Ground Cover Bamboo
Dwarf bamboos offer a variety of leaf colors and variegation from dark green to yellow to almost all white. Many are useful as indoor plants or stabilizing banks against erosion. These bamboos range in height from several inches to several feet. As with all indoor bamboo plants, they will need to be watered and fertilized as often as other house plants, with daily misting of the leaves. For outdoor bamboo plants, mow completely to the ground in wintertime for fresh new growth in the Spring. They do well in Zones 5 to 8 and are all running bamboos that will need to be root-pruned to prevent unwanted spread.
Pleioblastus Akebono
This dwarf bamboo has leaves that emerge in the spring almost pure white and then slowly turn to green. The color of the leaves then tapers of from white to green. It is slower growing than most dwarf bamboos and is not as hardy as other pleioblastus plants. This will do well in a well-shaded as well as cold-protected microclimate with moist soil.
Pleioblastus Distichus Dwarf Star Point
Pleioblastus distichus is one of the smallest bamboos. Sometimes, this is even used as turf grass. The most noticeable characteristic of this bamboo is the very tough and erect leaf texture. The leaves fan out in groups of 5 or so, making them look very much like little palm or fern leaves with a dark green color.
Pleioblastus Fortunei Dwarf White Stripe
This is an attractive green and white variegated dwarf bamboo. The leaves tend to keep their variegation throughout the year. Sometimes, it is also called Pleioblastus variegatus. It is used as a ground cover or container plant. It prefers partial shade but will grow in the sun.
Pleioblastus Pygmaeus Pygmy Bamboo
Pleioblastus pygmaeus Pygmy Bamboo is similar to Pleioblastus Distichus, except the leaves are hairy on the underside and are a little larger. This bamboo also spreads faster than Distichus and Dwarf White Stripe. As with other Pleioblastus bamboos, this can be used as an indoor plant or ground cover plant.
Pleioblastus Viridistriatus Dwarf Green Stripe
Pleioblastus Viridistriatus Bamboo is a very attractive yellow and green striped bamboo and is similar to Pleioblastus Pygmaeus, with hairy leaves on the underside and a little larger. This bamboo also spreads faster than Distichus and Dwarf White Stripe. As with other Pleioblastus bamboos, this can be used as an indoor plant or ground cover plant.
Sasa Vetchii Kuma Zasa
Sasa Vetchii is grown for leaves that wither at the margins in fall, giving it a very unusual look of dark green leaves with white edges. For the most striking look, it is best used as a ground cover in a shady area. Sasa Vetchii will grow between 3 and 5 feet but can be kept shorter by cutting it to the ground after its spring flush of growth. It is also somewhat drought-tolerant.
Sasaella Bitchuensis
This ground cover bamboo is noted for its hairy culm sheaths. The spread rate is slow to moderate making it good for an accent plant or small patch ground cover.
Sasaella Masamuneana Albostriata
Sasaella Masamuneana Albostriata is similar to Pleioblastus Fortunei Dwarf White Stripe by having green and white leaf variegation. This bamboo spreads a little faster than the Dwarf White Stripe and can get taller. The leaves have a smooth texture. As with Pleioblastus bamboos, this will perform best in a shaded location but will tolerate some sun without losing its variegation.