Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

cyperus umbrella plant

The cyperus umbrella plant is an eye-catching, easy-care water-loving plant that brings a lush, tropical feel to New Zealand gardens, patios, or indoor spaces. With its distinctive whorls of umbrella-shaped foliage atop tall, slender stems, this attractive sedge offers year-round interest and thrives in wet conditions where many other plants struggle. Whether you want to enhance your pond, create a green oasis indoors, or design a moisture-loving border, the cyperus umbrella plant is a versatile and rewarding choice.

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: 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
schefflera-actinophylla--1

Schefflera actinophylla

Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella Tree) is a striking evergreen tree admired for its large glossy leaves that radiate like the spokes of an umbrella. Its lush tropical appearance makes it a popular feature tree for warm New Zealand gardens and a dramatic indoor specimen when young.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Containers, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
pinus-pinea-1
Pinus pinea

Pinus pinea (Pine Nut) is a distinctive evergreen conifer admired for its broad umbrella shaped canopy, long green needles, and edible pine nuts...

From$270.40
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
3-litre-plant-pots-
3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
5-litre-plant-pots-
5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
agave-americana-variegata--1
Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a...

From$15.95
plant-pots-
2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
half-litre-plant-pots-
0.5 Litre Plant Pots

0.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young plants, herbs, seedlings, and smaller ornamentals. Their compact size makes them ideal...

From$23.04
fertiliser-for-acid-loving-plants-
Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
Plant watering bottle for watering a plant on a shelf.
Plant Watering Bottle

Plant Watering Bottles provide a simple and convenient way to deliver water directly to indoor plants, seedlings, cuttings, and small container...

From$55.13
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$16.95
White waterproof paper plant tags for sale.
Waterproof Paper Plant Tags

Waterproof Paper Plant Tags provide a practical way to label plants, trays, pots, and nursery stock while resisting moisture during everyday growing...

From$26.78
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$34.95
Cyperus involucratus plants in a garden.
Cyperus involucratus

Cyperus involucratus, commonly known as the Umbrella Flat Sedge, is a perennial grass that grows with a graceful habit and has long, bright green...

OUT OF STOCK
Cyperus papyrus plant.
Cyperus papyrus (Umbrella Papyrus)

Cyperus papyrus (Egyptian Papyrus) is a striking architectural water plant admired for its tall stems topped with graceful umbrella shaped foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Cyperus haspan plants.
Cyperus haspan

Cyperus haspan (Flatsedge) is an attractive evergreen sedge valued for its slender upright stems and delicate umbrella shaped flower heads that...

OUT OF STOCK
cyperus-papyrus-nana-3
Cyperus papyrus Nana

Cyperus papyrus Nana (Dwarf Papyrus) is a compact water loving plant valued for its graceful green stems and attractive umbrella shaped foliage. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Cyperus 'King Tut' (Egypt Papyrus) interesting flower heads.
Cyperus King Tut

Cyperus 'King Tut', commonly known as the Egypt Papyrus or King Tut Grass Plant, is a perennial grass that grows with a graceful habit and has long...

OUT OF STOCK
schefflera-arboricola-
Schefflera arboricola

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) is a popular evergreen plant valued for its lush foliage, attractive growth habit, and versatility. The...

OUT OF STOCK
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cistus, Clianthus, and Cyperus, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Plant pots, and Grasses.

Search cyperus umbrella plant

What Is the Cyperus Umbrella Plant?

The cyperus umbrella plant belongs to the Cyperaceae family and is most commonly identified as Cyperus involucratus. Native to Madagascar, this plant is prized for its unique foliage – radiating green bracts that resemble the ribs of an umbrella. As a semi-aquatic species, it flourishes when its roots remain moist or even submerged, making it perfect for pond edges, water features, rain gardens, and other damp sites.

Uses for the Cyperus Umbrella Plant

This adaptable plant has many uses in New Zealand gardens. The cyperus umbrella plant is frequently used to:

For a dramatic feature in large landscapes, consider pairing the umbrella plant with related statement grasses like Cyperus papyrus (Umbrella Papyrus) or the native Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge). For smaller containers or tight spots, turn to the petite Cyperus papyrus Nana (Dwarf Papyrus) or the compact Cyperus haspan for a similar look.

Growing Tips for Cyperus Umbrella Plant in New Zealand

The cyperus umbrella plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently damp to wet soil. Plant it at the edge of a pond, in a rain garden, or in containers with saucers kept wet. For indoor cultivation, provide bright filtered light and water regularly to keep the roots moist but not waterlogged. In cooler parts of New Zealand, protect the plant from frost or overwinter inside.

Propagation is straightforward: simply divide clumps in spring, or root stem cuttings placed upside down in water. With minimal maintenance, your cyperus umbrella plant will grow quickly and make a wonderful statement, filling out spaces with feathery green foliage.

Discover More Unique Cyperus Species

New Zealand gardeners love the versatility of the cyperus genus. For those who want to explore beyond the beloved cyperus umbrella plant, discover close relatives such as Cyperus involucratus, the bold and architectural Cyperus papyrus (Umbrella Papyrus), our native Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge), the space-saving Cyperus papyrus Nana (Dwarf Papyrus), or water-feature favourite Cyperus haspan.

Whether you’re looking for resilience by the pond or a striking indoor feature, the cyperus umbrella plant and its relatives will reward you with vigorous growth and distinctive good looks.


Contact us

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.

From trusted favourites like Ficus 'Black Knight' and Rose 'Flower Carpet White' to fresh faces like Sophora 'Goldie's Mantle', Alnus jorullensis, and Weigela 'Wine And Roses' — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

463 Google reviews