Pleioblastus

A genus of small to medium size running bamboos with numerous branches at each node and culm sheaths which remain attached to the culm. The many dwarf species, often variegated, make good ground covers, hedges, and container specimens, which benefit from an annual winter clipping to keep them low, uniform, and attractive. In cold climates, they may be grown herbaciously by mulching heavily during the winter, and will survive an additional 10 to 20 degrees colder than listed and produce new top growth in the spring. Shoots in the spring.