About
Semiarundinaria fastuosa, the Narihira bamboo, is a large, vigorous, erect evergreen bamboo forming dense clumps of glossy, dark-green canes to 8 m, red-flushed purple in a sunny position. Tufts of short, densely leafy shoots carry oblong, dark-green leaves to 20 cm, glaucous beneath. One of the finest tall, screening bamboos for a sheltered, moist, sunny garden.
About the genus
Semiarundinaria are tall, upright, vigorous bamboos with running rhizomes � forming dense clumps in cooler areas � with smooth canes bearing several branches at each node and narrowly lance-shaped leaves. Excellent screening and specimen bamboos.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBamboos
HabitSuckering, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toJapan
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, in full sun or light, dappled shade. May remain clump-forming in colder areas, or on poor or dry soils but can spread, and has the potential to become a nuisance in favourably warm, moist conditions. See bamboo control and bamboo cultivation
PruningRemove 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
PropagationPropagate by young rhizome cuttings and the division of established plants in Spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free