Also known as Umbrella Sedge · 13 saves
Cyperus
Cyperus, the genus most gardeners know as umbrella sedge. We track 8 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Cyperus varieties
Browse all 8 Cyperus varieties →
2 species of Cyperus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cyperus in Sow
Save the Cyperus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cyperus
Whats common across all Cyperus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 8 most-grown of them.
The Cyperus year
- Winter PrepOctober75% of varieties
If containerized, move indoors or submerge below the frost line
- FertilizeApril–August63% of varieties
Use a slow-release aquatic fertilizer if grown in containers
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March63% of varieties
Cut back old, brown stems to the ground before new growth starts
- DivideMarch and April50% of varieties
Divide crowded clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor
- PlantMarch and April38% of varieties
Plant or place containers in the pond after the last frost
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Divide every few years to prevent overcrowding
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
- Divide every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding
- Plant in full sun for optimal foliage
Avoid
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
- Let the rootball dry out ❌
- Over-fertilize which can cause excessive growth
- Plant in heavily shaded areas
What goes wrong with Cyperus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning at base | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Spider mites | Fine stippling and thinning of the mophead rays, mainly on plants kept indoors in dry air | Raise humidity and rinse the foliage; outdoor plants standing in water are rarely affected |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Fungal leaf spot | Dark spots on foliage | Apply fungicide and remove infected leaves |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues are typical | Monitor only; browning culms are usually drying out rather than disease |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning at base | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
Making more Cyperus
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring, taking care not to damage roots.
- Separate into smaller sections with a sharp knife.
- Plant divisions immediately into moist soil.
- Water thoroughly and keep soil moist for 4 weeks.
Seed
- Sow seeds on moist soil surface in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist and in full sun.
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks.
- Transplant seedlings once established.
Cyperus questions
How many types of Cyperus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 8 distinct Cyperus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 13 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cyperus grow in?
Across its varieties, Cyperus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cyperus bloom?
Most Cyperus varieties bloom in early summer, mid-summer, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cyperus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.