Phyllostachys heteroclada (18/04/2015, Imperial Palace East Garden, Tokyo, Japan)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: N/A
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 10m
Eventual Spread: 4m
Hardiness: 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Family: Poaceae
Phyllostachys heteroclada Leaf (18/04/2015, Imperial Palace East Garden, Tokyo, Japan)
Phyllostachys heteroclada is an evergreen, upright running bamboo. Its mid green leaves are linear with entire margins, up to 12.5cm long, 17mm 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 5cm. Its roots produce underground rhizomes which enables it spread.
Phyllostachys heteroclada, commonly known as Water Bamboo, is native to China. In its native habitat it grows in forests and scrub on slopes and river banks.
Phyllostachys heteroclada Stem (18/04/2015, Imperial Palace East Garden, Tokyo, Japan)
The etymological root of the binomial name Phyllostachys is derived from the Greek phyllon ‘leaf’ and stachys ‘spike’. Heteroclada is derived from the Greek eteros meaning differing’ and klados meaning ‘stem’.
The landscape architect may find Phyllostachys heteroclada useful as a large evergreen bamboo with attractive stems. It may be used as an effective screening bamboo.
Phyllostachys heteroclada Shoot (18/04/2015, Imperial Palace East Garden, Tokyo, Japan)
Ecologically, Phyllostachys heteroclada is of little wildlife value in the UK.
Phyllostachys heteroclada prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate wet soils.
Phyllostachys heteroclada requires little maintenance. This bamboo may be contained by root pruning or a root barrier.
Landscape Architecture
