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Umbrella Plant

Cyperus alternifolius

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Umbrella Plant (Cyperus alternifolius) at Pender Pines Garden Center

Umbrella Plant foliage

Umbrella Plant foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Umbrella Plant (Cyperus alternifolius) at Pender Pines Garden Center

Umbrella Plant

Umbrella Plant

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Umbrella Plant (Cyperus alternifolius) at Pender Pines Garden Center

Umbrella Plant flowers

Umbrella Plant flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  3 feet

Spread:  3 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  8b

Description:

This variety is a semi-aquatic, grass-like plant producing long green stems with green bracts; perfect for pond side planting or in wet areas of the garden; doesn't mind being submerged at the base

Ornamental Features

Umbrella Plant's attractive grassy leaves remain green in color throughout the season on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth.

Landscape Attributes

Umbrella Plant is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Umbrella Plant is ideally suited for growing in a pond, water garden or patio water container, and is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Water Gardens
  • Container Planting
  • Bog Gardens

Planting & Growing

Umbrella Plant will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. As an aquatic plant, it requires a suitable water garden environment and will benefit from special planting and ongoing care practices; consult one of our in-store experts for further details and instructions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

Umbrella Plant is a fine choice for the water garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in outdoor pots and containers, aquatic plants like this one will require a special growing environment that meets their requirement for consistent moisture.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Container  Bog  Water 
Applications
Foliage Color  Texture 
Ornamental Features