Prefers a damp humus-rich soil in sun or semi-shade. Dislikes drought. A slow growing plant, it prefers a position sheltered from cold north and east winds but is fairly tolerant of maritime exposure. A very ornamental and hardy bamboo, tolerating temperatures down to about -22°c. Most leaves are produced at the tops of the stems. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. The plant has a running rootstock but is slow moving and generally well behaved in the British climate. New shoots are produced from late April. Plants only flower at intervals of many years. When they do come into flower most of the plants energies are directed into producing seed and consequently the plant is severely weakened. They sometimes die after flowering, but if left alone they will usually recover though they will look very poorly for a few years. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die.

Young shoots - cooked. The shoots are almost free of any acridity. Although small, they are of good quality when cooked. A plant at Trebah gardens in Cornwall was producing a good amount of new shoots about 35mm in diameter in early April 1995. They are best harvested as they come through the soil in spring. Do not take too many from any plant since this will weaken the clump.

Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out, which could be 2 - 3 years. The plants only flower at intervals of many years and so seed is rarely available. Division as the plants come into growth in spring. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more. Basal cane cuttings. Rhizome cuttings.

Light woodlands and moist places.