Phyllostachys iridescens
A large, fast-growing, evergreen bamboo, clump-forming then spreading, and about 8m tall. Upright, rich green canes to 7cm across, the emerging shoots dark red, maturing have vertical stripes in shades of yellow and yellow-green, with narrow tapered mid-green leaves 12-15cm long
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 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 | Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Red Green Yellow | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Suckering
- Genus
Phyllostachys are attractive, large, evergreen bamboos with running rhizomes, although in cool temperate climates may initially behave like clump-forming genera. Canes grooved on alternate sides between the nodes, with usually two leafy branches at each node
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Protect from cold drying winds. In a container grow in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. May remain clump-forming in poor or dry soils but has the potential to become a nuisance in warm, moist or favourable conditions; see bamboo control and bamboo cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming
Pests
May be susceptible to damage from slugs on new growth
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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