Description
Cyperus alternifolius or Umbrella palm. This interesting perennial sedge can be grown in moist ground or as a pond marginal or up to 10cm deep in water, where it will soon romp away and form a thicket of green. It is grown for its umbrella-like foliage made up of many 15-25cm leaflets that appears at the top of each stem up to 1.2m tall. Cyperus alternifolius makes a great feature around ponds, bog gardens, or as a standalone plant in a pot or container. It should never be allowed to dry out as the foliage will soon go brown; hence containers are best kept in a dish permanently filled with water to keep it fresh and verdant. It can also be used as a house plant in a cool room.
Although a tropical plant in its native habitats, it takes cool to cold temperatures well and will certainly take a few degrees of frost though it will defoliate and return again in the spring.
Common Name: Umbrella palm
Latin name: Cyperus alternifolius
Tenderness Rating: Hardy down to -5C and lower once established.
Ease of growing: Easy.
Position: Prefers full sun to dappled shade.
Soil Condition: Moist, humus rich soil or used as a pond marginal up to 10cmm deep.
