PHYLLOSTACHYS VIRIDIS  

Photo, French grove  

Photo, French arch  

Photo, French grove  

Judith Verberne, French photo

 

Probable height in Southern California within 3 years = 12'

Probable ultimate height in Southern California = 30'

Height in habitat = 50'

Loses leaves around  -5 to  0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Loses canes around  -10 to  -5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rhizomes die around  -20 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit.

If growing in the ground it prefers sun with some shade.

A running bamboo - rhizomes will run sideways in moist earth unless restrained with a root barrier.

Minimum soil depth required for a healthy plant = 12"

Unrestrained rhizome depth in moist soil = 24"

 

        Roots & rhizomes can go down to -20 degrees F. if heavily mulched.  David Andrews reports the plant is evergreen down to 3 degrees & culms die to the ground at -8 degrees F.

        Great pot plant if given a large pot - at least 24" in diameter.  The 3" maximum diameter green culms are usually a little curved but generally vertical & when examined very closely seem to have a subtle pebbly orange peel or leather-like finish.  Edible shoots are said to be free of bitterness.

        Native to China, where it is one of the most important fast-growing & heavy commercial producers of bamboo canes.