PLEIOBLASTUS VARIEGATUS

 

Photo

 

Probable height in Southern California within 3 years = 2'

Probable ultimate height in Southern California = 3'

Height in habitat = 4'

Loses leaves around  -10 to  0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Loses canes around  -20 to  -10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rhizomes die around  -30 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

If growing in the ground it prefers 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 = 3"

Unrestrained rhizome depth in moist soil = 18"

 

Pleioblastus fortunei, Sasa variegata, Sasa

fortunei, Arundinaria fortunei, Chico zasa,

Shimadake, Kene zasa, Dwarf Whitestripe Bamboo.

If heavily mulched will remain evergreen down

to -10 degrees, lose its leaves but survive down

to -25 degrees.

 

        Strong attractive pattern, Graf called it the "most attractive small Bamboo in cultivation".  Hilliers calls it "The best of the white variegated Bamboos".  We agree. Numerous collectors have sent us argenteo-striatus under the name of variegatus. They aren't the same.  Argenteo-striatus is common, vigorous, taller growing with a heavy root & rhizome system.  Variegatus is uncommon, not so vigorous, lower growing with a fine, wirey root & rhizome system.  Argenteo-striatus, if grown in shade & kept small by dividing, pruning, & growing in pots look similar to variegatus. 

        Like all pleioblastus, variegatus has not done well in Southern Florida.  And until someone tells us otherwise we believe it's because of too much heat and humidity. 

        Introduced into the U.S. from Japan in 1863.