Other Names:  Clumping Bamboo, syn. Arundinaria murielae

Description:

An elegant, evergreen, clump forming bamboo, that makes an impressive tall hedge or accent in the garden, beautifully architectural when mature; a non-invasive selection that is fast growing, cold tolerant, and very adaptable

Ornamental Features

Umbrella Bamboo is primarily valued in the landscape for its interesting and distinctive form. Its narrow leaves remain green in color throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Umbrella Bamboo is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with an indistinguished habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and can be pruned at anytime. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Umbrella Bamboo is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Vertical Accent
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Umbrella Bamboo will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 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 approximately 20 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. 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.

Umbrella Bamboo is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.