My favorite plant right now: Cyperus papyrus
My friend Loree over at Danger Garden has been encouraging her readers to choose a favorite plant from their gardens every week. She does this in her "favorite plant of the week..." posts, and although I'm not organized enough to pick a favorite every week and post about it, sometimes a plant really shines and I take notice.
Right now in my slowing-down-for-winter garden it's papyrus that is the star. It's usually on the side of the house -- the perfect location during the summer -- but a strong wind blew it over this past weekend, and seeing how it missed crushing one of my cactus by inches, I decided to pull it into the front yard. It blew over there too, but when I picked it back up a day later, well, it's just wonderful!
The fallen maple leaves complement it so well, the green of its architectural stems more prominent without a green backdrop...
...although I'd argue that this plant is beautiful all summer long, with big impact wherever it's been placed.
The best thing about it right now though...
...is how it catches leaves.
I love this!
Although this plant is much too tall to fit into the garage unpruned -- I must have fertilized it more than I usually do, and kept it nice and wet -- it should easily overwinter in there. The only thing I'll need to do is ensure that the rootball stays wet, easily done by filling the holeless container with as much water as I can (after moving it into place!)
This guy has tasted a couple of frosty nights already, but I'll keep it out here as long as I can.
I've said it before, but if you're not growing this plant, you're missing out!
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Very nice! We've never had the luck so far in overwintering one. Your experience is encouraging, we ought to try again really.
Just keep it from freezing and keep the rootball wet. Mine stays in near-darkness at about 40ºF for almost 5 months.
Papyrus is a new favorite for me, too. We buy ours about 10 inches tall and by fall they are close to six feet tall. That's some impressive growth! And the root ball is impressive, too!
I also love this plant! I thought this year mine would rival the size of yours, since it was finally growing in the sun, but sadly no. It's pretty lame. Next year! (Since it's not a plant I've got a place to overwinter).
I was just updating blog entry about Cyperus papyrus. I would agree, it's my favorite at the moment as well. Before frost kills it, I'm doing my best to preserve it and I'm collecting the umbels, trying to dry them up. They look really fabulous.
Here, rather weedy. Looks far better behaved in your climate. The news predicts your area is headed for some cold weather in the next few days--good luck getting the tender plants under cover!