5 Phyllostachys Bamboo for Shade

 The two common types of bamboo plants are clumping bamboo and running bamboo. Each variety has more than 20 varieties that grow well in the UK. 

Garden Bamboo Plants online archive contains a comprehensive collection of these bamboo plants. 

Discover over 100 bamboo collections at the GBP blog (Fargesia & Phyllostachys) and GBP website (Fargesia & Phyllostachys).

The top 5 running bamboo plants according to popularity are listed below.

Pleioblastus viridistriatus [Small variegated bamboo, best for low hedges]

 

How to know the bamboo that is suitable for you

To know the bamboo that is suitable for you, it is important to know the different varieties. Many bamboos are invasive, others prefer shade and are better suited to pots and containers, whereas some are best as outdoor plants.

Here are five Phyllostachys bamboo plants that are ideal for growing in gardens and pots, all year round in the UK. (Note: We identified these bamboos based on the number of Google search interests).

5 stunning Phyllostachys bamboo plants

Phyllostachys vivax Aureocaulis

Also called the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo is a pretty impressive Phyllostachys bamboo you can grow in the UK. 

Its peculiar yellow canes change colours from bright yellow to golden yellow with lustrous green stripes.

Pleioblastus viridistriatus 

This variegated bamboo is a fast-growing, dwarf-Phyllostachys bamboo with green stripes. 

This hardy small ornamental bamboo grows to a maximum of a metre. Ideal for sun, part shade and shaded locations.

Phyllostachys flexuosa 

Also called the Sinuate Bamboo is an evergreen, Phyllostachys bamboo with arching leaves and short stems.

It grows up to 2 metres in height and tolerates shade, part-shade and sun. 

It will grow well in pots and containers, however, it may require repotting after 2 – 3 years.

Semiarundinaria fastuosa 

Also called the Narihira Bamboo is a running bamboo that can grow up to 7m in height and spread over a diameter of 3 – 4m in its natural habitat. 

Grow in pots and containers to contain spreading. It requires repotting after 2 – 4 years. 

It has long stems and thick foliage, ideal for privacy screening.

Sasa veitchii (Kuma-zasa) 

Sasa has broad leaves and small plants with running rhizomes. It grows well in heavily shaded areas. 

Its compact size makes them a good choice for growing in pots and containers but beware that the running roots spread quite fast. 

Use large pots and root barriers to grow this bamboo.

Phyllostachys bamboo for sale UK

 Bamboo root barrier, UK

Some varieties of Phyllostachys bamboo can also grow perfectly in shade and in pots and containers. 

However, most Phyllostachys running bamboo plants are tall and their rhizomes spread far and wide.

Use large pots and containers when growing them. Also, avoid putting the tall bamboo in windy locations.

We hope this article inspires you to grow your own Bamboo plant in the garden and enjoy the beauty of this amazing plant.