Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda
walking stick bamboo
A large, vigorous, bamboo growing to 6m in the wild, forming thickets that can spread indefinitely. Young canes are green, maturing to yellow-brown, with distinct, swollen nodes (joints), and hanging, lance-shaped leaves green above and greyish underneath
Other common names
Scottish bamboo
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown | Green | ||
| Winter | Brown | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Suckering
- Genus
Chimonobambusa are shade-tolerant bamboos, with very active running rhizomes, forming spreading clumps of erect canes with drooping lance-shaped leaves
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, sheltered from cold winds. Can become very invasive in warm, moist or favourable conditions; see bamboo control and bamboo cultivation. In a container grow in a loam-based compost and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser on a monthly basis during the growing season
Propagation
Propagate by seed, division or take rhizome cuttings in spring. Divisions may be slow to establish
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 - see bamboo cultivation
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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