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

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Shibataeakumasasa.

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Description - Shibataeakumasasa.' The Ruscus leaved Bamboo'

• Shibataea kumasasa -’ TheRuscus leaved Bamboo’ The Ruscus leaved Bamboo. Anative of Japan it is usedextensively 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, ideallysuited to pot culture particularly in a Japanese Zen style garden where itassociates easily with combed gravel and rocks. Easily trimmed and shaped for lowhedging. This bamboo evolved in the warm wet summers of Japan so appreciates and respondsto that environment as long as it’s not waterlogged. Acid soil is a requirementso 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.

Theirroot system which is leptomorphic.  However in the cooler moretemperate zones of the UK they are fairly  reliable clump formers.

Except where indicated on the left,   mostare quite easy to grow with only an annual hair cut and brush out   toworry about.  A good organic mulching and an annual feed is always appreciated.Remember to let fallen leaves compost down around the plant to replace valuablesilica.

Most Shibataea  prefer   light or dappled shade, they are also a bit   particularabout the soil they are in  preferring acid  soils that can be keptevenly 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 fairlydrought tolerant however they need to be kept watered until they have a properfoothold.

On the whole mostly pest free. Maybe anoccasional attack of Aphids, Mealy bugs,  Vine weevil, or the dreaded mite.If you don't mind chemicals spray with a propriety insecticide or alternativelyuse one of the organic sprays now available. If mites are the problem cut downthe canes and burn them along with any fallen leaves and spray the surroundingarea with miticide.

Maximum   Height and Width in 10 Years.

Bio Data