Phyllostachys edulis (Moso Bamboo)

Noted for its incredible beauty and elegance, Phyllostachys edulis (Moso Bamboo) is a remarkable evergreen bamboo with huge, upright, very thick, gray-green canes surmounted by plumes of small, pale green leaves. Deep green at first, the culms, up to 8 in. wide (20 cm), mature to yellow-green, then almost orange-green. They are covered with very fine, velvety hair. Quite small when compared to the stature of this bamboo, the elegant, paper-thin leaves are short and narrow, up to 3 in. (9 cm), pale green on their upper surface and matte green beneath. Vigorous, this bamboo can grow over 3 ft. (90 cm) in one day. It runs freely in warm conditions but remains almost static in cool temperate climates. In China and Japan, Moso Bamboo is cultivated extensively for the production of paper pulp and edible shoots. This is the world’s largest hardy bamboo. Best for large landscapes or gardens. Hardiness: 14 to -4ºF (-10 to -20ºC).

• Grows up to 25-60 ft. tall (7-18 m) and 10-25 ft. wide (3-8 m). Moso bamboo can spread aggressively to the point of being somewhat invasive.
• A full sun or partial shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils.
• Susceptible to rust and stem smut. 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 the Caucasus, China, eastern Asia