About

Chusquea cumingii is an uncommon bamboo that forms a compact, evergreen clump reaching approximately 4 meters in height. Its slender, arching canes create a vine-like appearance, complemented by narrow, sharply pointed blue-green leaves that can grow up to 8 cm long.

About the genus

Chusquea consists of evergreen bamboos that develop in dense clusters, characterized by their smooth, shiny, and solid stems. Each node features three primary branches that extend freely, producing abundant small, dark green leaves.

Growing conditions

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

Plant details

Plant type
Bamboos
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
Native to
Chile

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, leafy, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, sheltered from cold, dry winds. See bamboo cultivation and if this bamboo outgrows its alloted space see bamboo control
Pruning
Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and to show off stems to best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming
Propagation
Propagate by seed, division or by removing sections of rhizomes with a stem and root, in spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to slug damage on young growth
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free