Shiroshima Bamboo × Phyllosasa tranquillans 'Shiroshima'
ABOUT
× Phyllosasa tranquillans 'Shiroshima', commonly known as the Shiroshima bamboo, is a striking ornamental plant with distinct foliage that captures the attention of many garden enthusiasts. This plant is a hybrid bamboo, notable for its beautiful variegated leaves that provide an aesthetic appeal to any setting where it is grown. The leaves of the Shiroshima bamboo are its most remarkable feature. They are broad and elongated with a lush, green color, and are uniquely characterized by irregular creamy white and pale yellow stripes that run along their length. The striking contrast between the variegation and the green background makes the leaves stand out and can add a tropical flair to the landscape. The leaves are attached to the stems, which are slender and upright. These stems, also known as culms, are green in color and may have a slightly rough texture. As with many types of bamboo, the culms grow in a clumping habit, which means that the plant expands outward from its center to form a dense cluster. In addition to its attractive foliage, the Shiroshima bamboo may also produce delicate flowers and seed heads, although flowering in bamboo is a rare and often unpredictable event that may not occur frequently, or may follow a long cycle of many years. Overall, the Shiroshima bamboo is prized for its variegated foliage that offers a striking visual interest and a touch of elegance to gardens, patios, or indoor spaces, where its vibrant leaf patterns can truly shine.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae.
Synonyms
Shiroshima Bamboo, Variegated Bamboo, Harbin-Inversa, Harbin Reverse, Hakonechloa Macra 'Albostriata'.
Common names
× Phyllosasa tranquillans 'Shiroshima'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as 'Shiroshima' bamboo is not commonly listed as toxic to humans. There is limited information on its toxicity, but bamboos in general are not known to possess significant amounts of compounds that are harmful to people. Therefore, there typically aren't poisoning concerns with handling or ingesting parts of this plant. However, it is still recommended to exercise caution and not consume this or any ornamental plant as they are not intended for ingestion, and individual allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort could occur.
To pets
'Shiroshima' bamboo is not known to be toxic to pets. Many types of bamboo, including this variety, are not listed as harmful to cats or dogs. Consequently, pets that ingest parts of the 'Shiroshima' bamboo typically do not exhibit symptoms of poisoning, and significant health consequences are not expected. However, it is always a good practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precaution and due to the potential risk of digestive upset or an individual allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Bamboo
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a unique variegated pattern to the garden with its striking green and white striped leaves.
- Landscape Versatility: Can be used as a specimen plant, in borders, or as a privacy screen due to its clumping nature.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, reducing the need for regular watering.
- Cold Hardiness: Can withstand cooler temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climates.
- Growth Habit: Its clumping growth habit prevents it from becoming invasive, a common problem with some other bamboo species.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter for small wildlife and can be a food source for various species.
- Soil Erosion Control: The root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a living privacy screen: 'Shiroshima' bamboo can be planted in rows to create a dense, fast-growing privacy screen that adds a lush, green barrier between properties.
- Craft material: The canes of 'Shiroshima' bamboo can be harvested and used in the creation of furniture, garden structures, and even as raw material for artists and crafters.
- Erosion control: The robust root system of 'Shiroshima' bamboo helps to stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion and landslides in prone areas.
- Sound barrier: When planted densely, it can significantly reduce noise pollution by absorbing and deflecting sound waves, creating a quieter environment.
- Landscape aesthetics: With its distinctive variegated leaves, 'Shiroshima' bamboo is often used to add visual interest and variety in gardens and landscaping designs.
- Culinary arts: In some cultures, the young shoots of 'Shiroshima' bamboo are considered a delicacy and can be harvested for culinary use.
- Windbreaks: The tall, sturdy culms of 'Shiroshima' bamboo make it an ideal plant for creating windbreaks to protect smaller, more delicate plants or to shield areas from strong winds.
- Theme gardens: 'Shiroshima' bamboo is an excellent plant choice for creating Japanese or Asian-themed gardens, contributing to an authentic look and feel.
- Aquatic garden accent: Although not an aquatic plant, 'Shiroshima' bamboo can be used near ponds or water features to add height and a contrasting texture to the water’s edge.
- Photography and painting subject: Its striking appearance makes 'Shiroshima' bamboo a popular subject for photographers and painters alike, who are drawn to its variegated foliage and elegant form.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace: The name 'tranquillans' suggests a connection to tranquility, implying the plant represents peace and serenity.
- Balance: 'Shiroshima' often has a balanced variegation in its leaves, symbolizing harmony and equilibrium in life.
- Resilience: As a hardy bamboo, it signifies strength and the ability to thrive in diverse conditions, much like resilience in life.
WaterShiroshima bamboo requires consistent moisture, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, which can mean watering once or twice a week during active growth seasons, spring and summer. During winter, reduce watering but never let the soil completely dry out. Depending on the size of the plant and the humidity, a medium-sized Shiroshima bamboo may need approximately 1-2 gallons of water every 7-10 days. Always use room temperature water and water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
LightThe Shiroshima bamboo prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct morning sun. It should not be placed in direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. A spot with a mix of shade and sunlight, like near an east or north-facing window, is ideal for this plant.
TemperatureShiroshima bamboo grows best in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive short periods outside this range but should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit as it may damage the plant. Ideal conditions would be consistent, moderate temperatures without drastic fluctuations.
PruningPruning Shiroshima bamboo is essential to maintain its shape and encourage fuller growth. Trim any dead or yellowing leaves or canes at the base to promote new growth. The best time for pruning is in the late winter or early spring before the start of the new growth cycle. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to manage the size of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilShiroshima Bamboo prefers a well-draining soil mix with high organic content. A good mixture is two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part sharp sand to ensure drainage. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingShiroshima Bamboo should be repotted every two to three years to prevent it from becoming root-bound. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in its new pot before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingShiroshima Bamboo thrives in moderate to high humidity levels. Ideal humidity should range from 50% to 70%. It can tolerate lower humidity, but the higher humidity promotes more vigorous growth and healthier foliage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Shiroshima Bamboo in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Shiroshima Bamboo requires partial shade to full sun outdoors.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycle× Phyllosasa tranquillans 'Shiroshima', commonly known as Shiroshima Bamboo, begins its life cycle with germination from seed, although as a hybrid, it is commonly propagated through division or culm cuttings. After rooting, the bamboo enters a phase of vegetative growth where it develops a dense network of rhizomes and begins to produce new shoots annually, typically in spring. The young shoots grow rapidly, reaching their full height within a few months, and then gradually hardening and maturing. The bamboo reaches maturity in several years, characterized by the development of thicker canes and fuller foliage. After many years, Shiroshima Bamboo may flower, a rare event that typically results in the death of the parent plant, although this species flowering habits are not well-documented due to its rarity and hybrid nature. If viable seeds are produced, they may disperse and germinate to start a new life cycle, completing the process.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the × Phyllosasa tranquillans 'Shiroshima', commonly known as the 'Shiroshima bamboo', is through division. This process is best done in the spring when the plant is beginning to grow actively. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of bamboo and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has at least one culm, or stem, and several roots. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. It's important to allow the bamboo some time to recover and start new growth before any additional stress, such as transplanting, is introduced.
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