Overview
Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao is a clump forming, spreading branched bamboos in the genus Thamnocalamus, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and sub-tropical.
About
Thamnocalamus spathaceus, commonly known as Muriel bamboo or umbrella bamboo, is a robust, clump-forming evergreen bamboo from the Poaceae family. It features sturdy, hollow stems that may have a waxy, bluish-white coating and support small, greyish-green leaves. This spreading, branched bamboo thrives in full sun or partial shade on well-drained soils, including chalk, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Suitable for sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects, it is hardy to UK zone H3 and is best propagated by division of established clumps in spring.
About the genus
Thamnocalamus is a genus of clumping bamboo in the grass family. These species are found from the Himalayas as well as Madagascar and Southern Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Thamnocalamus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thamnocalamus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thamnocalamus
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bamboos
- Habit
- Clump forming, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Sub-tropical
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao
- Propagation
- Propagate by division of established clumps in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao?
Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao need?
Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao hardy in the UK?
Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) C.D. Chu & C.S. Chao?
Propagate by division of established clumps in spring.