Quote:
Originally Posted by Higgs Boson
I have long been in love with the looks of this plant. Am thinking
about either buying a few or growing them from seed. But I hesitate
because all the research I have done emphasizes boggy ground or other
references to watery environment.
Would there be any way to grow papyrus in a So. Calif coastal garden
which doesn't get much rain even in "winter".
IOW, would I have to create a special water environment for the
plants? Would it take too much hassle/water/worry?
I think several regulars live in more or less similar climates.
Would value your opinions.
HB
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Papyrus grass is easy to grow. It prefers full sun but can also be raised in partial shade. Papyrus is usually planted by rhizomes in moist, fertile soil in pots and then submerged in an aquatic environment. It can also be planted directly into 3 feet of muddy substrate to hold the heavy stems upright. The plant needs to be kept moist if not submerged. Papyrus seeds do not readily germinate and can take a month or more to sprout. Even in their native conditions, the plant does not easily spread by seed.
Extra little
plant care is needed to thrive provided it is kept moist. Pruning is not necessary except to remove errant or broken stems. You can give it a balanced fertilizer in spring to support the growth of the huge stems. Papyrus grass has no damaging pests or diseases except rust fungus which will discolor the stems and foliage. In the correct zones with light and moist conditions, care of papyrus plant is easy for even a novice gardener.