Chusquea culeou (06/01/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to light shade
Flowering period: N/A
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 6m
Eventual Spread: 2m
Hardiness: 7a – 11
Family: Poaceae
Chusquea culeou is a variable, upright, evergreen bamboo with a clump forming habit. Its light green leaves are lanceolate with entire margins, a pointed tip, up to 8cm long and 1cm broad. Its yellow/ green canes are straight and solid (i.e. not hollow like most bamboos). Its flowers are in the form of a panicle and like most bamboos it will die after flowering.
Chusquea culeou, commonly known as the Foxtail Bamboo or Colihue, is native to Chile and south west Argentina. In its native habitat it grows in temperate forests. It was introduced into the UK in 1890.
The etymological root of the binomial name Chusquea is derived from the vernacular name for this bamboo in South America. We are unclear as to the root of the name Culeou, reader feedback would be welcome.
The landscape architect may find Chusquea culeou useful as a specimen bamboo or as an evergreen informal hedge. This bamboo is very tolerant of maritime conditions. Once established this bamboo is drought tolerant.
Ecologically, Chusquea culeou is of little value in the UK.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Chusquea culeou their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Chusquea culeou Leaf (06/01/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Chusquea culeou prefers moist, fertile, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate wet soils.
Chusquea culeou requires little maintenance.
