Phyllostachys nuda – Snow Bamboo

General Information: One of the more cold-hardy giant Bamboo species. A quintessential Bamboo – edible and ornamental, with elongated, shiny, green leaves and even darker green canes that sport a white ring around each node. This species is often reputed to be outstandingly cold hardy. We can confirm that the plants often retain their greenery and vigor during the long New England winters. However, we have also noted that the larger the canes get, the more they benefit from some sort of protection against winter winds. The leaves tend to suffer when exposed to subzero wind chills, with their hardiness limit being around -10°F. Even with bitterly cold wind chills between -10 and -15°F, the leaves of this species succumbed to the winter of 2022-2023, but the canes leafed back out fully that May. The shoots are considered to be exceptionally good for eating, among the very best of the Phyllostachys species. The wood is not of high quality compared to other Phyllostachys species, but the culms (canes) are usually straight, save for the occasional ornamental zig-zag, and are useful for many purposes. This species has the largest diameter and second-tallest culms out of all the Bamboos that we have growing on our farm (Zone 6a). Only David Bisset Bamboo (Phyllostachys bissetii) gets taller. Note that many of the other Phyllostachys species we offer will grow taller and with larger-diameter culms in warmer climates, but in cold climates, Snow Bamboo is the species that reaches closes to maximum height and culm diameter.

Cultivation details: Consider installing a rhizome barrier, berm, trench, or adopting a strict mowing plan to limit the spread of this species. This species has a tendency to bend under the weight of snow, which may cause some canes to snap. To prevent any additional stress on individual plants or the grove as a whole, we suggest that growers in snowy areas refrain from clearing broken canes from the grove until after the snowy season. If one wishes to prevent breakage by removing snow from the plants, it is a good idea to do so as a storm is ongoing, before the canes begin to arch, as it is much easier than trying to dig out buried canes. Accidental damage can easily occur with Bamboo that has been buried by a deep layer of snow.

Growing Requirements: Plant in full sun. Does not tolerate shade or wet soils. Tolerant of all soil types and most soil conditions

Note: For quantity or wholesale pricing, if you need to schedule a delivery, or if you wish to pick up plants at the farm, e-mail us at: Info@tripplebrookfarm.com. Whenever possible, it is preferable to pick up plants here at the farm so we can dig huskier root balls.

Fun Facts: The plant’s common name, “Snow Bamboo,” references the heavy layer of wax, known botanically as farina or commonly as bloom, that the plant produces during shooting. This coating is spread thinly over the surface of each cane as they develop. The remnants of the bloom can be found on the mature canes, giving them a dusty, snowy, or frosty appearance that is easily rubbed off when the canes are handled.