Plant Library

Other Names:  Running Bamboo

Description:

A short bamboo ideal for the garden or in containers; though evergreen by nature it may go deciduous in colder climates; can easily be mowed down each spring to rejuvenate the colony

Ornamental Features

Pygmy Bamboo's attractive small narrow leaves are green in color on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous lemon yellow in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Pygmy Bamboo is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering

Pygmy Bamboo is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Pygmy Bamboo will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.