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| Category: Grass-like |
| Family: Cyperaceae (Sedges) |
| Origin: Africa, North (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Brown |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Synonyms: [Cyperus papyrus percamentus, Hort.] |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: Clumping |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): High Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Cyperus papyrus 'Tutankhamun' (Little Giant Papyrus) - This is a diminutive form of Egyptian papyrus, growing to only 2 to 3 feet tall. This plant is a vigorous grower in or out of water. Plant it up to 12 inches deep in water or in rich moist soil in full sun to medium shade (more shade tolerant than regular papyrus). It is hardy to about 20-25 degrees F. Its compact habit and shade tolerance make it well-suited to a smaller water garden but also make it a great addition to the large pond. This plant was discovered in 1993 during a Cyperus propagation research project at Kagawa University in Japan. In the course of this research a dwarf form of papyrus was isolated and it was determined that it was not only dwarf but grew with thicker stems and with more flower peduncles (the tassels at the top of a Cyperus stem) that were more compact than those on the full-sized papyrus. It was also found to be considerably more shade tolerant than the full-sized plants that it was beind being compared to. This plant has been marketed in the US since 2004 under the invalid name Cyperus papyrus percamentus. The late Greg Speichert, aquatic plant specialist and author (with wife Sue) of the "Encyclopedia of Water Garden Plants" (Timber Press, 2004) provided us with the background material on this plant, as published in the International Society of Horticultural Science and suggested we change the name. We are now using the cultivar name 'Dwarf Form' to describe this plant to avoid confusion with another taller plant being marketed under the name we previously used. Our thanks to Randy McDonald of McDonald Water Gardens in Reseda, CA for our original stock on this plant.
This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Cyperus papyrus 'Dwarf Form' .
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