King Tut Grass: Complete Guide To Planting, Growing, And Care
Adds towering umbrellas of foliage to ponds, bogs, and planters with minimal maintenance.
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for ‘King Tut’ Grass
‘King Tut’ grass, known botanically as Cyperus papyrus and nicknamed the “umbrella plant,” is a striking choice for gardeners seeking dramatic vertical plants with airy, architectural foliage. With graceful stems topped by umbrella-like plumes, this dwarf papyrus cultivar stands out in bog gardens, ponds, containers, and even floral arrangements. Its unique look, easy care, and versatility have made it an increasingly popular ornamental plant.
Contents
- Introduction and Plant Overview
- Identification and History
- Best Uses in Landscape and Containers
- How to Plant ‘King Tut’ Grass
- Care and Maintenance Guidelines
- Watering Requirements
- Pruning, Fertilizing, and Propagation
- Common Pests, Diseases, and Troubleshooting
- Recommended Companion Plants & Design Ideas
- Frequently Asked Questions
‘King Tut’ Grass Overview
| Plant Type | Aquatic perennial sedge (not a true grass) |
|---|---|
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Genus & Species | Cyperus papyrus |
| Common Names | King Tut grass, Egyptian papyrus, umbrella plant |
| Native Area | Africa, Mediterranean |
| Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Height | 4-6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) |
| Watering Requirements | High; thrives in consistently moist soil or shallow water |
| Pests & Diseases | Generally minimal; may encounter rust, gnats |
| Maintenance | Minimal to none |
| Soil Type | Loam, clay, sand; tolerant of varied soils if kept moist |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 10–11 (annual elsewhere) |
Plant Identification and History
King Tut grass is a cultivated variety of Cyperus papyrus, developed for ornamental use and trademarked as part of Proven Winners’ ‘Graceful Grasses’ series. While often called a “grass,” it is botanically classified as a sedge, a grass-like plant that prefers aquatic or bog conditions. The straight species can grow over 10 feet but most garden cultivars, like King Tut, reach about 4–6 feet. Their tall, stiff green stems (culms) are topped with umbrellas of fine, radiating filaments called umbellates.
This plant has ancient significance: wild papyrus was used for centuries to craft paper in Egypt. As an ornamental, King Tut is prized for its subtropical flair, instantly adding drama to landscapes and containers.
Similar Cultivars
- Cyperus alternifolius – umbrella sedge
- Cyperus haspan – dwarf papyrus
- Cyperus isocladus – multi-stemmed sedge
- Prince Tut – smaller, even sturdier version for containers
- Baby Tut – compact, about 18–30 inches tall
- ‘Nanus’ – miniature papyrus variation
Best Uses in Landscape and Containers
King Tut grass is incredibly versatile:
- Ponds and water gardens: Plant at the water’s edge or in submerged baskets
- Bog gardens: Ideal for consistently moist, rich soils
- Large containers: Thrilling centerpiece in annual planters
- Indoor plant: Can be grown as a houseplant with careful watering
- Cut flower arrangements: Umbrella-like plumes add drama and height
When grown in regular garden beds, maintain consistently moist conditions. Some gardeners have successfully grown King Tut in drier spots, but for best results, treat it as a water plant. It’s especially popular in showy displays, such as public gardens, where it often attracts attention and accolades from visitors.
How to Plant ‘King Tut’ Grass
Site Selection
- Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade.
- Ideal for pond margins, wet swales, rain gardens, large containers, and boggy areas.
Soil Preparation
- King Tut thrives in loam, clay, sand, or any soil type with ample moisture.
- Add organic matter if planting in containers or less fertile soils.
Planting Instructions
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep.
- Set the plant so the crown is at soil level.
- Fill in with soil, tamp gently, and water well.
- For water gardens, plant in submerged baskets or along the shoreline.
Container Planting
- Use containers with good drainage.
- Choose a rich soil mix or aquatic planting medium.
- Water frequently to maintain saturation.
Care and Maintenance Guidelines
King Tut grass is considered low-maintenance if provided with its basic needs:
- Keep soil or roots continually moist for healthy stems and foliage.
- Fertilize occasionally with a balanced fertilizer, especially during peak growth.
- No need to deadhead, though you may trim off spent or broken stalks.
Hardiness & Seasonal Considerations
- USDA Zones 10–11: Considered perennial.
- Colder zones: Treat as an annual; will not survive winter outdoors.
- Grows rapidly when planted in spring and flourishes through summer.
Watering Requirements
Moisture is key to successfully growing King Tut grass:
- Keep the root zone consistently wet. In containers, water several times per week, more often during hot spells.
- If allowed to dry out, stalks may droop or “kink” irreversibly. Water as soon as you notice drooping; remove kinked stems.
- Ideal for pond planting, but can tolerate non-pond conditions with vigilant watering. Even moisture is safer than letting it dry completely.
- Shallow water (up to several inches) with roots anchored is ideal.
Pruning, Fertilizing, and Propagation
Pruning
- No regular pruning needed except to remove damaged or dead stems.
- Cut stems as needed for floral arrangements or composting.
Fertilizing
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
- Do not overfertilize; moderate feeding maintains lush growth.
Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring or early summer.
- Carefully split root clumps, replant immediately in moist soil or aquatic baskets.
- Can be started from seed, but division is faster and more reliable.
Common Pests, Diseases, and Troubleshooting
- Pests: King Tut grass is generally pest-free, though gnats may be a nuisance in wet conditions.
- Diseases: Rust can occasionally occur; ensure good air circulation when grown in dense plantings.
- Stem kinking (drooping): Often a sign of underwatering. Restore moisture quickly and remove affected stems.
- Leaf browning: May result from drought stress or excessive fertilization.
- Fungal issues: Keep foliage dry and avoid overhead watering if grown in containers indoors.
Troubleshooting Table
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Drooping/kinked stems | Soil too dry | Water immediately; trim back kinked stems |
| Rust spots | Fungal infection | Remove affected foliage; improve air circulation |
| Browning leaf tips | Drought or excess fertilizer | Restore even moisture; reduce feeding |
| Gnats | Wet soil | Improve drainage; use organic pest control |
Recommended Companion Plants & Design Ideas
‘King Tut’ grass works well as a garden or container centerpiece in mixed plantings. Here are some design ideas:
- Container gardens: Pair with begonias (tuberous or Reiger), jade frost lamium, impatiens, or trailing vines like Senecio or English ivy. Tut grasses serve as a dramatic “thriller” in mixed arrangements.
- Bog and water gardens: Combine with pickerel rush, canna, calla lilies, water lettuce, or aquatic irises for a lush, vibrant display.
- Annual planters: Add lobelia or other flowering plants for color and contrast at the base.
| Companion Plant | Growth Habit | Sun/Water Needs | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Begonia | Compact, flowering | Partial sun; moderate moisture | Filler/base color |
| Lamium | Trailing foliage | Partial shade; moderate | Spiller/softens edges |
| Impatiens | Spreading, flowering | Shade; evenly moist | Color accent |
| Ivy (Senecio/English) | Trailing vine | Shade; moderate moisture | Spiller/dramatic cascade |
Pro Tip: Water directly into the center of ‘King Tut’ grass in mixed containers to ensure it receives adequate moisture.
FAQs About ‘King Tut’ Grass
Q: Is ‘King Tut’ grass truly a grass?
No, it is a sedge—specifically, a cultivated variety of papyrus (Cyperus papyrus)—though its appearance is grass-like and it is often sold as an ornamental grass.
Q: Can I grow ‘King Tut’ grass indoors?
Yes, it can be grown as a houseplant if potted in rich, moist soil and placed in a bright spot. Indoor specimens need very attentive watering and humidity.
Q: Is King Tut grass perennial or annual?
It is perennial in USDA Zones 10–11. In colder zones, treat it as an annual, as it will not survive winter frost outdoors.
Q: How tall does King Tut grass get?
Ornamental varieties grow 4–6 feet tall, while wild papyrus can climb well above 10 feet in ideal conditions. Smaller cultivars like Prince Tut and Baby Tut stay shorter.
Q: How much water does King Tut grass need?
This plant loves consistently wet soil and will perform best in aquatic or bog conditions. Letting it dry out can lead to drooping or irreversible stem damage.
Q: Can I overwinter King Tut grass indoors?
Experienced gardeners report limited success overwintering King Tut indoors. It is not typically considered a candidate for indoor overwintering, but you may attempt to keep small divisions in warm, bright spots and high humidity.
Q: Does King Tut grass need deadheading?
No, deadheading is unnecessary. Trim any broken or spent stems as needed.
Q: What do I do if stems droop or kink?
Water immediately to revive drooping stems (not kinked ones). Remove and compost kinked stems; new growth will emerge from the base.
Summary & Final Thoughts
‘King Tut’ grass offers gardeners a showy, low-maintenance choice for water gardens, boggy borders, and bold containers. With proper siting and moisture, it delivers fast growth and continued interest through its dramatic umbrella-like foliage. Paired creatively with trailing and flowering companions, it brings vertical excitement to summer gardens and floral displays. Whether as a striking pond plant, centerpiece, or indoor curiosity, King Tut grass is sure to turn heads and reward attentive care.
References
- https://www.epicgardening.com/king-tut-grass/
- https://www.provenwinners.com/learn/landscaping/10-great-landscape-plants-graceful-grasses-king-tut
- https://www.epicgardening.com/container-arrangements/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1ib4irCO9w
- https://www.provenwinners.com/videos/proven-winners-graceful-grasses-king-tut-0
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