Description
Phyllostachys –
There are 75-80 medium sized to large, evergreen bamboos in the Poaceae family, in this genus. They occur in deciduous woodland and groves in Eastern Asia and the Himalayas where some can reach 100′ feet tall. They have branching habit and spreading rhizomes, although in cool temperate climates they usually form compact clumps. The culms are hollow and grooved, and often zigzag from node to node on young plants. Leaves are yellow green or light to dark green, narrowly lance shaped, and checkered.. Valued for their elegant form and foliage, some also for their subtly colored culms, they are suitable for containers outdoors, as specimen plants, or in groups among shorter shrubs in a border. They thrive in a woodland garden, and may also be used to create a screen.
Grow in fertile, humus rich, moist but well drained soil in full sun or dappled shade. In containers, use soil based potting mix, and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Where not hardy, shelter from cold, drying winds. Slow to establish but then rapidly spreading, they require containment.
Prone to rust, stem smut, slugs and snails.
P. bambusoides – Giant Timber Bamboo – Madake – This clump forming bamboo from Japan and China grows 10-70′ feet tall with an indefinite spread. From thick, shiny, deep green culms and thick leaf sheaths with kinked bristles carries broadly lance shaped, glossy, dark green leaves, to 8″ long.
Zones 7-10
