Phyllostachys Bisetti 'Bissets' is a fast growing ornamental grass and perennial plant that can be grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5A through 11. It matures to an average height of 15 feet to 20 feet and an average width of 6 inches to 1 foot, depending on climate and other environmental factors. It prefers growing in a location that provides full sun and grows best when planted in loam, clay or silt soil that is well drained or moderately drained. The foliage is medium green and dark green in color. It attracts visual attention and is resistant to deer and heat.

Bissett Bamboo can be useful in the landscape along woodland borders, in mass plantings, as a buffer or screen, in containers or planters, as a background or in landscape beds or islands and also in theme gardens.

Description

Bisset's Bamboo is an exceptionally cold hardy and vigorous grower with dark gray-green canes. It likes most any site soil conditions. The culm (cane) sheaths' auricles and oral setae are present with a narrow blade. Mature culms are erect and usually in the 16 to 18 foot height range. It has a very dense dark green foliage making it an excellent choice for privacy screen and wind and noise buffers.

Bisset's is a running bamboo, which means it spreads. Bamboo can be easily controlled in a small area (a normal city yard) simply by mowing or stepping on the young shoots. Keep in mind that running bamboo only puts up new shoots for a short time each year, and when they are "shooting", the new plants are very fragile and easy to destroy.  New shoots could also be used for culinary purposes and cooked, much like asparagus.  Root pruning, a Bamboo Root Barrier or growing plants in above- or below-ground containers are other methods to control spread.

Gardener Direct also carries Bamboo fertilizer and planting soil containing Biochar, a highly porous material that allows for long term water and nutrient holding capabilities. 

Uses

Containers/Pots: Good
Crafts: Good
Edible: Small
Hedge: Excellent
Indoor: 6 hrs minimum sun
Ornamental: Good
Privacy Screen: Excellent
Specimen: In containers
Wood Quality: Good

Details

USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 5-11
Type: Running
Height: Up to 30'
Spread: 10'+ with no control
Culm Diameter: 1"
Sun: Full Sun or Part Shade
Soil: Average
Growth Rate: Fast

Helpful Related Articles Provided by Our Experts...

How To Plant Bamboo

How To Fertilize and Water Bamboo Plants

How To Prune Bamboo Plants

See all BAMBOO categories >