Semiarundinaria yashadake f. kimmei

Semiarundinaria yashadake f. kimmei, sometimes called red bamboo, is a variety that will appeal to collectors. This bamboo with medium stature is chosen for its graceful habit, in a tall, airy clump, but especially for the fantastic colour of its canes. Its dense crown hangs in large, evergreen panicles, displaying elegance and beauty with its slender canes that transition from bright yellow to dark red, with a coppery tone, depending on the season, exposure, and age. This bamboo will make a statement in the garden as part of a group, hedge, or isolated clump, as well as on the terrace or balcony in a container. Prune its foliage to fully appreciate the beauty of the canes!

Belonging to the Poaceae or Gramineae family, Semiarundinaria yashadake Kimmei is a Japanese bamboo. It has an upright habit with a cascading crown. Its growth is relatively slow, often taking time to establish and cannot tolerate waterlogged, chalky, and/or dry soils. Reaching a height of 3 to 5 m, it forms wide, spreading clumps with a span of 2.50 to 3 m, and laterally extends through its shallow, trailing rhizomes, which are relatively easy to control. This bamboo develops relatively thin, straight, and perfectly cylindrical canes, measuring 1.5 to 2 cm (1in) in diameter. These canes rise and bear long, flexible branches along their entire length, at the nodes. The young canes are yellow with green stripes, then they turn yellow-copper in summer when exposed to sunlight. With age, they tend to turn red or even become purplish in winter on mature plants. The foliage of this bamboo is evergreen to at least -15°C (5°F). It is dense and flexible, composed of large light green leaves, sometimes variegated with yellow, and lanceolate in shape. The sheaths of the canes are deciduous.

Undoubtedly the star of Asian-inspired gardens, bamboo fits into numerous styles, from the most contemporary to the most exotic, including natural gardens and water gardens. When planted alone, Semiarundinaria yashadake f. kimmei creates a true focal point in the centre of a lawn or a small garden, adding height and lushness to the overall design. We recommend installing a rhizome barrier to limit its spread. Its density makes it an excellent candidate for creating a majestic hedge along a pathway in a large garden, or as an effective and elegant privacy screen at the edge of a property, especially when planted in fertile and moist soil. Bamboo varieties complement each other very well, so choose varieties with similar vigour but different coloured canes. They are always perfect near water features as they appreciate the moisture. If you plant your bamboo alongside a body of water, it is imperative to install a rhizome barrier to prevent the tough ends of the rhizomes from penetrating the liner of your pond. You can also grow it in a large pot to adorn your terrace or balcony.