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Uses

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Pleioblastus pygmaeus distichus.

Material uses

A useful ground cover plant in the right situation. It needs an area with lots of space for it to roam at will. The aggressive root system is very useful for stabilizing screes and banks.
There are no material uses listed for Pleioblastus pygmaeus distichus.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Pleioblastus pygmaeus distichus.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover


Earth stabiliser

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - if possible, surface sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Stored seed should be sown as soon as it is received. 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. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse or cold frame until they are large enough to plant out, which could be a number of years. The plants only flower at intervals of several years and so seed is rarely available. Division in spring as new growth commences. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more[1].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Pleioblastus pygmaeus distichus. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in most soils[2] but prefers a good loamy soil in a sheltered position in semi-shade[3]. Requires deep shade[2] and a position sheltered from N. and E. winds[4]. Dislikes drought[3].

A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c. The leaf margins wither in winter to give a variegated effect. A very aggressive spreading plant and very difficult to eradicate, it survives mowing. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[1].

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[5].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Pleioblastus pygmaeus distichus. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Pleioblastus pygmaeus distichus.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Pleioblastus pygmaeus distichus
Genus
Pleioblastus
Family
Gramineae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
6
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    ?
    Growth Rate
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Lawson. Bamboos. Faber (1968-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    4. ? Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    5. ? ? The Plantsman. Vol. 1. 1979 - 1980. Royal Horticultural Society (1979-00-00)