Grass
Papyrus
Cyperus papyrus
Varieties We Carry
StandardCyperus papyrus
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$16.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 4.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterHigh
Mature size8-15 feet × 3-4 feet
About Papyrus
Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) is a tall, architectural aquatic sedge native to sub-Saharan Africa, best known as the source of ancient Egyptian writing material. It produces distinctive globe-shaped umbels of thread-like rays atop tall triangular stems, making it a striking accent in water features and pond margins. Starting at $16.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Sandy, Wet, Boggy
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season. Higher water demand in summer heat.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Papyrus thrives in full sun to part shade and is ideal for pond margins, water features, and rain gardens in NE Florida. Full sun produces the most vigorous growth and tallest stems; part shade is acceptable but may reduce vigor slightly.
Water
A true aquatic—plant in standing water up to 12 inches deep or in perpetually wet, boggy soil at the water's edge. Never allow the roots to dry out. In containers, keep the pot sitting in a saucer of water or submerged in a pond.
Soil & Fertilizer
Grows in ordinary wet soil, sandy loam, or aquatic planting media in pond baskets. Fertilize with aquatic slow-release tablets pressed into the root zone in spring and summer. Division every 2–3 years keeps clumps vigorous. Hardy in zone 9b but may die back to roots in hard freezes; mulch crowns for protection.
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Common questions
Is Papyrus a good plant for St. Augustine?
Papyrus is a grass for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 8-15 feet × 3-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.