Phyllostachys iridescens - Bamboo

Phyllostachys iridescens is a giant bamboo that is still relatively unknown and under-utilized, introduced to the Netherlands in 1984. With its green culms lightly striped with pale green or yellow, adorned with grey-blue rings, its upright habit and dark green foliage, it is nevertheless one of the most elegant and original. In the garden, it may take some time to establish itself, but then it quickly spreads into a grove, making the most of the space allocated to it. Give it a sunny exposure and a cool, fertile, and well-drained soil.

Originally from southeastern China, specifically in the coastal provinces around Shanghai, Phyllostachys iridescens belongs to the Poaceae family. It is a type of giant grass with woody stems and a very spreading rhizomatous stump. This giant bamboo has an upright habit, particularly slender. It is capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -22°C (1°F), and it grows well in both sun and shade, preferring fertile and cool, well-drained soils. Its shallow and spreading rhizomes are capable of colonizing vast areas over time. The plant produces young shoots or culms covered with decorative red sheaths that unravel into coloured ribbons, giving it its Chinese name (hong ke zhu), which can be translated as red-skinned bamboo. They then rapidly shoot up to the sky, reaching heights of up to 10 or 12 metres (33 or 39 feet) depending on the growing conditions. These straight and resistant culms can reach a diameter of 10cm (4in), even in our cool climates. Each culm is characterized by emerald green nodes with subtle pale yellow or tender green stripes running along their entire length. Under each node, a grey-blue ring can be observed. Over time, the culms take on a more yellowish hue. The evergreen leaves are dark green, narrow, lanceolate, tapering at their tips, and measuring 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) in length.

Phyllostachys iridescens is starting to make its way into gardens, especially in northern Europe where it appreciates the climate. It is often planted as a solitary clump, in groves, or as an informal hedge. In contemporary-style gardens, it pairs well with certain palm trees and tall ornamental grasses like Pennisetums, Deschampsias, or Miscanthus. It can be associated with other giant bamboos, playing with the colours of the culms. Its young shoots are edible and tasty, and its culms, which rival the strength of steel, are often used as stakes or for building pergolas and fences. Its extensive growth is not well-suited for container cultivation.

Tip: Limit the spread of the spreading rhizomes of this bamboo by installing "anti-rhizome barriers" made of resin plates vertically planted in the ground from the time of planting.

Phyllostachys iridescens is highly appreciated in China for its beauty, as well as the qualities of its wood and the flavour of its young shoots.