Qingchengshan Bamboo

Named after the holy mountain in Sichuan, this is a tough, vigorous, and incredibly hardy bamboo that is gaining popularity in the UK for its screening capabilities. It produces very straight, stiffly upright culms of a deep, matt green. The branches are short and the foliage is exceptionally dense, making it one of the best plants for a 'living wall' or a high-security boundary screen. It is a running bamboo and is noted for its ability to grow in very tough conditions, including poor soils and exposed, windy sites where other bamboos might struggle. It is hardy to H5 and stays evergreen even in harsh winters. While it is a runner, its spread is predictable and can be managed with a root barrier. It is a practical, functional bamboo that also has a clean, modern aesthetic. The culms can be thinned to show off their verticality, or left to grow into a solid, impenetrable hedge.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any well-drained soil, including poor soils.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.