Bamboo, Pleioblastus viridistratus available for purchase on line from the Pot and Grass Co. Colchester Essex UK

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" Pleioblastus viridistriatus" .

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Description - Pleioblastus viridistriatus.

• Bright banana leaves unique amongst bamboos . A real stunner  viridistriatus is probably one of the finest of all yellow variegated garden plants.  A beautiful banana yellow variety and a slow spreader that reaches only 1.8 meters high on average. It prefers a shaded site with moist soil which makes it very useful. This Bamboo originated from Japan and was introduced to European gardens where it has become popular for it incredibly bright banana coloured leaves with long green striping set upon purple green culms.

Pleioblastus is one of the larger bamboo genera however there are only a few Pleioblastus in general cultivation. Most are short bamboos rarely making 5 meters in height

Mostly native to Japan  their root system which is leptomorphic  can be rampant,   however   there are some such as viridistriatus that are reasonably well behaved and spread slowly.

Except where indicated on the left   most are quite easy to grow with an annual shearing to promote new fresh colour  and a 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 Pleioblastus  like good light but not to much   full sun or they can scorch   so little  light or dappled shade or part shade for the hottest part of the day, 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.

Maximum   Height and Width in 10 Years.

Bio Data

For more information there are many excellent reference books available in particular " Bamboos and Grasses" John Ardel. Collins Press. " Taming the Dragon" , Paul Whittaker, Timber Press.
Also take a look at The European Bamboo Society. The American Bamboo Society. The Australian Bamboo Society, Bamboo in Scandinavian