Description:

Shibataea kumasaca is a small bamboo that is most appreciated for its short, wide leaves which form a bushy, green mound when the plant is established. The slender stems of this bamboo can reach 7' and it can be a vigorous spreader once established. To thrive, it needs part shade and irrigation during dry summer months. It is cold hardy to about -5 degress, and prefers very acid soils (it will not do well in areas where pH is neutral to alkaline). This is a versatile plant that can be used as a low hedge, specimen, large scale ground cover, container plant, or to contrast with the foliage textures and colors of surrounding plants.

Planting History:

I acquired a one gallon propagation of this bamboo from a private garden in spring 2001, and initially planted it in an east facing wall of the house in sandy, low nutrient soils.  With summer irrigation and applications of an acidifying fertilizer (for rhodys and blueberries), it filled in an area roughly 3’ x 3’ by summer 2003. 

In fall 2003, I took numerous propagations from the perimeter of the planting, and relocated the remaining portion to a shady area adjacent to a wooded greenbelt.

In spring 2004, I took more divisions from the perimeter of the plant, and several rhizome cuttings as well, which were heeled in over the 2004 growing season (all produced new shoots that I potted up late summer).  

This bamboo is very prolific in part or full shade, and spreads vigorously in organic soils with irrigation.  Dividing or transplanting invariably results in leaf tip/margin necrosis, so, the old shoots have to be thinned out after the fresh growth is established.  Established plantings can be rejuvenated by coppicing to ground level before spring shooting occurs.

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