Pleioblastus pygmaeus
| Pleioblastus pygmaeus | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 1' |
| Speed: | Fast |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Pleioblastus pygmaeus (common name: dwarf fern-leaf bamboo)
Propagation: Seed - if possible, surface sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Stored seed should be sown as soon as it is received. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse or cold frame until they are large enough to plant out, which could be a number of years. The plants only flower at intervals of several years and so seed is rarely available.
Division in spring as new growth commences. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more[1].
Basal cane cuttings.
Cultivation: Succeeds in most soils[2] but prefers a good loamy soil in a sheltered position in semi-shade[3]. Requires deep shade[2] and a position sheltered from N. and E. winds[4]. Dislikes drought[3].
A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c. The leaf margins wither in winter to give a variegated effect.
A very aggressive spreading plant and very difficult to eradicate[5], it survives mowing. A number of forms have been selected for their ornamental value[1].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[1].
Plants only flower at intervals of many years. When they do come into flower most of the plants energies are directed into producing seed and consequently the plant is severely weakened. They sometimes die after flowering, but if left alone they will usually recover though they will look very poorly for a few years. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die[6].
Range: E. Asia - Japan.
Habitat: Carpets the floors of forests[5].
Usage: A useful ground cover plant in the right situation. It needs an area with lots of space for it to roam at will.
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Also Known As: Arundinaria pygmaea. Sasa pygmaea.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lawson, Alexander. Bamboos. Faber, 1968.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Farrelly, David. The Book of Bamboo. Sierra Club, 1984.
- ↑ Royal Horticultural Society. The Plantsman Vol. 1. 1979 - 1980. Royal Horticultural Society, 1979.