The papyrus grows in sun to part shade and likes moist soil and can tolerate water up to 4 inches deep.  Its considered hardy Zones 8-11 but can easily be wintered over indoors.  As long as you keep the plant in 50 degrees and above it will be fine.  You may watch for mealybugs as they will sometimes appear on the plant during the winter but can easily be treated. 

They grow 12-18 inches high with a spread of 6-12 inches.  To start other plants take the seeds and put in wet soil or propagate from the viviparous top fronds.  You’ll soon have other plants to place in your pond. 

If you like larger plants you can go for the Dwarf Giant Papyrus (Cyperus percamenthus) which will grow about 3 feet high.  There is also the Egyptian Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) which can grow to 8 feet high. 

Whichever Papyrus you chose it is a unique pond plant for your pond.

 If you add some crushed charcoal (aquarium type) to your water this will help maintain fresh and clear water.  For example, if you have a 10-14 inch container you would use 1 to 2 tablespoons of crushed charcoal.  You would put this in the bottom of your container and top it with a layer of pebbles or river stones and then fill with water.

Here is a  picture of a container water garden and suggestions for plants.  You can create one using a filter and water pump or simply create one with just water and plants like this one.   This container is approximately 18 inches in diameter and about 10 inches deep.  The dwarf water lily and umbrella palm are planted in smaller containers and then the water lettuce and azolla just float on top.  Make sure you seal containers on the inside with a concrete sealer or spray urethane and seal any holes in the bottom of the container with clear silicone caulk.

Lotus are very popular water garden plants that are grown in containers.  Other plants to consider would be any dwarf or small water lily, dwarf cattails, dwarf papyrus, sweet flag, pickerel rush, umbrella palm or any smaller size plant.   Consider using floating plants such as azolla, water lettuce or water hyacinths which will cover the water and help keep it algae free.  Using azolla or duckweed creates a blanket of coverage on top of the water.

If you choose to use a larger container and want to add a small pump we recommended a 65 gph pump. http://www.dragonflyaquatics.com/pondmaster-65-gph-pump.html.  You can even add some small fish then.

There are endless possibilities when creating a water garden feature.  So whether you choose to dig a hole in the yard or one that wishes just to have a small water feature to enjoy, its heaven to simply bask in the quiet tranquility of your own creation whatever it may be.

* A vase, bowl or tub at least 3 inches deep

* A  small pump approximately 65 GPH

* Shells, polished rocks, marbles or other material to fill the reservoir

* Silicone Caulk (Clear), to fill the hole around the pump, if needed

* Two or three aquatic plants, or more if your container is large

STEP ONE: After selecting your container, drill a hole in the bottom of the container and push the pump cord through it.  Seal around the hole with clear silicone caulk, so the water won’t leak out.

STEP TWO: The pump should be sitting in the bottom of the container, place the stones or marbles around it to camouflage the pump.

STEP THREE: Fill the container with four to six inches of water and turn the pump on. If necessary, adjust the pump flow, using the flow valve switch located on the side or bottom of most small pumps. Make sure the water does not spray over the sides of the container.

STEP FOUR: Place aquatic plants in the container, making sure they are clear of the pump. If you include some potted pond plants, use stones or rocks to prevent the plants from tipping over.

SUGGESTED POND PLANTS: You do not want to over-plant with plants if the container is small. If working with a small container, I suggest a miniature water lily such as Helvola, then fill in with a handful of Azolla or Duckweed, which will create a nice carpet upon which to view the lily. If you have a larger container, you can choose several plants, some taller, such as Dwarf Umbrella Palm, with some small-leafed plants such as Water Poppy or Four Leaf Clover.

Once your project is complete, find a nice home for your newly created masterpiece, preferably somewhere with ample sunlight, such as a patio or three season room, and sit back and enjoy the sounds of water and the magic of your mini water garden!