Phyllostachys edulis aka Tortoise Shell Bamboo

Phyllostachys edulis, or moso bamboo, belongs to the grass family. It comes from central and southern China and Taiwan. This evergreen bamboo grows in woods and on mountain slopes. It keeps its leaves through winter, giving gardens year-round cover. Its size and spreading habit suit large sites rather than small gardens.

The RHS describes plants around 16–20 feet [5–6 metres] tall. Its listed garden range reaches 26 feet [8 metres]. Plants can also spread to 26 feet [8 metres]. They take about 10–20 years to reach full size. The upright canes start bright green and turn dull yellow. Narrow, pointed, mid-green leaves soften the tall stems. White flowers appear rarely, so bloom offers little regular garden interest. Thin crowded stems to make the canes easier to see.

Grow moso bamboo in sun or part shade. Give it rich soil that stays moist but drains well. Clay and loam suit it, across acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Shelter it from cold winds that dry the leaves. The RHS rates it H5; Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 7–10. Give regular water during growth, though it can withstand some drought. For pots, use peat-free, loam-based compost and feed monthly during growth. Divide plants in spring to make new ones.

Use this bamboo for tall screens, hedges, or a large backdrop. Its roots can help hold soil on slopes. Growers also raise it for timber and edible shoots. Canes supply material for building, paper, pipes, and woven crafts. Its spread needs care where warmth and moisture favour growth. Poor or dry ground may keep it more tightly grouped. Underground barriers may fail to stop it spreading. Yearly root pruning along the edge may help contain it. Remove weak, dead, or damaged canes in spring.

Young shoots provide food, but cook them before eating. Raw shoots taste acrid; winter shoots are also valued. PFAF reports no known hazards, rather than proof of universal safety. It also records medicinal uses for leaves and stem sheaths. The RHS describes few disease problems, but other reports differ. Missouri Botanical Garden lists rust and stem smut as common problems. Slugs and snails can damage tender new shoots.