Phyllostachys nuda Snow Bamboo [Running Bamboo with Pink Shoots]

 Phyllostachys Nuda Snow Bamboo is a tough running bamboo that thrives in UK weather, does reasonably well in moist well-drained soil and prefers clay and sand or loam soil. 

This running bamboo has pinkish new shoots and evergreen foliage. 

Matured dark green stems are a standout in heavy snowfall hence the name Snow Bamboo. It is winterhardy to – 20 degrees Celsius.

Phyllostachys nuda for Sale 

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We listed some top UK Home and Garden bamboo suppliers like Crocus, YouGarden or other suppliers on Amazon.  

Phyllostachys Nuda Bamboo Features

• Identification: Phyllostachys Nuda, Snow Bamboo, Nude Sheath bamboo.
• Site: partial shade or shade.
• Soil: sand and clay or loam soil.
• Uses: windbreak, hedges, screens and in pots and containers.
• Winterhardiness: a cold hardy bamboo to - 20°C.
• Height: 5 - 7m.
• Spread: Medium-sized running bamboo, very invasive.
• Foliage: Evergreen Bamboo, spectacular in snowfall.
• Culm colour: sturdy dark green to almost black, zigzag stems, spectacular white rim near culm node.

Phyllostachys Nuda Snow Bamboo

The spatial feature of this bamboo indicates that it requires space to grow, is tolerant to cold and will do well in any soil condition.

The short sturdy internodes along the culms make it a strong-standing bamboo. 

It can carry as much as its own weight and is tolerant to heavy snowfall and wind, an ideal plant for a windbreak, dense hedging or screening.

Perhaps it is important to note that if left unchecked, the Nuda Snow Bamboo will invade other spaces very quickly. 

Always use Root Barriers as a control measure before planting this bamboo. Someone once said, 'do not expect your Nuda Bamboo to behave, like a hyper toddler it will explore any given space.'

Although the Nuda Snow Bamboo is very invasive, compared to the other Phyllostachys bamboo plants,  its delicate new shoots are easy to mow. 

Alternatively, the shoots can be stamped on to contain them from spreading.

Is running bamboo legal in the UK?

There are currently no restrictions on planting bamboo in the UK. 

The UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Updates 11 December 2014, now the Guidance to Invasive Non-native Plants) does not classify bamboo as an invasive species.

Care for Phyllostachys nuda

Once Phyllostachys nuda Snow Bamboo establishes itself, add mulch and organic fertilisers, if and when necessary, to promote further growth. 

Under the right condition, this bamboo will spread aggressively, so monitor its growth in the first year. Cut or stamp on any new shoots that may have gone out of the way.

The best way to control the spreading of Nuda Bamboo is to use a Root Barrier, an effective shield for stopping the rhizomes from spreading. 

If mowing and root barrier are less effective, dig out the rhizomes completely.

Remove the old culm every 2 – 3 years to promote new plants. 

The young Phyllostachys nuda Snow Bamboo plants are adorable to watch as they grow due to the colour of the sheaths and the bright green stems.

The new sheaths have a vibrant dark pinkish colour, they fall off revealing shiny green culms (stems) which turn darkish green as they mature. 

The bamboo is, indeed, an amazing bamboo.