As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can provide you with some insights about the King Tut grass and whether it will come back after winter. King Tut grass, also known as Cyperus papyrus ‘King Tut,’ is a versatile grass that can be categorized as an evergreen or neutral grass. It is commonly used in gardens and landscapes to add a unique and exotic touch.
However, it is important to note that King Tut grass is not frost-tolerant and cannot withstand temperatures colder than 35 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 degrees Celsius). In regions where winter temperatures drop below this threshold, King Tut grass should be treated as an annual rather than a perennial.
When exposed to freezing temperatures, King Tut grass will start to turn brown and go dormant. At this point, it is up to the gardener’s preference whether to remove the brown grass immediately or wait until spring to do so. It is worth mentioning that leaving the brown grass in place can provide some winter interest to the garden and also protect the crown of the plant from extreme cold.
However, it is not realistic to expect King Tut grass to survive the winter and begin growing again in the spring. Once the grass has turned brown, it is an indication that the plant has entered a dormant phase and will not revive when temperatures warm up. Therefore, if you live in an area where winter temperatures consistently drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit, it is best to consider King Tut grass as an annual and replant it each spring.
I remember a situation where a client of mine in a colder region insisted on leaving the King Tut grass in place over the winter, hoping that it would come back in the spring. Unfortunately, the grass did not survive the winter, and they had to replant it the following year. It is essential to understand the limitations and requirements of a plant to ensure its successful growth and survival.
King Tut grass should not be expected to come back after winter if temperatures consistently drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. It is best to treat it as an annual in colder regions and replant it each spring for optimal growth and enjoyment. Removing the brown grass either immediately or in the spring is a matter of personal preference and aesthetic considerations.
