Japanese Arrow Bamboo Pseudosasa Japonica is what we call a running bamboo variety, meaning it suckers- a common saying under bamboo growers is ‘the first year they sleep, the second year they creep, the third year they leap’, so be mindful of the capabilities if this beautiful plant. This bamboo is slightly more shade-tolerant and you might therefore consider it as an understory, but it is equally happy in full sun, be it in a container (out- or indoors) or in the ground. Dark green, tall and straight canes bear very long, drooping leaves of up to 30cm (12in). In Japan, the samurai allegedly favoured the hard and stiff canes (‘culms’) of this plant for crafting arrows, its Japanese name Yadake ideed comprising of ‘ya-’ meaning ‘arrow’ and dake ‘bamboo’. If you’re looking for an beautiful, architectural bamboo, this is the one. Site: Does not like cold winds or coastal exposureSoil: All fertile soils, avoid waterloggedPosition: Full sun to part shadeSeason of Interest: Evergreen, large leaves, straight canesHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 13-26ft (4-8m) Spread: 6-13ft (2-4m)