Sasa palmata Nebulosa - Dwarf Bamboo

The Sasa palmata Nebulosa is a vigorous small Japanese bamboo that hides a very hardy temperament under its tropical-plant like appearance. It forms a bush with a slightly loose habit, and can be recognized at a glance by its immense glossy leaves arranged in palmate fashion, resembling those of palm trees, as well as by its canes that turn black with age. However, the spreading nature of this variety should not exclude it as its expansion can be easily contained by removing young shoots on the periphery of the plant or through successive mowing. Hardy down to -18°C (0°F), 'Nebulosa' thrives everywhere, in both sunny and shady locations, in open ground and pots. 

The Sasa palmata Nebulosa (synonyms Sasa paniculata 'Nebulosa', Arundinaria paniculata f.nebulosa) is a small-sized bamboo with a bushy habit and a rounded, slightly open silhouette. Perfectly adapted to harsh winters, it is native to Japan, where it grows along the coasts up to the Russian islands of Sakhalin and Kuriles. Like all bamboo, it belongs to the family of poaceae or grasses. Its genus name, Sasa, comes from the Japanese word zasa, a term used there to designate spreading bamboo. In the case of the Nebulosa cultivar, the canes are thin, olive green with light speckles, and turn blackish when ripe. They reach a height of about 2.50m (6.6ft) with a diameter of 1cm (0.4in) to 1.5cm (0.6in). With rapid growth, this Sasa spreads through shallow rhizomes, sometimes covering large areas. Its highly evergreen foliage consists of leaves that are 20 to 28cm (11in) long and 5cm (2in) wide. Arranged in palmate fashion at the end of the branches, these leaves are a beautiful light green colour with a glossy finish that is highly visible. The young shoots are edible, and the Japanese consume them after soaking them in brine, while its wide leaves are used to wrap certain traditional dishes. It has a hardiness of approximately -18°C (0°F).

Perfectly hardy and very vigorous, this bamboo thrives in deep, fertile soil that is not too dry, and can become invasive over the years. To contain its growth, we recommend using anti-rhizome barriers. Particularly decorative, it is well suited to Zen, Japanese, exotic, or contemporary gardens. Whether in full sun or shade, this bamboo quickly forms a medium-sized evergreen hedge that effectively protects against prying eyes. It can be planted en masse along a pathway in a large garden, used as a background plant in a flowerbed, or even as a large isolated clump. It also thrives in the understory, under the canopy of evergreen or deciduous trees. It adapts well to container or pot cultivation, allowing for the creation of intimate spaces on the terrace or balcony while providing an incredibly exotic tropical atmosphere throughout the winter.