Semiarundinaria fastuosa

RHS Plant Profile

Narihira bamboo

RHS 2002

Synonyms

Arundinaria fastuosa
Arundinaria narihira

Bamboos

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A large and vigorous, erect evergreen bamboo forming dense clumps of glossy dark green canes, red-flushed purple in a sunny position. Tufts of short, densely leafy shoots. Leaves oblong, to 20cm, rich dark green above, glaucous beneath

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Suckering, Clump forming
Genus: Semiarundinaria are tall, upright, vigorous bamboos with running rhizomes but may form dense clumps in cooler areas; smooth canes bear several branches at each node with narrowly lance-shaped leaves
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Japan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or light, dappled shade. May remain clump-forming in colder areas, or on poor or dry soils but can spread, and has the potential to become a nuisance in favourably warm, moist conditions. See bamboo control and bamboo cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by young rhizome cuttings and the division of established plants in Spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
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 - see bamboo cultivation

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free