Phyllostachys lithophila (12/11/2011, Kew, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering Period: NA
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 8m
Eventual Spread: 6m
Hardiness: USDA Zone 6a – 9b
Family: Poaceae
Phyllostachys lithophila is a fast growing upright bamboo with a drooping head. It’s leaves are mid green and glossy on the upper surface and gray green on the under side. Thet are up to 20 cm long. The shoots emerge dark purple in early spring and produce light green canes that are between 4-12cm in diameter.
Phyllostachys lithophila, commoly know as the Taiwan Stone Bamboo or Thill Bamboo, is native to China and Taiwan. This bamboo is also wrongly known as Phyllostachys litophylla. The canes are used for the construction of bridges and roof structures in Taiwan.
The etymological root of the binomial name Phyllostachys is derived from the Greek phyllon ‘leaf’ and stachys ‘spike’. Lithophila is derived from the Greek lithos ‘rock’ and phila ‘loving’.
Phyllostachys lithophila stem (12/11/2011, Kew, London)
Phyllostachys lithophila may be useful to the landscape architect as a large attractive screening or informal hedging plant. It is also a useful back foil for other plants.
P. lithophila prefers humus rich, moist, well drained soil. Can tolerate most soil pH levels.
Maintenance: This plant requires little maintenance.
