Practical
Plants

Phyllostachys meyeri

Meyer Bamboo

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Gramineae
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
vigorous
Height
5 m
Fertility
Wind
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Wind

Uses

Material uses

The canes are among the strongest and most versatile in this genus[2]. They make excellent plant supports[2].

Product or use
Plant support
Product or use
Wood

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China.
Habitat
Not known
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available. Division in spring as new growth commences. Divisions from the open ground do not transplant well, so will need careful treatment and nurturing under cover in pots until at least late spring[4]. Division is best carried out in wet weather and small divisions will establish better than large clumps[4]. Another report says that you can take large divisions from established clumps and transfer them straight to their permanent positions, misting or drenching them frequently until they are established[3]. Basal cane cuttings in spring.

Cultivation

Prefers a rich damp soil in a sheltered position and some shade[3]. Grows well in a woodland. It is estimated that plants will be hardy to about -20°c[2]. Another report says that this species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[3]. This is a good companion species to grow in a woodland because the plants have shallow root systems that do not compete with deep tree roots[2]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[3]. Plants only flower at intervals of many years. When they do come into flower most of the plants energies are directed into producing seed and consequently the plant is severely weakened. They sometimes die after flowering, but if left alone they will usually recover though they will look very poorly for a few years. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die[1].

References

  1. ? The Plantsman. Vol. 1. 1979 - 1980. Royal Horticultural Society 1979-00-00

    ↩

  2. Farrelly. D. The Book of Bamboo Sierra Club. 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-87156-825-X

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  4. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2

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