Japanese bamboos   Shibataea kumasasa.   The Ruscus leaved Bamboo available for purchase on line from the Pot and Grass Co. Colchester Essex UK

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Shibataea kumasasa.

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Description - Shibataea kumasasa .' The Ruscus leaved Bamboo'

• Shibataea kumasasa -’ The Ruscus leaved Bamboo’ The Ruscus leaved Bamboo. A native of Japan it is used extensively as an ornamental in China and Japan. Slender stem has a slight   zig-zag appearance. Distinctly squat and compact they are elegant and non invasive, ideally suited to pot culture particularly in a Japanese Zen style garden where it associates easily with combed gravel and rocks. Easily trimmed and shaped for low hedging. This bamboo evolved in the warm wet summers of Japan so appreciates and responds to that environment as long as it’s not waterlogged. Acid soil is a requirement so ericaceous compost and rain water please.

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Shibataea is a genus of bamboo that comes mostly from the eastern regions of lowland China, with only Shibataea Kumasasa being the only one a native of Japan. They are natives of open woodland enjoying cool, moisture retentive, acid soils. They make good partners with Camelias and Azaleas who enjoy similar conditions.

Their root system which is leptomorphic.  However in the cooler more temperate zones of the UK they are fairly  reliable clump formers.

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 Shibataea  prefer   light or dappled shade, they are also a bit   particular about the soil they are in  preferring acid  soils that can be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. If you are growing in a pot use Ericaceous compost for the best results.

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