Phyllostachys edulis Moso Bamboo is also referred to as Phyllostachys pubescens or Tortoise-shell bamboo. Moso bamboo is a very tall running bamboo.
It can grow to 10 metres in European weather. A stunning large bamboo plant, ideal for a walkthrough, large garden and woodland forest.
Edulis Moso Bamboo features
- Identification: Phyllostachys edulis, Phyllostachys pubescens, Moso Bamboo, Tortoise-shell Bamboo.
- Site: Full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: sand and clay or loam soil.
- Uses: Walkthrough, large garden, woodland forest.
- Temperature hardiness: – 20°C.
- Height: Very tall bamboo, 8 – 10m.
- Spread: Large running bamboo.
- Foliage: Evergreen Bamboo.
- Culm colour: Silver grey to light green, matures to yellow.
Grow Chinese Moso Bamboo
The Edulis Chinese Moso Bamboo is one of the largest Phyllostachys bamboo plants. It grows well in temperate to sub-tropical regions where the average temperature is 10 degrees Celsius.
This running bamboo is recorded to have grown over 3 metres in a day. It is among the fast-growing bamboo.
An amazing bamboo, it can reach its full height in the first 3 -5 years and remain evergreen for more than 10 years.
The Edulis Moso Bamboo brings the semi-tropical feeling to large gardens and open woodland spaces. It is a stunning bamboo that stands out wherever it is planted and does well as an individual plant.
The best to plant it out in the garden is early Spring as the new tips and leaves are growing.
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Edulis Moso Bamboo Care
Although the Moso Bamboo is hardy to -20 degrees Celsius, it is susceptible to very cold weather, frozen soil, heavy snow, and particularly, strong wind.
The leaves will turn brown and fall off the stems if the weather gets below the UK Zone 7 temperature range.
In addition, the tall frames of this bamboo will struggle to support its height and weight if it grows in areas where there are strong winds. Therefore, carefully select a site away from the direct wind.
(Check out the Japanese Timber Bamboo ‘Midake‘, a Bamboo that shares the same features as Moso Bamboo).
The matured Edulis Moso Bamboo plants are undemanding, they’ll thrive in clay, sand, or loamy soil once the roots and rhizomes are established in the soil.
However, it is perhaps important to monitor the growth of this large bamboo. It can get messy if left unchecked. Apply mulch early in Spring to promote new growths.
Alternatively, adding mulch in Autumn may be required to protect the top layer from frost and cold if you expect a cooler Winter.
Propagate Chinese Moso Bamboo Seeds, Base-culms and Cuttings
Get the Moso Bamboo Seed on Amazon.
You can propagate the tall Chinese Moso Bamboos in three ways:
- calm-base separation,
- seeds propagation or
- rhizome and culms cuttings.
The Moso Bamboo will demand your attention because it is a large bamboo.
Seeds are hard to find in the UK. So, check at your local nurseries, garden centres or online marketplaces that may have the seeds. To give the bamboo seeds the best chance to grow, plant them in a propagating medium before transplanting them into holding pots and to the soil where they’ll grow.
- Propagating bamboo plants from seeds can take 3 – 6 months in the propagation medium. Here is a detailed article to help you propagate bamboo: How to Propagate Bamboo from Seeds.
- A quicker way to propagate your own Edulis Chinese Moso Bamboo is by culm-base separation or from the rhizomes and branch cuttings. Here is a step-by-step guide to How to Propagate Bamboo from Cuttings.
If you take out a mature plant with the root hairs and rhizomes intact, you can put it straight into the ground where it’ll grow.
Popular Bamboo Plants
In the UK, this ginormous bamboo is known to grow at a rate of 20 cm a day and reach an average height of 10 metres. The new shoots can extend 5 to 8 metres before putting out branches and leaves. The Moso Bamboo are amazing Phyllostachys.
Specimen of this bamboo can be seen in the beautiful Kew Gardens London or the Trebeh Gardens Cornwall.
Check out the popular bamboo plants in the UK, including the Phyllostachys group of bamboo.
If you have any questions or comments, please let me know in the comment section below. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
As a grower of Edulis Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) in the UK, I found this article to be a fantastic resource for maximizing the growth and health of my plants. The detailed information provided on soil, sunlight, and watering requirements, as well as the tips on pruning and propagating, has been invaluable in ensuring that my bamboo thrives in our climate. I appreciate the author’s passion and expertise in bamboo cultivation, and I highly recommend this article to other growers looking to cultivate Edulis Moso Bamboo in the UK.
What root barrier width is recommended for moso once it is mature?
When it comes to recommending a root barrier width for mature Moso bamboo, it’s important to consider the aggressive and expansive nature of its root system. Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) is known for its vigorous growth and can develop an extensive network of rhizomes underground.
To effectively contain the spread of Moso bamboo roots, a root barrier with a width of at least 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) is generally recommended. This width allows for a sufficient buffer zone to prevent the rhizomes from escaping beyond the desired area.
Keep in mind that the specific requirements may vary depending on the soil conditions, climate, and local regulations in your area. It’s always a good idea to consult with local gardening experts, bamboo specialists, or horticulturists who have experience with Moso bamboo to get more precise recommendations tailored to your specific circumstances.