About
Pleioblastus simonii, Simon bamboo, is a strong, upright, evergreen bamboo to 4.5 m forming a dense thicket of olive-green stems with luxuriant, narrowly linear leaves to 30 cm long. An ornamental bamboo for a sheltered, sunny or partly shaded garden � useful for screening.
About the genus
Pleioblastus are evergreen bamboos with vigorously spreading rhizomes forming dense thickets of slender canes bearing several leafy branches at each node. Grown as ornamental bamboos for screens, ground cover and garden specimens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeBamboos
HabitClump forming, Suckering
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toJapan
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Protect from cold drying winds. May remain clump-forming in poor or dry soils but can become invasive in warm, moist or favourable conditions; see bamboo control and bamboo cultivation
PruningRemove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming
PropagationPropagate by division in spring and keep moist until established
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage from slugs on new growth
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free