Photo of Pleioblastus fortunei foliage by Tejas Tropicals

Photo by Tejas Tropicals

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Pleioblastus fortunei

Also Known As

  • Arundinaria fortunei
  • Arundinaria variegata
  • Pleiboblastus fortunei
  • Pleioblastus fortunei 'Bamboo Select®'
  • Pleioblastus fortunei 'Little Zebra'
  • Pleioblastus variegatus
  • Sasa pygmaea variegata
  • Bamboo Select® Little Zebra™
  • Dwarf Variegated Bamboo
  • Dwarf White Stripe Bamboo
  • Dwarf Whitestripe Bamboo
  • Dwarf Whitestripe Bamboo Little Zebra

Plant type

perennial, groundcover, grass / grass like, bamboo

size

  • H: 1'-4'
  • W: 2'-10'

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

More Options

Pleioblastus fortunei plant details

Pleioblastus fortunei is a deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial groundcover bamboo or grass (or grassy in appearance) with chartreuse, green, variegated and white foliage. Features grassy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something for erosion control, heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Pleioblastus fortunei

Plant type: perennial groundcover bamboo or grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen chartreuse, green, variegated and white
Mature size: 2 FT - 10 FT - wide, 1 FT - 4 FT - tall
Uses: aggressive, running, spreading

GROWING CONDITIONS for Pleioblastus fortunei

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, erosion, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A short groundcover species, Pleioblastus fortunei displays bright variegation in the spring. When given shade during the afternoon, the leaves will remain variegated throughout the summer. Like many groundcover Pleioblastus species, the plants look best when cut to the ground in late fall or early spring.
This small bamboo noted for its handsome dark green and white variegated foliage serves as a robust groundcover in full sun or part shade. Although it rarely grows higher than 3' (and typically stays beneath 2'), it spreads by rhizomes almost indefinitely with regular moisture. Plants are remarkably drought tolerant once established and the vigorous spread can be limited by withholding water. Plant in well-drained soils and provide an annual shearing each spring. Hardy to below 0F. Japan.
Pure white and green striped young foliage matures to cream and bluish-green. A dense, tough, medium to large spreading groundcover. Great as an accent plant in mixed containers.
Green and white dwarf bamboo.
Dwarf variegated bamboo, runner type, good in pots or as groundcover, mow in spring to keep small.
A cold hardy bamboo good to 10 °F. This bamboo has long variegated leaves with a cream colored backing and green stripes. Compact and bushy with it's thick, spiked look, this bamboo looks great as a ground cover. Cutting back old growth in the early spring will result in a beautiful new colorful growth.

By: Tejas Tropicals

Gardening facts about Pleioblastus fortunei plant

How to Grow Pleioblastus fortunei

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • erosion control
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • variegated
    • white
    • chartreuse
    • green
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy
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