Plant Finder

Other Names:  Kuma Grass Bamboo, Kumazasa

Description:

A short bamboo ideal as a groundcover in large growing areas; unique foliage is green in summer, developing white edges only in fall and winter; can be kept shorter by cutting to ground in spring

Ornamental Features

Veitch's Bamboo is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its broadly spreading habit of growth. Its attractive large glossy narrow leaves are forest green in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns gorgeous shades of green and white in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Veitch's Bamboo is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering

Veitch's Bamboo is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Veitch's Bamboo will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.