Phyllostachys bissetii
Common name: Bisset's bamboo · David Bisset bamboo
Phyllostachys bissetii is a vigorous, exceptionally cold-hardy running bamboo native to Sichuan and neighboring regions of China, introduced to Western gardens in the 1940s. It forms dense stands of closely spaced, dark green to grey-green culms, typically 2 cm in diameter, clothed in lush, nearly windproof dark green foliage. One of the toughest Phyllostachys species, it tolerates cold, wind, and short dry spells better than most bamboos. It is widely planted as a fast privacy screen, hedge, or windbreak in temperate climates, where its running rhizomes make it both effective and potentially invasive.
Care summary
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Keep evenly moist; established plants tolerate short drought
Soil
Moist, well-drained, humus-rich loam; tolerates most soils
Hardiness
Zones 5–10
Mature height
5–7.5 m (16–25 ft)
Pet safe
Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
By rhizome or clump division in early spring
Fun facts
- It is one of the first Phyllostachys species to send up new shoots in spring.
- Culms exposed to strong sun ripen from dark green to a golden-tan color.
- Its dense foliage is almost completely windproof, making it a favorite for hedges and windbreaks.
- It was introduced to the United States in 1941 and is named for horticulturist David Bisset.