Groundcover and Vines – Tall – Umbrella Sedge

Umbrella sedge 

 Botanical name: cyperus alternifolius 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 5 ft in height with up to a 3 ft spread 

Bloom time:  summer

Hardy zone:  zones 8-11 

Flower color: green/yellow/white 

Foliage color:  green

Growth rate:  grows about 1 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring to maintain desired shape and size and to promote new spring growth

Propagation methods:  propagate by division in the spring or fall 

Landscape use:  water/pond gardens, container plant, foundation planting

Light needs:  at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: flood tolerant, heat tolerant, highly adaptive root system 

Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist 

Fertilizing instructions :  use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant:  spring or summer 

Best type of soil: adapts to all kinds of soil 

Companion plants: canna lilies, elephant ears, creeping jenny, cardinal flower 

Toxicity level:  toxic for pets if ingested but non-toxic for humans 

Invasive species: yes