Bambusa vulgaris
common bamboo
Giant evergreen clump-forming bamboo species cultivated in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. Reaches upwards of 20m in height in its native habitat and produces vast thickets of upright then arching usually bright green or green-striped yellow canes averaging 4-10cm diameter, and mid-green leaves to 25cm long
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green Yellow | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
A large, vigorous and hardy genus of clump-forming bamboos, native to many parts of the world including Asia, China, the Himalayas, and Northern Australia, some of them reaching heights of around 11 meters. Foliage is mainly green, but the stems can vary in colour from yellow to green to red
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade in a sheltered position. Not suited to average size garden use. Often planted as an industrial or commercial crop, to stabilise soil erosion or border lands, but may have the potential to become a nuisance and can be difficult to control. See bamboo control and bamboo cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Divide clumps in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
No pruning required. Stems can be thinned where required
Pests
May be susceptible to damage from slugs on young growth
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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