Phyllostachys decora (30/11/14, Kew Garden, London)
Position: Sun to light shade
Flowering Period: N/A
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 8m
Eventual Spread: 6m
Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
Family: Poaceae
Phyllostachys decora is an evergreen, clump forming bamboo with an upright habit. Its glossy dark green leaves are linear with entire margins and are up to 12cm long and 25mm broad. Its dark green culms are up to 6cm in diameter. Its culm appear green, orange and yellow as they emerge in spring. This plant produces underground rhizomes which aids its slow spread.
Phyllostachys decora Leaf (30/11/14, Kew Garden, London)
Phyllostachys decora, commonly known as Beautiful Bamboo, is native to east China.
The etymological root of the binomial name Phyllostachys is derived from the Greek phyllon meaning ‘leaf’ and stachys meaning ‘spike’. Decora is from the Latin meaning ‘beautiful’.
The landscape architect may find Phyllostachys decora useful as a useful as a tall screening bamboo. A root barrier may be used to contain its spread. Once established this bamboo is drought tollerant.
Ecologically, Phyllostachys decora is of little wildlife value in the UK.
Phyllostachys decora Cane (30/11/14, Kew Garden, London)
Phyllostachys decora prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Phyllostachys decora requires little to no maintenance. The plant may be thinned out of required and spent canes may be cut back to the ground level.
