Bamboo Pleioblastus Simonii Variegatus

Bamboo Pleioblastus Simonii Variegatus has several versions of common names for this Chinese/Japanese native bamboo, Medake or Woman Bamboo, Tsushi-Chiku; Shiroshima-Medake, Shima Medake (Japanese). In its native Japan, the strong stems are chosen for creating baskets. Here in the UK this most attractive bamboo variety is especially good for evergreen screening purposes, hedging and ground cover. 

Referred to as a dwarf bamboo, Medake Bamboo is clump forming and is actually a medium sized variety, that will reach a maximum of 4m when fully grown. Bambus Pleioblastus Simonii 'Variegatus' is very hardy and will tolerate as low as -15 degrees in the winter, so will survive the coldest winters in most areas of the UK.
Its intermittently variegated leaves are an added attraction, their broad leaves are not uniformly coloured, the variegation is missing on some leaves, which is quite unusual. The leaf colouring is more of a viridian blue/green with white stripes and to retain a high level of variegation it's best to choose a site in full sun. The stems are strong and pale green in colour and very upright, it will fill out to create a very dense hedge or screen. Once established, a quick thinning out of the older stems will give rise to vigorous new growth and a pretty wall of green and white striped leaves as Medake Bamboo will produce large amounts of culms during a season of growth. 

Growing Tip: 

Bambus Pleioblastus Simonii Variegatus is a versatile variety of bamboo which can be grown in full sun and partial shade and will tolerate moist and dry conditions. For most vigorous growth plant in full sun and keep moist.