Sasa veitchii (Kuma bamboo grass, Kuma zasa)

Sasa veitchii Photo/Illustration: Chris Curless



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Sasa veitchii Common Name: Kuma bamboo grass, Kuma zasa Genus: Sasa
This dwarf bamboo has deep-green leaves that become bicolored with the onset of autumn. The leaves then exhibit straw-colored margins, which persist into spring in warmer zones. It is a striking plant en masse or as groundcover in a woodland garden. It usually grows to 2 or 3 feet tall, but may reach 5 feet tall in deep shade.
Noteworthy characteristics: These Southeast Asian bamboos thrive in moist, deep woodlands, and thus are at home in shady gardens. Use in both formal and naturalistic plantings: as groundcovers at the base of trees and shrubs, isolated or planted en masse, and next to other plants that contrast and highlight Sasa foliage. 
Care: Plants may spread by 1 foot per year; curb growth by planting a 2-foot deep barrier around desired area. Grow in rich, moist, well-drained soil in sun to deep shade.
Propagation: Divide young rhizomes or sections of rhizomes in spring.
Problems: Slugs, snails.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread Over 30 ft.
Growth Habit Runs
Growth Pace Fast Grower;Invasive/Aggressive Grower
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Frost Tolerant
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Foliage Color Evergreen
Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Naturalizing, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style Shade, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Grasses

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