Egyptian Paper Rush (Cyperus papyrus)

Egyptian Paper Rush | Cyperus papyrus

Iconic tropical pond plant with towering stems and umbrella shaped heads

Egyptian Paper Rush, also known as Papyrus, is one of the most recognisable and dramatic pond plants you can add to your garden. Famous for its historical use in ancient Egypt, where it was used to make paper, Cyperus papyrus brings a truly unique and exotic feel to ponds, water features, and damp planting areas.

This striking plant produces tall, upright green stems topped with distinctive umbrella shaped heads that create an instant architectural statement. Growing up to 2.5 metres tall in ideal conditions, it adds impressive height, movement, and structure to any pond setting. During the summer months, subtle greenish brown flower clusters appear, adding further texture and interest.

Perfect for larger ponds or statement planting, Egyptian Paper Rush thrives in shallow water or consistently wet soil. It performs best in full sun, where its bold foliage can really stand out. The tall stems not only create visual impact but also provide excellent shelter for pond wildlife, including frogs, toads, and dragonflies.

While it delivers a strong tropical appearance, it is important to note that Papyrus is not hardy in UK winters. It can be enjoyed outdoors throughout the warmer months, but will need to be moved to a frost free location such as a greenhouse or conservatory during colder periods. This makes it an ideal seasonal feature plant that can transform your pond in summer and be protected for reuse year after year.

Its clean, vertical lines make it particularly effective in modern or formal pond designs, while it can also be used in naturalistic settings to create height and contrast against lower growing marginal plants. Whether used as a focal point or grouped for impact, Egyptian Paper Rush is guaranteed to stand out.

If you are looking to create a bold, eye catching pond with a touch of history and a tropical feel, this is one of the best plants you can choose.

🇬🇧 UK-grown aquatic plant: Grown at a dedicated aquatic plant nursery in the South of England and carefully prepared for delivery across the UK.

---

Key Benefits

• Tall, architectural plant with striking umbrella shaped heads
• Creates instant height and visual impact
• Perfect for tropical style and modern pond designs
• Provides shelter for amphibians and aquatic wildlife
• Ideal for large ponds and statement planting areas
• Adds movement and texture to pond margins

---

Reasons to Buy

• Unique and iconic plant with strong visual appeal
• Perfect focal point for ponds and water features
• Easy to grow in warm months with minimal maintenance
• Reusable each year with proper winter protection
• Great for adding a tropical look to UK gardens

---

Care Instructions

• Place on a marginal shelf in shallow water at a depth of 0 cm to 10 cm, or plant in consistently wet soil. Depth is measured from the top of the basket to the water surface.
• Papyrus thrives in full sun and nutrient rich, wet conditions. Keep the soil or water consistently moist at all times. During autumn, before temperatures drop, move the plant to a frost free location such as a greenhouse or conservatory. Trim back any damaged stems and reduce watering slightly while indoors, but never allow it to dry out completely.

---

Flowering Period

July to September

---

Size and Growing Conditions

---

Dispatching Your Pond Plants

Your Egyptian Paper Rush will be carefully packed to protect the foliage and roots during transit.

Orders received by 11am Monday to Wednesday are normally dispatched on the following working day using a next working day courier service. During busy periods, dispatch may occasionally take an extra day.

To avoid plants being held in depots over a weekend, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. Highlands and Islands orders using a two day service are not normally dispatched on Thursdays.

Available basket sizes:

• 1 Litre Basket – usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square; some varieties may be supplied in a 14cm diameter × 10cm round basket
• Pack of 3 × 1 Litre Baskets – each usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square
• 3 Litre Hexagonal Basket – 18 × 18 × 16cm

Planting depth is measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface.

Finofil baskets are manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. Their fine dual-mesh construction helps retain aquatic soil while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Basket shape may vary slightly depending on the plant and supplier availability.

---

Similar pond plants

For another pond-edge planting option, compare Umbrella Palm (Cyperus alternifolius) and Elephant Ear ‘Black Magic’ (Colocasia esculenta). Explore the Cyperus pond plant group to compare the whole collection.

Explore more marginal pond plants or browse our complete pond plants range. Need baskets, aquatic soil or planting essentials? Browse our pond plant baskets and aquatic planting supplies.