• Produces new stems continuously in warm conditions
• Can become very large in a single season

Flowering

• Months: Summer
• Flowers: Small, brownish-green, insignificant; plant is grown for structure

Maintenance

• Remove yellowing or damaged stems at the base
• Thin congested clumps in summer if required
• Regularly top up water and feed during growth

Overwintering (Essential in the UK)

• Before first frost, move plants to:
  • A bright frost-free greenhouse, conservatory, or
  • A warm indoor position
• Reduce feeding and watering slightly, but do not let compost dry
• Minimum winter temperature: 5–10 °C

Propagation

• Division: Very easy; divide clumps in spring
• Stem cuttings: Umbel heads can be rooted in water upside-down
• Seed: Possible but slow

Pests & Problems

• Generally pest-free
• Spider mites may occur indoors in dry air
• Yellowing leaves usually indicate lack of water or nutrients

Garden & Display Use

• Pond margins and water features
• Large containers on patios
• Tropical-style and architectural planting schemes
• Excellent companion plants:
  • Colocasia
  • Canna
  • Zantedeschia (Calla lilies)
  • Cyperus alternifolius

Quick Reference Table