Kou-Chiku (Phyllostachys sulphurea viridis)

At a glance

Exposure
Full sun
Frost limit
−17.8 °C

Cultivation

Requires a rich damp soil in a sheltered position and plenty of moisture in the growing season. Tolerates dry conditions. This is generally a very hardy species, tolerating temperatures down to about -20°c, but persistent cold springs make the plant lazy in sending up new canes. It dislikes prolonged exposure to hard frosts. In warm parts of Britain this plant can reach 6 metres or more in height. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. 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. This is a good companion species to grow in a woodland because the plants are shallow rooted and do not compete with deep rooted trees. A running rootstock, the plant does not produce enough new shoots to be invasive but it still wanders about a bit. New shoots appear in late May. Although classed as a sub-species, this is the true wild form of the species (the cultivated variegated form was the first to be named and is thus treated as the species type!). It does not reach a good size in cooler climes.

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. Basal cane cuttings in spring.

Edible uses

Young shoots - raw or cooked. Virtually free of acridity even when raw. The shoots are harvested in the spring when they are about 8cm above the ground, cutting them about 5cm below soil level.

Material uses

The canes are used in construction. They are said to have excellent technological properties.

Habitat

Not known

Native range

E. Asia - E. China.

Same genus