Cyperus papyrus, also known as Egyptian papyrus grass, is an ancient plant native to North Africa. This unique perennial prefers to grow in boggy or submerged soils. The large graceful stems are topped with rays of showy, modified leaves. Smaller forms are now available to accommodate even the smallest gardening space. No matter the size, these plants thrive in home ponds or boggy borders with other moisture lovers.
Egyptian Papyrus prefers full sun exposure but will tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Boggy spots with silty and rich soil are ideal for keeping Papyrus growing vigorously without supplemental irrigation. For papyrus growing in planters, a saucer placed underneath with a reservoir of water helps to keep the roots moist at all times. Egyptian Papyrus is only truly winter hardy in USDA zones 10-11, but it can be overwintered indoors as a houseplant.
Shrubs To Plant With Egyptian Papyrus
Egyptian Papyrus is not often planted underneath shrubs or trees because it prefers full sun and very moist soil. However, a few shrubs would tolerate those conditions and grow agreeably next to papyrus, including summersweet, red twig dogwood, flowering quince, buttonbush, and Aronia. These shrubs all prefer moist soil and tolerate frequent watering, making them a possible background for the striking architectural shape of Egyptian Papyrus.
Perennials To Plant With Egyptian Papyrus
Egyptian papyrus makes a great vertical element in an established bog garden with mounded or lower-growing plant shapes. Some low-maintenance options include creeping Jenny, flag iris, juncus reed grass, hostas, ferns, astilbe, and daylilies. These perennials don't mind having wet feet and would make a great lower story for tall Egyptian papyrus.
Gardeners in USDA hardiness zones 7 and up can use papyrus grass to construct an enchanting tropical garden. Set the mood with other tender perennials such as hardy banana, canna lilies, caladium, and gunnera (sometimes called ornamental rhubarb).
Annuals To Plant With Egyptian Papyrus
Many annuals bring bright color and a tropical feel to gardens. Egyptian papyrus grows well with annuals that love moisture like elephant ears, petunia, and calendula. It also can be planted with annual pond plants like water lettuce, water hyacinth, and some miniature water lilies. In gardens with poor drainage, pair papyrus with nicotiana, impatiens, and annual clumping grasses like fiber optic grass. You can also add flowering vinca and cosmos for long-lasting summer color and contrast against the lovely architectural stems of Egyptian papyrus.
Photo by K M, unmodified, Flickr, copyright CC BY 2.0 DEED
Best Companion Plants For Egyptian Papyrus in Containers
Annuals and tender perennials that tolerate full to partial sun exposure will happily grow alongside Egyptian papyrus in a container. Use dwarf varieties of Egyptian papyrus as a filler plant in combination with summer tropical plants like mandevilla, dipladenia, and tropical hibiscus. Place the container near an outdoor seating area to create a relaxing oasis. Use the taller varieties of papyrus as a thriller with colorful annuals like bacopa, wishbone flower, sweet potato vine, and Boston ferns.
Egyptian papyrus can grow quite large during a single growing season and requires a heavy-bottom container with a deep capacity to support its tall top growth and root system. Gardeners with a sunny, heated space indoors may be able to keep papyrus growing all winter. Water papyrus regularly to prevent the soil from drying out and remove any dead or dying reeds.
Plants Not To Grow With Egyptian Papyrus
Do not grow Egyptian papyrus with plants that have an affinity for dry conditions such as Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, lavender, and culinary sage), cacti, succulents, and most perennial ornamental grasses. These plants require excellent drainage year-round and tend to be short-lived in the fertile soil that Egyptian papyrus reeds prefer.
Plants To Grow With Egyptian Papyrus
Aquatic plants are ideal companions for Egyptian papyrus, which naturally grows in swamps and at the edges of water. Some fantastic low-maintenance pond plants include waterlilies, cattails, rush reeds, and flag iris. These plants have strong forms that complement the graceful lines of Egyptian Papyrus. Plants that thrive in consistently moist soil in a garden bed are also worth considering. Some of the best choices for color include acorus grass, Siberian iris, colocasia, and perennial hibiscus.