Phyllostachys dulcis (04/04/2015, Kyoto Botanic Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: N/A
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 12m
Eventual Spread: 4m
Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Family: Poaceae
Phyllostachys dulcis is a large, evergreen, running bamboo. Its mid green leaves are linear with entire margins, up to 10cm long, 1.5m broad and slightly pendulous. Its grey/ green canes are smooth with a white ring at the node, and may achieve a diameter of up to 6cm. Its roots produce underground rhizomes which enables it spread.
Phyllostachys dulcis Stems (04/04/2015, Kyoto Botanic Gardens, London)
Phyllostachys dulcis, commonly known as Sweetshoot Bamboo, is native to China. The shoots of this bamboo are sweet and may be eaten.
The etymological root of the binomial name Phyllostachys is derived from the Greek phyllon ‘leaf’ and stachys ‘spike’. Dulcis is from the Latin meaning ‘sweet’.
The landscape architect may find Phyllostachys dulcis useful as a large evergreen bamboo with attractive stems.
Ecologically, Phyllostachys dulcis is of little wildlife value in the UK.
Phyllostachys dulcis Leaf (04/04/2015, Kyoto Botanic Gardens, London)
Phyllostachys dulcis prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.
Phyllostachys dulcis requires little maintenance. This bamboo may be contained by root pruning or a root barrier.
