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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.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.25 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'

5 from 2 customers

Cyperus papyrus 'Nana' (Dwarf Papyrus) is a compact water loving plant valued for its graceful green stems and attractive umbrella shaped foliage. This smaller growing form of papyrus brings a tropical look to New Zealand gardens while being easier to manage in tighter spaces and containers.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 80 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$20.63
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$270.40
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$323.65
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$22.01
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$64.79
Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and...

From$37.19
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$16.49
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...

From$33.05
Sophora tetraptera (Large-leaved Kowhai) yellow flowers.
Sophora tetraptera (Large Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora tetraptera, commonly known as the Large Leaved Kowhai, is a striking New Zealand native tree admired for its bold foliage and spectacular...

From$24.15
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, dense canopy, and strong natural...

From$270.40
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$27.53
Ribes 'Black Magnus' black currant shrub with lustrous black berries.
Ribes 'Black Magnus'

Ribes 'Black Magnus' is a vigorous and productive black currant variety prized in NZ gardens for its rich flavoured berries and strong cropping...

From$30.29
pimelea-mimosa--1
Pimelea mimosa

Pimelea mimosa is an attractive evergreen shrub valued for its fine textured foliage, compact growth habit, and clusters of delicate flowers. This...

From$15.95
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$26.95
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$323.65
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...

From$515.35
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...

From$28.95
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia 'Broadway Mint', commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$12.95
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$14.84
calocephalus-silver-nugget--1
Calocephalus 'Silver Nugget' (Dwarf Cushion Bush)

Calocephalus 'Silver Nugget' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its finely branched silver foliage that creates a soft, rounded mound of colour...

From$23.39
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$408.85
A large Agathis australis (Kauri tree) in a native reserve.
Agathis australis (New Zealand Kauri)

Agathis australis, commonly known as the Kauri tree, is a revered New Zealand native conifer renowned for its immense size and longevity. Reaching...

From$269.95
Leptospermum 'Martini' pink flower with green foliage.
Leptospermum 'Martini'

Leptospermum 'Martini' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its profusion of pink flowers with red centres that bloom from spring through...

From$27.53
fraxinus-ornus-2
Fraxinus ornus

Fraxinus ornus (Flowering Ash) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its fragrant creamy white flower clusters that appear in late spring and...

From$387.55
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$18.29
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$249.95
Pittosporum 'Limelight' variegated foliage.
Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu)

Pittosporum 'Limelight' is a NZ native shrub that features dark green leaves with a lime green centre, held densely on upright stems. This evergreen...

From$22.01
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.
Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$494.05
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides

Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech) is a distinctive New Zealand native evergreen tree valued for its fine foliage, natural form, and strong...

From$270.40
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe) plants in a garden with cascading green foliage and white flower plumes.
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe)

Austroderia fulvida, commonly known as Toetoe or Toi Toi, is a large and vigorous NZ native grass. It bears long, narrow, mid-green leaves that are...

From$13.73
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aristotelia, Beilschmiedia, and Cyperus, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, and Deciduous Trees.

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.

Chlorophytum comosum 'Variegatum' and Anigozanthos 'Masquerade' may be the stars of the show, but unsung heroes like Michelia 'Inspiration', Callistemon 'Hot Pink' (Pink Bottlebrush), and Feijoa 'Arhart' deserve a moment in the sun.
–The Plant Company

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