Shibataea kumasaca - Dwarf Bamboo

The  Shibataea kamasaca is a small bamboo that is little known but has unique foliage that gives it a distinctive appearance. Being small in size, evergreen, low-spreading and therefore easy to contain in a restricted space both in the ground and in pots, it responds well to pruning, allowing for the creation of beautiful green screens and lending itself wonderfully to topiary. Its short stems bear dense, short and wide foliage, of a beautiful dark green colour, reminiscent of that of the Ruscus. Highly ornamental, it is also easy to grow in all exposures, preferably in well-drained, moist, neutral to acidic soil. A must-have for terraces or small zen, Japanese or contemporary gardens!

The Shibataea kamasaca, native to Japan, belongs to the family of poaceae. Not exceeding 1.20m (3.3ft) in height, and dense in rhizomes, this perennial bamboo spreads slowly, ultimately forming very dense clumps of 80cm (31.5in) to 1m (3.3ft) in diameter, whose foliage almost completely hides the stems. Its habit, remarkably dense, will be looser if the plant is planted in full shade. Perfectly adapted to temperate climates, hardy down to -22°C (-4°F), it dislikes the presence of chalk in the soil and soils that are too dry or, conversely, waterlogged.  This bamboo has stems (or canes) that are more or less green tinged with brown or yellow depending on the exposure or age. They are cylindrical, very thin, with quite prominent nodes, with a diameter of 1 to 2mm (0.1in), flattened on the side that bears the foliage. The evergreen leaves are flattened, ovate and lanceolate, ending in a point, measuring 8 to 10cm (3.9in) long and 3cm (1.2in) wide. The tips of the leaves tend to dry out in the wind. When flowering occurs, which is very rare, it takes place from March to May, in the form of small spikelets.

With a unique appearance among dwarf bamboos and undemanding in terms of exposure, the Shibataea kamasaca is perfectly suited to Zen gardens, exotic gardens or contemporary gardens. Avoid planting it in scorching sun, dry soils and windy situations. There are numerous possibilities for its use, according to one's desires: as a hedge, plant the clumps at a distance of 70 to 80cm (31.5in) (31.5in), as a specimen plant, shape it into a flattened ball through repeated pruning.  It has a beautiful density that looks good beside steps where it will form large, neatly groomed ground cover. The Shibataea kamasaca can be used in woodland, to cover the ground under trees such as caramel tree or Japanese maple. Integrated into a shrub bed, it pairs well with sacred bamboo, Japanese spindle or Loropetalum. It can also find its place in a rockery, on a slope, or as a solitary clump. This dwarf bamboo is also perfectly suited for cultivation in large containers or large planters, on a terrace or balcony. Small tropical-inspired scenes can also be created by associating it with Black Bamboo and Fargesia with different textures and colours of stems and foliage.