King Tut flower, with its distinctive silhouette, adds an exotic touch to any garden. Its tall, architectural form and whimsical “umbrella” tops create a striking focal point, making it a popular choice for dramatic vertical interest. This plant has gained widespread appeal for its ability to transform ordinary areas into vibrant, eye-catching displays.
What is King Tut Grass
What many call “King Tut flower” is Cyperus papyrus ‘King Tut’, a specific cultivar of papyrus sedge. This plant is a grass-like perennial sedge, not a true flower. It features tall, sturdy, triangular green stems that can reach 4 to 6 feet, crowned with a large, rounded umbel of fine, thread-like bracts that fan out like an umbrella, giving it the nickname “umbrella plant”. Small, greenish-brown flower clusters may appear during summer, though the foliage is the primary attraction.
Planting and Site Selection
Selecting the right location is important for King Tut grass, which thrives in conditions mimicking its native African habitat. This plant performs best in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate partial shade. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can help protect it from scorching. King Tut grass requires consistently moist to wet soil, making it well-suited for bog gardens, pond edges, or containers without drainage holes.
When planting in the ground, choose a spot with well-aerated, moist soil. For container planting, a high-loam potting medium is suitable; you can even plug drainage holes to maintain moisture. If placing it in a water garden, ensure the plant’s crown remains above the water surface, even if roots are submerged. Plant or transplant in the spring to allow establishment before summer.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Maintaining King Tut grass revolves around consistent moisture, as it is a water-loving plant that thrives in wet conditions. It is difficult to overwater this sedge, as it naturally grows in standing water and marshes. If planted in containers, especially those with drainage, regular watering is essential, often daily, or by keeping the pot in a saucer filled with water to ensure continuous moisture.
During its active growing season, King Tut grass benefits from regular feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer, applied monthly. Minimal pruning is needed; remove any dead, yellow, or damaged stems at the base in early spring or winter to promote new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. This plant is resistant to most common pests and diseases.
Using King Tut Grass in Your Landscape
King Tut grass offers a bold and dramatic presence, making it a versatile addition to various garden designs. Its tall, upright habit and unique umbrella-like foliage create significant vertical interest, acting as an excellent focal point in landscapes or containers. It is effective when used at the edges of ponds or water features, transforming these areas into lush, architectural displays.
This sedge can serve as a “thriller” in mixed container arrangements, providing height and structure. When planted in groups, it creates a striking backdrop in mixed borders or stands alone as a statement piece. The tropical aesthetic of King Tut grass blends well with various annuals and perennials, enhancing the overall design with its distinctive form.
Winterizing and Propagation
In cooler climates, King Tut grass (hardy only in USDA Zones 10-11) is treated as an annual since it cannot tolerate temperatures below 35°F. The plant will not survive freezing temperatures outdoors and is not a good candidate for overwintering indoors. If brought indoors, it requires a bright, sunny spot with temperatures between 60-65°F and consistent moisture, often placed in a water-filled saucer.
Propagation of King Tut grass is achieved through division or stem cuttings. Division is best done in the spring by carefully separating the root ball to create new plants. For stem cuttings, invert a cut stem in water, allowing plantlets to develop from the submerged crown. These plantlets can then be potted in moist soil once roots have formed.