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Phyllostachys bissetii
  • RHS AGM

A dense, vigorous, evergreen bamboo forming a spreading clump of dark green canes, lighter when in full sun, and narrow, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Green Green
Winter Green Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright, Spreading branched
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant in a reasonably fertile, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or part shade. Best to protect from cold drying winds especially while establishing. Can be a very vigorous grower in ideal conditions so if space is limited, plant in a large container or use a root barrier to limit spread - see bamboo control and bamboo cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Sub-tropical
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Remove dead or damaged stems and thin out proportion of older stems to show off stems to best effect.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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