Bisset's Bamboo | Phyllostachys bissetii
Bisset's Bamboo | Phyllostachys bissetii
Bisset's Bamboo — Phyllostachys bissetii
Create instant privacy and year-round beauty with Phyllostachys bissetii, one of the hardiest and most versatile bamboo varieties available for UK gardens. This vigorous evergreen bamboo is an excellent solution for screening, hedging, and creating dramatic architectural features.
Key Features
- Exceptional Hardiness: One of the most cold-tolerant bamboos, withstanding temperatures down to -20°C
- Fast-Growing Screen: Rapidly creates dense, evergreen screening for privacy and wind protection
- Attractive Canes: Elegant green canes with lush, fine-textured foliage that remains vibrant year-round
- Running Bamboo: Spreads via underground rhizomes — ideal for filling large areas or creating living screens
- Year-Round Interest: Maintains its green colour even through winter months
Growing Information
Ultimate Height: 4–6m
Spread: Running bamboo — requires containment with root barrier if space is limited
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Adaptable to most soil types, prefers moist, well-drained conditions
Hardiness: Fully hardy (RHS H6)
Planting & Care
Water regularly during establishment and dry periods. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. For controlled growth, install a root barrier at planting or grow in a large container. Remove any dead or damaged canes in spring to maintain appearance.
Perfect For
- Privacy screening and windbreaks
- Contemporary and oriental-style garden design
- Noise reduction barriers
- Dramatic focal points and architectural planting
- Filling large spaces quickly
Important Note
As a running bamboo, Phyllostachys bissetii spreads via underground rhizomes. We strongly recommend installing a root barrier if planting near boundaries, pathways, or in confined spaces.
Available at Stoneybrook Nursery, Lancashire — Quality bamboo and ornamental plants for UK gardens.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Low stock: 1 left
More details.
Planting Instructions
Plant in spring or early summer in moist, well-drained soil. Phyllostachys bissetii tolerates most soil types and positions from full sun to partial shade, though it performs best in a sheltered spot with good moisture.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth as the pot. Remove the plant from its container, gently loosen the roots, and position so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill, firm in well, and water thoroughly.
Important: as a running bamboo, Phyllostachys bissetii spreads via underground rhizomes. Install a solid root barrier (minimum 60cm deep) before planting if growing near boundaries, pathways, or in confined spaces. Alternatively, plant in a large container to control spread. Water regularly during the first growing season and mulch annually to retain moisture.
Size & Specification
Supplied as a pot-grown plant in a 25/30 litre pot. Height at dispatch will vary but plants are well-established and substantial. Ultimate height 4–6m in UK conditions. Spread is variable as a running bamboo — containment is recommended.
Due to size and weight, dispatched on a pallet via specialist courier. Please ensure adequate access for delivery.
Delivery & Dispatch
Supplied as a container-grown plant in a 25/30 litre pot. Due to size and weight, dispatched on a pallet via specialist courier. A kerbside delivery will be arranged and you will be contacted to confirm a suitable delivery date.
Please ensure someone is available to receive the delivery. If you have access restrictions (e.g. narrow lanes or limited turning space), please contact us before ordering so we can advise on the most suitable delivery method.
Wildlife & Ecological Notes
Phyllostachys bissetii is not a native UK species and offers limited direct value to native invertebrates. However, its dense evergreen canopy provides excellent year-round shelter and nesting cover for garden birds including wrens and sparrows.
As a fast-growing screen, it can protect other more wildlife-friendly planting in your garden from wind and exposure. For maximum ecological benefit, consider combining bamboo screening with native species planting on the garden-facing side.