Phyllostachys edulis

RHS Plant Profile
moso bamboo
moso bamboo visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Phyllostachys pubescens 'Mazel'
Phyllostachys pubescens
Phyllostachys mitis misapplied
Phyllostachys edulis f. pubescens
Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens

Bamboos

A strong, evergreen bamboo about 5-6m tall, with upright bright green canes, later becoming dull yellow, and narrow tapered mid-green leaves to 10cm in length. Much prized for eating in warmer climates

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Suckering
Genus
Phyllostachys are attractive, large, evergreen bamboos with running rhizomes, although in cool temperate climates may initially behave like clump-forming genera. Canes grooved on alternate sides between the nodes, with usually two leafy branches at each node
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
China, Taiwan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Protect from cold drying winds. In a container grow in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. May remain clump-forming in poor or dry soils but has the potential to become a nuisance in warm, moist or favourable conditions; see bamboo control and bamboo cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Patio and container plants
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming

Pests

May be susceptible to damage from slugs on new growth

Diseases

Generally disease-free