Phyllostachys dulcis

Bamboos

A tall, hardy, slow-spreading evergreen bamboo to a height of 6m or more, forming wide, glossy green canes of around 7cm in diameter. Ideal for a slow-growing screening plant, creating a bamboo grove or using as a single architectural specimen. The shoots are edible and can be harvested for culinary purposes

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–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
Bushy, Clump forming, 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

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
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • 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