Parvifolia

Large timber bamboo that is suitable for cold climates. Canes stand upright and have white above nodes. Early in growth, the canes appear dark green and lighten up over time.

Why choose this bamboo?

• Largest temperate bamboo.
• Great wood qualities and edible shoots.
• Culms flare out at the bottom making an elephant foot-like appearance.

Parvifolia is still a newer species to the United States, which makes it a rare species.

Unlike Moso, this species can get large in a larger number of climate zones. This isn't as picky as Moso, which can only really thrive in the southeastern united states. This can do well outside of this region, the pacific northwest, all up the east coast. All climate zones 6 and warmer can expect a large size bamboo. The ratio of culm diameter to height is attractive. It's kind of a large size diameter without being extraordinarily tall, husky if you will. It is a stalky stature that customers find attractive. Thrives in most all sunlight conditions.

Culm sheaths are brown or reddish-purple with strips into light colors of tan or yellow-white.

"Parvifolia" means "small-leaved"

Shoots are edible with excellent taste (flavor) when harvested early in growth. Culms have a wide variety of use, such as making tools.

Species

Phyllostachys Parvifolia

Mature height

40 ft

Mature cane Ø

4″

Sunlight

Sun to Shade

Cold hardiness

0°F minimum

Type

Running bamboo

The plants we ship are starter divisions from established groves — and the larger the size you choose, the bigger its root system and the faster it fills in.

• For a privacy screen, plant on 5-foot centers or closer. Tighter spacing and a bigger starting size give you a solid wall of green sooner — often in 3–5 years.
• For a grove or specimen, give each plant space to spread and show its form.
• Each spring brings taller, thicker canes until the grove reaches mature size. How bamboo grows → · Planting guide →

• Light. At least 4 hours of filtered sun or more. A few large-leaf dwarf species are happy in partial shade.
• Water. Keep the soil evenly moist through the first growing season while roots establish. Once established, bamboo is quite drought-tolerant — just never let it sit in standing water.
• Soil. Not fussy. Neutral pH, well-draining loam with organic matter is ideal, but it grows well in clay too. Roots feed in the top 12″ of soil.
• Growth. New canes shoot each spring (roughly March–May), reaching full height in about 60 days. The grove fills in noticeably after about three full years.
• Feeding. A balanced, time-release fertilizer in spring can speed establishment by a year or more.
• Containing it. Running bamboo spreads by shallow underground rhizomes. Root-prune twice a year, or install Bamboo Shield for a worry-free barrier. How bamboo grows →

Bamboo thrives in large containers with good drainage — perfect for patios, balconies, and defining outdoor spaces.

• Pick a hardier plant. Containers don't insulate roots the way the ground does. For year-round pots, choose a species rated a zone or two colder than your area.
• Go big. A larger container means more root room, more insulation, and faster growth. Make sure it has drainage holes.
• Water more often. Potted plants dry out faster — check soil moisture regularly, especially in summer.
• Refresh every few years. Top-dress, or divide and repot, once the roots fill the container.

Your plant ships nursery-fresh from our family-run farm — an established, well-rooted division (never a fresh-dug start), carefully packed to travel safely.

• On arrival, unbox right away, give it a good drink, and let it settle in a sheltered spot for a few days before planting. Planting instructions →
• A little leaf drop or yellowing is normal after shipping — bamboo is evergreen and flushes fresh leaves each spring.
• Healthy-arrival guarantee. If your plant shows up in poor shape, we'll make it right. See our guarantee →