Shibataea Kumasaca
Growth habit: running (potentially invasive if not controlled)
Culm (cane) color: green
Spacing: 2' between plants
Mature height: 6'
Maximum culm (cane) diameter: .25"
Minimum temperature: -5 degrees Fahrenheit
Light: full sun (4 hours minimum per day)
This is a very dense, bushy bamboo that does not look like traditional bamboo at all. Its thick leaves, which obscure the view of the culms (canes), makes the plant resemble more of a shrub than a bamboo. It also makes a beautiful hedge and is reacts well to pruning. Note that, as a "running" variety of bamboo and needs to be contained, either in planters, pots or via polyethylene rhizome (root) barrier. We carry these in 3-gallon pots for $50, 7-gallon pots for $75, and 15-gallon pots for $150.
Plant Care
This species, like all tropical clumping bamboos, requires ample sunlight. When planting as a privacy hedge, space each pot of bamboo about 3’-4’ apart. If planting near an existing wall or fence, allow for ample space for the bamboo’s clump to spread — ideally, 2’-3’ inside of the fence boundary. Dig the hole slightly larger than the pot that the bamboo came in, and about as deep as the pot is tall.
Water the bamboo well after planting. Bamboo often experiences shock from transplanting and may lose some leaves while it adjusts to its new home. This is completely normal. Continue watering the bamboo every 2 days for approximately 2 weeks after planting, at which point the plant should be over its initial shock and will only need to be watered as needed. If the bamboo requires more water, its leaves will begin curling.
Have questions about your bamboo? We’re happy to help. Feel free to give us a call at 504-296-8398 or email info@ninthwardnursery.com.