Groundcover bamboos are ideal for a container
plant, for slopes, parking strips, or as an
understory to timber bamboos. Culm diameter
is typically 1/8" to 1/4" unless stated. All are
running and will spread a few feet a year.
Note: Photos with descriptions enlarge if
you click them. Click on symbols below photo for detail of plant
habits.
FERNLEAF Pleioblastus distichus
Typical Seattle Height: 2'
Maximum Height: 2'
Minimum Temperature: 10° F
Dark, 2 inch leaves are held closely together. Clip to two inches to form a "lawn".
WHITESTRIPE Pleioblastus fortunei variegatus
Typical Seattle Height: 2'
Maximum Height: 4'
Minimum Temperature: -10° F
Showy and reliable. Leaves keep green and white variegation throughout the year. Use to brighten the garden.
VIRIDI-STRIATUS Pleioblastus viridi-striatus
Typical Seattle Height: 3'
Maximum Height: 3'
Minimum Temperature: 0° F
New leaves bright yellow with green stripes. Turns to lime-green in summer. Velvety underside of leaf. Semi-deciduous.
OWATARII Pseudosasa owatarii
Typical Seattle Height: 1/2-1'
Maximum Height: 3'
Minimum Temperature: 0° F
Tiniest of all bamboos. Dark green leaves. Clip or mow early spring to keep tidy. Spreads slowly.
SASAELLA Sasaella masamunieana albo
Typical Seattle Height: 2-4'
Maximum Height: 6'
Minimum Temperature: 0° F
New leaves strikingly variegated with cream and green. Turns to mostly green in summer. Good for container.
RAMOSA Sasaella ramosa
Typical Seattle Height: 2-3'
Maximum Height: 6'
Minimum Temperature: -5° F
Outstanding groundcover. Rampant runner so best for pots or erosion control. Leaves curve downwards toward tip. Edges tan in winter. Clip or mow early spring.
VEITCHII Sasa veitchii
Typical Seattle Height: 2-3'
Maximum Height: 5'
Minimum Temperature: 0° F
Lovely shade plant. Often used in Japanese gardens. Leaf edges turn parchment in winter.
