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cyperus species

The world of cyperus species is vibrant, diverse, and surprisingly versatile, making it a favourite among New Zealand gardeners and landscapers. Known for their distinctive upright stems and lush, umbrella-like foliage, these adaptable plants can thrive in a wide range of garden settings, from exotic water gardens to low-maintenance container displays. Whether you’re seeking ornamental interest, an elegant pond plant, or a hardy sedge for native planting schemes, there is a cyperus species to match your needs. This guide delves into popular cyperus species suitable for New Zealand gardens, highlights their unique features, and points you towards specific varieties that excel in local conditions.

Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.

Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green leaves that have minute, sharp teeth along the margins. The foliage is complemented with green flowers in summer, which age to brown as it grows to 1.5 metres high and the same width. Cyperus ustulatus is commonly planted beside pools or streams, included in revegetation and riparian plantings, used in wetland gardens, or mass planted in areas where a hardy and aesthetic grass is required.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
cyperus-papyrus-nana-3

Cyperus papyrus Nana (Dwarf Papyrus)

5 from 2 customers

Cyperus papyrus Nana, the Dwarf Papyrus, is a perennial grass with bright green leaves and distinctive umbrella-like flower sprays in summer. Growing to 50 cm tall and wide, it's ideal for water gardens, tropical plantings, and poolside displays.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' plant in a pot.

Dianella 'Margaret Pringle'

Dianella 'Margaret Pringle' bears spikes carrying delicate, blue flowers in spring, which are followed by small, blue berries in summer. These are...

From$18.83
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$299.92
Arctotis Mauve Delight purple flower.

Arctotis 'Mauve Delight' (African Daisy)

Arctotis 'Mauve Delight' is a vibrant and low growing perennial valued for its soft mauve daisy like flowers and attractive silver green foliage...

From$21.53
Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.

Sophora fulvida

Sophora fulvida (Southern Kōwhai) is a beautiful New Zealand native tree admired for its golden yellow flowers and fine green foliage. Flowering in...

From$457.29
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.

Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$358.98
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.

Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green...

From$6.68
Armeria armazing Little Peach flower.

Armeria 'Armazing Little Peach' (Thrift)

Armeria 'Armazing Little Peach' is a compact perennial prized for its warm peach toned flowers that rise above tight green cushions of grass like...

From$22.88
Spathiphyllum 'Domino' variegated peace Lily with elegant white flowers.

Spathiphyllum 'Domino' (Peace Lily)

Spathiphyllum 'Domino', commonly known as the Variegated Peace Lily, is a stunning indoor plant admired for its lush green leaves marbled with creamy...

From$25.58
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.

Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$15.86
Hoheria angustifolia green foliage with masses of white flowers.

Hoheria angustifolia

Hoheria angustifolia, commonly known as Houhere or Narrow leaved Lacebark, is a fast growing New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful form...

From$18.83
Grevillea poorinda 'Royal Mantle' dark pink flowers with lush, green foliage.

Grevillea 'Royal Mantle'

Grevillea 'Royal Mantle' is a vigorous groundcover Grevillea known for its sprawling habit and masses of brilliant red spider like flowers. Flowering...

From$28.28
Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush) plants in a landscaped garden.

Juncus pallidus (Giant Rush)

Juncus pallidus, commonly known as the Giant Rush, features erect, dark green leaves and grows as a tidy clump, reaching approximately 75 cm in...

From$16.13
Pittosporum ralphii olive-green foliage.

Pittosporum ralphii (Ralphs Karo)

Pittosporum ralphii is a hardy, evergreen native shrub or small tree ideal for hedging, screening, and native planting projects across New Zealand...

From$25.58
Hoheria populnea green foliage with white flowers.

Hoheria populnea

Hoheria populnea, commonly known as New Zealand Lacebark, is a graceful native tree admired for its beauty and resilience. It produces masses of...

From$18.83
Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen' double red flowers.

Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen'

Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its profusion of double burgundy red flowers that appear from spring through...

From$20.18
Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.

Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like...

From$16.13
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

Metrosideros 'Wee Willie Winkie' ground cover plant.

Metrosideros Wee Willie Winkie

Metrosideros 'Wee Willie Winkie' is a delightful compact NZ native shrub admired for its vibrant red flowers that appear in summer and attract native...

From$25.58
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush) plants growing in sand and displaying lush, green foliage.

Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush)

Ficinia nodosa, commonly known as Knobby Club Rush, is a NZ native grass that features stout, mid-green foliage. In cold or exposed climates, the...

From$13.43
An immaculate Fine Fescue lawn in a modern and formal garden.

Fine Fescue Lawn Seed

Fine Fescue lawn seed is ideal for homeowners seeking a lush, fine-textured lawn that thrives in shaded areas and requires minimal maintenance. This...

From$39.18
An exquisite Tall Fescue lawn.

Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue is an excellent lawn grass choice for New Zealand homeowners seeking a dark green, tough, and attractive lawn. It is widely used by ready...

From$19.50
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.

Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$358.98
Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' plant with red flowers and olive-green foliage.

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse'

Metrosideros 'Lighthouse' is a compact and hardy NZ native shrub renowned for its vibrant red flowers that burst into colour during summer. Its...

Acer griseum specimen tree in a park.

Acer griseum

Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple) is a highly sought after deciduous tree prized for its beautiful peeling cinnamon coloured bark and outstanding autumn...

From$252.95
Typha orientalis (Raupo) plants with brown seed heads.

Typha orientalis (Raupō)

Typha orientalis, commonly known as Raupo, is a vigorous and erect, NZ native grass. It is found throughout New Zealand in shallow, fertile waters...

From$14.51
Alnus glutinosa imperialis young specimen tree with fine green foliage.

Alnus glutinosa 'Imperialis'

Alnus glutinosa Imperialis is a striking and finely textured alder valued for its elegant foliage and reliable performance in New Zealand landscapes...

From$271.80
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.

Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$453.48
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush) plants growing in saline water.

Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush)

Juncus maritimus, commonly known as Sea Rush, is a species of rush that prevails in coastal areas. It has long and rigid leaves that are lime-green...

From$16.13
A large Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea) tree.

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea)

Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, commonly known as Kahikatea or White Pine, is a slow-growing, NZ native tree capable of reaching 50 m tall. The foliage on...

From$205.02
Pittosporum eugenioides tree with lush, dark green foliage and cream-coloured flowers.

Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata)

Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Tarata or Lemonwood, is a fast-growing native New Zealand tree valued for its glossy green leaves and...

From$21.53
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Alnus, Arctotis, Aristotelia, Armeria, Beilschmiedia, Cyperus, Dacrycarpus, Dianella, Ficinia, Grevillea, Hoheria, Juncus, Leptospermum, Libertia, Metrosideros, Pittosporum, Prumnopitys, Sophora Spathiphyllum and Typha, or related Categories - Grass Seed, Flaxes, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Maple Tree.

Search cyperus species

What Are Cyperus Species?

Cyperus species belong to the sedge family (Cyperaceae), a group characterised by grass-like appearance, triangular stems, and a preference for damp or aquatic environments. While many gardeners recognise the dramatic papyrus for its historical significance and architectural silhouette, there are countless other cyperus species with unique textures and growth habits. Favoured for their ease of cultivation and pest resistance, they make an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels.

Popular Cyperus Species for New Zealand Gardens

Several cyperus species have become staples in New Zealand’s ornamental and native gardens. Below are some highlights:

Uses for Cyperus Species

Cyperus species offer more than just good looks. Their adaptability means they lend themselves to a range of uses across the garden:

Choosing the Right Cyperus Species

When selecting the ideal cyperus species for your garden, consider the available space, water requirements, and overall look you wish to achieve. Incorporating a mix of species ensures visual interest and can support native biodiversity.

Discover our full range and make the most of their easy-care nature and reliable performance with trusted favourites like Cyperus haspan and Cyperus involucratus. Bring year-round beauty and texture to your garden with the remarkable variety of cyperus species available to New Zealand gardeners.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Gardenia radicans and Azalea Pink Ice may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Viola odorata (Sweet Violet), Acer palmatum 'Shirazz', and Coprosma prostrata deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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