Sasa palmata

Description: A vigorous large leaved bamboo with thin green canes and mid-green leaves. When grown en mass there is a distinctly flat topped appearance to the canopy of leaves. The leaves tend to die back from their edges and tips during the winter and with only a little wind a rustling sound is guaranteed.

This robust bamboo is best used as ground cover and it should only be introduced if there is space or can be kept under control as it can be extremely invasive and hard to eradicate once established.

Climate/Position: Full sun or to deep shade

Height/Spread: 2-4 metres - wide spreading up if not controlled.

Soil Requirements: Tolerant of most soils except dry soils if planting in full sun

Pruning: Though generally no pruning required, cut back in spring to ground level if you wish to rejuvenate growth.

Special Requirements: If introducing to a smaller garden then plant in a large container or surround the roots with a non-perishable barrier that restricts the plant's spread.

Introduced in 1889 in Britain, this bamboo is a native of Japan where it is highly prized for its distinctive markings and wonderful foliage but has now naturalised in many parts of the world.