Pleioblastus, Genus, variegatus, Species,
- Genus & species
Dwarf white-stripe bamboo
Overview
Pleioblastus variegatus is an evergreen running bamboo that forms dense, low colonies 2–4 feet (0.6–1.2 m) tall. Culms are slender, 0.1–0.2 inch (3–5 mm) in diameter, and green. Leaves are lance-shaped, 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) long and 0.4–0.8 inch (1–2 cm) wide, green with cream-white stripes running parallel to the veins. Leaf margins brown and dry in winter in zones 7–8, and new leaves emerge from spring. Rhizomes spread outward by 1–3 feet (30–90 cm) per year and form colonies several feet wide. Plants rarely flower. New shoots emerge from the rhizomes in April–May and reach full height within 8–10 weeks. Leaves roll and curl during drought. Cutting all culms to the ground in late winter produces new culms 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) tall by midsummer. Leaves scorch in hot afternoon sun, and colonies spread beyond intended boundaries without rhizome barriers or regular edge cutting. Hardy in USDA zones 7–10.
Native Range
Native to Japan. Grown in cultivation in Japan and in temperate regions worldwide.Suggested Uses
Grown as ground cover, in borders, and in containers with rhizomes confined, spaced 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart. Planted on banks where rhizome mats bind soil. Used in Japanese-style gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Flowering is rare and occurs at intervals of many years. Flowers are small spikelets in panicles at the culm tips, and flowering culms often die afterward.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green with cream-white stripesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade; leaves scorch in hot afternoon sun. Newly planted divisions need 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water weekly in the first growing season, and established colonies tolerate short dry periods. Rhizomes spread beyond the planting site, and barriers 24–30 inches (60–75 cm) deep restrict lateral spread. Leaf margins brown at temperatures below 10°F (−12°C). Spider mites occur in hot, dry conditions.Pruning
Cutting all culms to ground level in late winter, before new shoots emerge, removes winter-damaged leaves. New culms regrow to 2–4 feet (0.6–1.2 m) by midsummer. Mowing at 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) above ground is used where plants serve as ground cover.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February–March
winterearly spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
