Description - Phyllostachys humilis.
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P. Humilis will reach only
5 meters or 16 feet maximum and is one of the shortest Phyllostachys. Its growth habit is broad and stocky .This bamboo probably has its origins in Sezchuan China but is now also grown extensively in Japan. Culms emerge black or
purple aging to gorgeous amber yellow. Usual a well behaved bamboo . It is very dense bamboo producing masses of thin culms and is ideal for a clipped hedge or sound screen, as it will also suffer more pruning than other Phyllostachys.
Phyllostachys is a genus of bamboo from North
Lowlands of China. Some are extremely tough cookies and very exposure
tolerant. This genus offers some of the best ornamental bamboos that are truly
hardy in the United Kingdom .
In their native warmer regions of China their
root system which is intermediate can wander however in the cooler more
temperate zones of the UK apart from one or two exceptions they are remarkably
well behaved and reliably clump forming with slow lateral spread.
Except where indicated on the left most
are quite easy to grow with only an annual hair cut and brush out to
worry about. A good organic mulching and an annual feed is always appreciated.
Remember to let fallen leaves compost down around the plant to replace valuable
silica.
Most Phyllostachys prefer full sun but some
will tolerate light or dappled shade apart from that they are not particular
about the soil they are in but preferring heavier richer soils that can be kept
evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Once the plants are established they are fairly
drought tolerant however they need to be kept watered until they have a proper
foothold.
On the whole mostly pest free. Maybe an
occasional attack of Aphids Mealy bugs Vine weevil or the dreaded mite.
If you don't mind chemicals spray with a propriety insecticide or alternatively
use one of the organic sprays now available. If mites are the problem cut down
the canes and burn them along with any fallen leaves and spray the surrounding
area with miticide.
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