Pleioblastus pygmaeus, dwarf bamboo
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Grasses & Grass-like

Pleioblastus pygmaeus

dwarf bamboo

PoaceaeJapan

At a Glance

TypeGrass
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height6-24 inches (15-60 cm)
WidthSpreading indefinitely by running rhizomes
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Drought Tolerant
Container Friendly
Maintenancehigh

Overview

A diminutive running bamboo forming a dense, low groundcover mat 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) tall and spreading indefinitely by leptomorph (running) rhizomes. One of the smallest bamboos in cultivation. Growth rate is moderate; rhizomes extend 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) per year. Culms are slender, erect to slightly arching, less than 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter, green, with short internodes. Leaves are lance-shaped, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long and 0.25-0.5 inches (6-13 mm) wide, bright to medium green, arranged alternately along the culms in a slightly feathery pattern. Foliage is evergreen, though older leaves may become tattered or bleached by late winter, particularly in exposed sites. The dense, carpet-like growth habit suppresses weeds once established. Spreads aggressively by running rhizomes and requires containment in garden settings to prevent unwanted invasion. Formerly classified as Arundinaria pygmaea and Sasa pygmaea. Flowering is extremely rare, occurring at intervals of decades. Hardy to approximately -10 to 0°F (-23 to -18°C).

Native Range

Native to Japan. Found in forest understories, clearings, and disturbed areas at low to moderate elevations. Widely cultivated as a groundcover bamboo in temperate gardens worldwide.

Suggested Uses

Commonly used as a low evergreen groundcover in contained areas at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing, where the dense mat suppresses weeds and provides fine-textured foliage. Suitable for slope stabilization within contained areas. Effective as an understory groundcover in Asian-inspired garden designs. Suitable for large containers of at least 10 gallons (38 L), which naturally contain rhizome spread. Not suitable for uncontained open plantings adjacent to garden beds, lawns, or neighboring properties.

How to Identify

Identified by its very short stature, typically 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) tall, with thin culms less than 0.25 inches (6 mm) in diameter forming a dense, carpet-like mat. Leaves are small and lance-shaped, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, creating a fine-textured appearance. Distinguished from other dwarf bamboos (Sasa, Sasaella) by the smaller overall size and narrower leaves. The dense, spreading groundcover habit with miniature culms is the primary identifying feature.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 2'
Width/Spread2' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

bright green

Bloom Information

Flowering is extremely rare, occurring at unpredictable intervals of decades. The plant is grown entirely for its foliage and groundcover habit, not flowers.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Not applicable (extremely rare flowering)

Foliage Description

Bright to medium green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. Adapts to a range of soil types and pH from 5.5 to 7.5. Water regularly during establishment; tolerates moderate drought once established but looks best with consistent moisture. CONTAINMENT IS ESSENTIAL: install HDPE root barrier at least 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) deep before planting, or plant in a contained bed, raised planter, or area bounded by hardscape. Without containment, rhizomes will invade adjacent garden areas aggressively. Monitor the perimeter for escaping rhizomes at least twice per year. Mow or shear the entire planting to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in late winter annually to remove tattered foliage and promote fresh, uniform growth.

Pruning

Mow or shear the entire planting to 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in late February to early March before new growth begins. This removes winter-damaged foliage and promotes dense, fresh growth. Use a mower set to 2-3 inches for large areas or hedge shears for small plantings. The new growth will emerge within 2-3 weeks and fill in by late spring. Cut escaping rhizome runners at the containment barrier with a sharp spade at least twice per year (spring and fall).

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter

Maintenance Level

high

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic