Chimonobambusa marmorea (08/02/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Dappled shade to shade
Flowering period: N/A
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 2m
Eventual Spread: 2.5m
Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
Family: Poaceae
Chimonobambusa marmorea is a evergreen running bamboo with a spreading habit. Its mid green glossy leaves are linear with entire margins, up to 10cm long and 1cm broad. Its culms sheaths are cream with red patches and its stems are yellow to dark red. Its roots are rhizomes which aids its spread.
Chimonobambusa marmorea Leaf (08/02/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Chimonobambusa marmorea, commonly known as Marbled Bamboo or Kan-Chiku, is native to Japan. In its native habitat it grows on hills to low mountains. Chimonobambusa marmorea is synonymous with Arundinaria marmorea.
The etymological root of the binomial name Chimonobambusa is derived from the Greek xeimwn meaning ‘winter’. Marmorea is derived from the Latin marmor meaning ‘marble’.
The landscape architect may find Chimonobambusa marmorea useful as an attractive clump forming bamboo. It may also be used as a hedging species. Care should be taken when specifying this bamboo as it may spread.
Chimonobambusa marmorea Stem (08/02/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Chimonobambusa marmorea is of little value to UK wildlife.
Chimonobambusa marmorea prefers moist, fertile, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It dislikes dry soils.
Chimonobambusa marmorea requires little maintenance. The removal of runners may be necessary to contain this bamboo. Root barrier may be installed at its planting to contain this bamboo.