About

Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda is a robust bamboo species that can reach heights of up to 6 meters in its natural habitat, creating extensive thickets that can expand over time. The young shoots are green, transitioning to a yellow-brown as they mature, characterized by prominent, swollen nodes. The leaves are lance-shaped, featuring a green upper surface and a greyish underside.

About the genus

Chimonobambusa consists of shade-tolerant bamboo species characterized by vigorous, spreading rhizomes. These plants develop upright canes that are complemented by elongated, drooping leaves shaped like lanceheads.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Bamboos
Habit
Suckering
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
wider than 8 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, Patio and container plants
Native to
China

Care notes

Cultivation
Best grown in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade, sheltered from cold winds. Can become very invasive in warm, moist or favourable conditions; see bamboo control and bamboo cultivation. In a container grow in a peat-free, loam-based compost and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser on a monthly basis during the growing season
Pruning
Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming - see bamboo cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed, division or take rhizome cuttings in spring. Divisions may be slow to establish
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free