A vigorous native marginal reed with strappy upright leaves and the familiar brown cigar-shaped seed heads. Spreads strongly, so best confined to large dams and natural wetlands.
At a glance
- Plant type: Aquatic plant
- Mature size: 2.5 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: wet or boggy ground
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Cumbungi
Typha orientalis is an fast-growing aquatic plant in the Typhaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 2.5 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Cream green flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Cumbungi
Cumbungi suits tropical, subtropical, warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Cumbungi does best in clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Cumbungi is wet or boggy ground. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Cumbungi after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Cumbungi in the garden
Cumbungi earns its place for holding soil on banks and slopes and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Cumbungi with other plants that enjoy the same wet or boggy ground and tropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Cumbungi
Plant Sale lists Cumbungi as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.