King Tut Papyrus

King Tut Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus 'King Tut') is a compact form of Egyptian papyrus that tops out at 1.2 to 1.5m, less than half the height of the wild species. Big, fluffy green heads sit on strong upright stems, so you get the full papyrus effect in a water bowl, bog garden or pond margin without it towering over the fence.

Why you'll love it

• Full-sized heads on a shorter plant. The mop-like umbels are as generous as those of the giant species, carried at eye level where you can enjoy them.
• Quick results in heat. Once the weather warms it pushes up new stems fast, filling a large bowl in a single summer.
• Strong vertical accent. The upright clump gives height and movement beside flat water and broad lily pads.
• Flexible about where it grows. Pond edge, bog bed or a pot stood in a saucer of water all suit it, so long as the roots stay permanently wet.

Where it works best

Large water bowls and tubs. Three plants make a full centrepiece in a wide bowl. Use a heavy container, as tall stems catch the wind.

Pond margins and bog gardens. Plant 60 to 80cm apart for a soft screen along the water's edge, with the crown at or just under the surface.

Poolside and patio pots. Stand an ordinary pot in a deep saucer kept topped up, and it reads as a tropical feature plant with no pond at all.

Growing King Tut Papyrus in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, and as much warmth as you can give it. It is at its best in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens and in sheltered Mediterranean positions. It is frost tender: where winters are cold, cut it back and move the pot under shelter until spring.

Soil and planting depth. Pot into heavy loam with a gravel topping. Set the crown at water level or a few centimetres under, never deep. Still water suits it.

Water and feed. Keep the roots wet every day of the year. Bowls lose water quickly in summer, so top them up often. Feed with slow-release fertiliser pressed into the soil in spring and again in midsummer to keep up with its growth.

Pruning. Remove yellowing or snapped stems at the base. When the clump fills its pot, usually after two seasons, lift it in spring, split it with a sharp spade and replant the vigorous outer sections.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell King Tut Papyrus in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Six plants is enough for two generous bowls or a few metres of pond edge, so a pack is worth sharing if you only have one small feature. Plants arrive potted and damp, not submerged, and should go into water or wet soil promptly. Tall stems are sometimes trimmed or bent in transit; cut any damaged ones off and fresh stems rise from the base within weeks in warm weather. Not every size is held by our growers year round, which means a size may show as on backorder now and then. If you order a backorder size, we confirm it with you before anything ships.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Fifteen water plants for Australian garden ponds
• Tropical plants for a lush garden
• Browse grasses and strappy leaf plants

Common questions

How is King Tut different from ordinary papyrus?

Size. The species can pass 3m, while King Tut stays at 1.2 to 1.5m with the same large heads. That makes it far easier to place in a home garden or a container.

Will it survive winter outdoors?

In frost-free gardens, yes, and it stays green. Frost burns it, so in cold districts cut it back and keep the pot wet under shelter until the weather warms.

Does it need to stand in a pond?

No. A pot in a saucer of water works well, provided the saucer never empties. Dry roots are the usual reason papyrus browns off.