Semiarundinaria fastuosa

RHS Plant Profile
Narihira bamboo
Narihira bamboo RHS 2002

Synonyms

Arundinaria fastuosa
Arundinaria narihira

Award of Garden Merit
Bamboos

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
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