Cyperus alternifolius

‘Umbrella Plant’

FAMILY: Cyperus

USES: Provides an oriental and tropical effect. Used as an accent, silhouette or back ground, in planters, containers or pots. Looks good in or near the margins of streams, ponds, water features and around pools.

SIZE: Grows 2m tall with a clumping spread of 60cm. Initially fast growing to 1.5m tall.

LOCATION: Full sun to partial shade provided there is sufficient moisture available. Does well in the more humid coastal locations in or near water or near the ample irrigation and humidity of a lawn. Not so good in the open, hot, dry desert regions.

SOIL: Best in an organically enriched free draining fertile soil with a pH 5.6 – 6.5, acidic to mildly acidic. Needs a continually moist soil.

FERTILISER: Apply a slow release 14:14:14 NPK every three months. Regular fertilising will help the plant achieve maximum effect.

WATER: Keep soil moist. Not very drought tolerant. The wetter the roots, the more it thrives.