"TQPL" wrote in message ...
Hi Group,

I would be interested in some opinions.
In the UK I have a large established clump of
Phyllostachys viridi-glaucescens with many 15-20ft
leafed out culms. Planted in freedraining soil
with the roots accessing the permanent water table
of a stream at 2.5ft depth. I can see this if I
dig deep enough. Normally the clump of approx 10ft
x 5ft spread grows very well.

This year I have had a number of large culms
abort. Not small ones but the culms in the of
1.5 - 2.0 inch diameter.
These are the very largest to form. They reach
about 2 - 4 feet in height, then the tips start to
bend and they abort. I have been feeding high
nitrogen fertilizer the last few weeks at the time
of culm shooting.
The small culms are growing with no problems.

Do the experts think this might be too much
nitrogen?
Do you think not enough water?
Too much water from irrigation watering?
They are all culms in the centre of the clump
which is shaded.

We have bee frost free for a number of months.

Any advice would be appreciated in the hope I can
stop it happening next year.
With regards
Alan (inUK)

Well this year 1/2 of my yellowgroove culms 2" dia aborted but we had
a hard winter and there was much leaf and branch death so I think food
reserves were limited.
I also have a high water table here and I just keep raising things by
piling on the leaves , grass clippings, woodchips and compost.