Description:

Pleioblastus simonii is a small bamboo that grows to a maximum of 20' tall. This is a "running" bamboo, but it takes a while for it to get established and it will look best in part shade or nearly full shade and is hardy to about 0 degrees F. Its long, slender, deep green leaves and persisting leaf sheaths give it a wild, coarse look, and I think it is one of the best small bamboos for tropical effects. It can be used as a screen, hedge, or near a water feature as a single planting, or in a container - perfect in a pot next to a water feature! If you have a larger area, you can grow and harvest the thin straight culms which are perfect for garden stakes and crafts.

Planting History:

I acquired a field division of this bamboo from a private garden in 2001.  Although this bamboo spreads rapidly and vigorously once established, nice field divisions are difficult to obtain and slow to establish due to the weakness of the culm at the point of attachment to the rhizome, and scarcity of fibrous roots.  It has grown well in containers located in nearly full shade.  I grow this bamboo strictly as a container plant. 

Click on the “next” button below to view a picture, or back to plant list.