Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens

Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens is a bamboo type from the Poaceae family, which originally comes from eastern China. This species is popular in moderate climates and North America and is appreciated as an ornamental plant because of its robust form of growth and aesthetic appearance. It belongs to the genus Phyllostachys, which includes many types of bamboo that are characterized by its robust, hollow stalks. Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens is cultivated primarily because of its appealing optics and dense, upright growth.

Morphology and growth form

Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens is a persistent, woody grass that can reach a height of up to 10 meters in mild climate zones. The stalks, which are referred to as sprout axes, are round, hollow and divided on the knots. The color of the stalks ranges from green to greenish and bluish, which gives the plant its name. The stalks can reach a diameter of 4 to 6 centimeters and have a smooth, wax -like surface that protects against evaporation and gives the plants a certain resistance to dryness.

The leaves are elongated, lanceolate, up to 10 centimeters long and about 1.5 centimeters wide. They are of a rich green and keep their leaves in moderate climates during the winter months, which makes Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens an attractive evergreen element in gardens. The plant forms underground rhizomes that spread horizontally and drive new sprouts. This leads to dense growth and the formation of large bamboo stocks, which can serve as privacy screen or wind protection if necessary.

Distribution and habitat

Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens originally comes from the Chinese province of Zhejiang, where it grows in subtropical forests and river banks. It is adapted to moderate to subtropical climate and prefers moist, well -drained soils. In her homeland, it grows up to 800 meters at altitudes, which underlines its adaptability at different climate and altitude conditions.

In Europe and North America, Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens has been grown as an ornamental plant since the 19th century. Especially in moderate regions, where strict winters are rare, it thrives well and is often planted in parks and gardens. Their ability to spread through rhizomes enables the plant to quickly establish itself in suitable habitats, but it can become invasive without controlled rhizom barriers.

Ecological adjustments

The adaptation to different lighting conditions and the ability to save water efficiently over the rhizome make Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens a particularly adaptable plant. Their wax -like surface protects against excessive evaporation, which makes it resistant to dry periods. The rhizomes enable the plant to efficiently absorb nutrients and water and regenerate quickly, even if the above -ground parts are damaged by adverse conditions.

Since the plant can colonize both sunny and shady locations in its home country, it tolerates different lighting conditions and thrives in direct sun and partial shade. This makes them particularly flexible for cultivation in various garden landscapes and climatic conditions.

Cultivation and care

Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens is relatively undemanding and prefers well permeable, slightly acidic to neutral soils. A sunny to partially shaded location promotes growth and coloring of the stalks. The plant is very resistant to frost and tolerates temperatures up to about -20 ° C, which also makes it suitable for moderate climate zones.

Since the plant spreads quickly through rhizomes, it is important to use rhizome blocking if an uncontrolled growth is to be avoided. Without such measures, the plant can become invasive and displace other plant companies. Regular irrigation is an advantage for optimal growth because the plant prefers wet floors. In dry summer months or in young plants, it should also be watered to promote growth.

Use and meaning

Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens is mainly valued as an ornamental plant and serves as a privacy screen, wind protection or design element in gardens and parks. Your robust stalks are occasionally also used for construction purposes and for the production of garden fences and tanning aids. The bamboo stalks occasionally apply in folk medicine, but therapeutic effects of this kind have been scientifically researched.