Phyllostachys bambusoides (Japanese Timber Bamboo)

One of the largest temperate bamboos, Phyllostachys bambusoides (Japanese Timber Bamboo) is an impressive evergreen bamboo with tall, upright canes adorned with long branches bearing large drooping leaves. Emerald green at first, the thick culms, up to 6 in. wide (15 cm), mature to yellow-green. They are smooth and glossy. The leaves are long and broad, up to 7 in. in length (18 cm), bright rich green on their upper surface and dull matte green beneath. Easy to grow, this running bamboo is the most widely harvested bamboo in Japan, where it is valued for its large, straight, thick culms. It makes an imposing specimen in a large garden or a thick privacy screen. Hardiness: 14 to -4ºF (-10 to -20ºC)

• Grows up to 25-70 ft. tall (8-21 m).
• A full sun or partial shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. May remain clump-forming in poor or dry soils but can become invasive in warm, moist or optimum conditions
• Usually disease free. Keep an eye out for snugs and snails.
• Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming.
• Propagate by seed or division.
• Native to China