Description:

Pleioblastus pygamaeus var. distichus is a lot of name for such a little plant!  Its common name, Dwarf Fernleaf, is descriptive of the tightly ranked leaf arrangement, which is fern-like (or palm-like) in appearance.  It can reach 2’ high, but can be sheared annually in spring to maintain a neat, lush green carpet only a few inches tall.  It grows in full sun to nearly full shade in a wide range of soils, and is hardy to about 5 degrees F.  This versatile bamboo is quick to spread once established - perfect as a large or small scale ground cover, container plant, dish garden/bonsai plant.

Planting History:

I purchased 1 gallon container of this bamboo from Bamboo Garden Nursery in December 2002, and have grown it as a container plant in various exposures and soils; it has performed well in full sun to nearly full shade, growing in high nutrient/organic potting mixes, and poor,sandy/low nutrient soil .  Rhizome cuttings propagate well taken in spring, but will take at least a growing season to produce a significant amount of foliage. 

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