About
Merlyn' is a relatively upright, clump-forming bamboo to about 4m. The young canes are blue-green, ageing to yellow green, and the evergreen foliage is small and slender.
About the genus
Thamnocalamus are graceful, vigorous, clump-forming evergreen bamboos. Thick, hollow canes may be covered by a waxy, glaucous blue-white bloom, and bear small greyish-green leaves
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBamboos
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationBest in moisture-retentive soil, in partial shade, with shelter from cold winds. In a container, grow in a peat-free, loam-based compost and feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season. See 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 division or take cuttings of sections of young rhizomes in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free