Cyperus alternifolius

umbrella grass

Eventual height & spread

Cyperus alternifolius

umbrella grass

  • 9cm pot
  • £11.99
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 1 litre aquatic pot
  • £21.99
  • available to order from summer
  • 3 × 1 litre aquatic pots
  • £39.99 £13.33 each
  • available to order from summer
Delivery options
  • Standard £5.99
  • Next/Named Day £10.99
  • Position: full sun or partial shade
  • Soil: reliably moist or boggy, or aquatic compost
  • Depth of water: 0-10cm
  • Rate of growth: average
  • Flowering period: August to September
  • Hardiness: tender (needs winter protection)


This eye-catching perennial will add some summer structure to the margins of a pond, or those boggy areas of the garden that never quite dry out.

Cyperus alternifolius forms a clump of upright stems, which are topped with a cluster of leaf-like bracts. Then, from late summer to autumn, small yellow-brown flower spikelets appear, further adding to its appeal.


  • Garden care:
    Plant in reliably moist or boggy soil, or in pots/pond baskets at the water’s edge, keeping the crown just above water. They prefer full sun but will tolerate light shade. Keep the soil consistently wet, and in winter either move pots indoors or treat as annuals outdoors, as they won’t survive frost.

    Prune old or yellowing stems regularly to keep plants tidy and encourage new growth, and divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigour. Fertilise in the growing season with a balanced liquid feed (in pots), or slow-release aquatic fertiliser tablets pushed into the soil near the roots to support strong foliage.
  • Goes well with