Some parts of the plant look pretty terrible, but it's not all bad news.
Remember, this is the division I crammed into a 5-gallon bucket, brought inside, and filled partway with water (since papyrus is a water or marsh plant).
So after 10 days, all of the tallest stems have died, or are in the process of dying:
But don't despair, as the smallest stems that seemed to have gone dormant in the garage have started growing again and their "tassles" have begun to open up:
There are new shoots coming from the base of the existing stems too, which is a definite sign that the plant is awake and alive:
I'm relieved, but I'll have to keep an eye on this guy now. If I remember right, the small divisions I tried to overwinter a couple of years ago started out fine, but didn't make it through the winter. I'm hoping the larger division and bucket of water will do the trick this year.
I really want to see what this plant will do in the ground this year!
Still love the look of this plant. I hope you'll be able to keep it alive.
ReplyDeleteGuess what I saw today at our local hardware store?! A display of seed packets! I couldn't believe it, especially since we are expecting a lot more snow - feels like I won't see dirt for many months....
ReplyDeleteThat King Tut plant is great - the tassles remind me of my Geum triflorum Prairie Smoke - very Dr. Seuss-like.
Anne -- how many packets did you buy? ;-)
ReplyDeleteActually, the "tufts" only look fuzzy like that because they're dead and dry. Looks cool when alive too though.
none - I was there to get house stuff. But when I do buy my 2 packs of peas (plenty for my small garden) I'll get them at the garden store in my town - I like their selection better.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize the tufts were dead - they still look somewhat green! Shows you how much I know about King Tut papyrus!