Phyllostachys vivax (06/01/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: N/A
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 15m
Eventual Spread:
Hardiness: 6a – 10b
Family: Poaceae
Phyllostachys vivax is a large, evergreen, running bamboo. Its mid green leaves are linear with entire margins, up to 18cm long, 2cm broad and slightly pendulous. Its bright green canes are smooth, glossy and may achieve a diameter of up to 8cm. Its roots are rhizomes which enables it spread.
Phyllostachys vivax, commonly known as Chinese Timber Bamboo or Vivax, is native to China. The shoots of this bamboo may be eaten.
Phyllostachys vivax Leaf (06/01/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Phyllostachys is derived from the Greek phyllon ‘leaf’ and stachys ‘spike’. Vivax is from the Latin meaning ‘vigorous’, referring to the growth habit of this bamboo.
The landscape architect may find Phyllostachys vivax useful as an evergreen screening bamboo.
Ecologically, Phyllostachys vivax is of little wildlife value in the UK.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 2002.
Phyllostachys vivax Cane (06/01/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Phyllostachys vivax prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.
Phyllostachys vivax requires little maintenance. This bamboo may be contained by root pruning or a root barrier.
