Medium Bamboos
The medium bamboos are from China, Japan and the only bamboo native to North America. All are running. Growing from about 16 feet up to 35 feet. Given the size of this group of bamboo, the annual growth increase of about 30+ percent is dramatic. The medium bamboo group is also host to the hardiest of the running bamboo, tolerating to temperatures to -20 f and maybe lower. Our best hedge bamboo for screens are located here, along with some very spectacular colored bamboos. Most are full sun but adaptable.
Notes about the species
Semiarundinaria: Originating from Japan and possibly some native stands in China. There is some speculation that Semiarundinaria is a cross between Phyllostachys and Pleioblastus. Usually very erect with mostly round culms. Each node branching node will usually have 3 main branches and a slight sulcus, as the culm ages more sub-branches form. Not much taller than 30 feet Semiarundinaria make excellent hedges, and do quite well in windy sites.
Phyllostachys: The genius Phyllostachys originates from areas of China that experience often quite cold winters combined with hot summers. Confusion with other genera is quite hard since there is always a deep grove called a sulcus on the internode of any branched node and usually 2 branches per node. On the lower internodes of the larger species branches and therefore a sulcus is often absent. Sizes range from approximately 18 feet (P. humilis) to over 60 feet (several species), all are running types.
Also available by pick up are specimen sizes of not only the bamboos listed here but many other species. Contact us for a list of what is available.
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Phyllostachys atrovaginata
(Ht: 30’ dia: 2.75" Deg: -10 F) "Incense bamboo" Quick to achieve mature size for site location. Rather large diameter culms proportional to height. Tolerant of wet soils due to air canals in rhizome and roots.
Availability: 5 gallon $45.00 TOP OF PAGE
Phyllostachys aurea
(Ht: 30’ dia: 1.50" Deg: 0 F) "Golden Bamboo" One of the most common bamboos in the U.S. New growth is blue-green. Mature culms have shorter internodes at the base that give a tortoise shell effect. Once used for tuna fishing rods. Limb up to half culm height to expose base for a beautiful effect. Great for a dense hedge.
Availability: 5 gallon $45.00 TOP OF PAGE
Phyllostachys aureosulcata
(Ht: 30’ dia: 2.5" Deg: -15 F) "Yellow Groove" Culms are Green with yellow panels. Can form attractive crooks on lower portion of culms, but otherwise grows quite straight with little lean out of clump. Makes for a nice hedge. Shoots are very tasty.
Availability: 2 gallon $25.00, 5 gallon $45.00 TOP OF PAGE ON-LINE CATALOG
Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis
(Ht: 30’ dia: 2.75" Deg: -10 F) " Golden crookstem bamboo" Like P. aureosulcata f. spectabalis it has beautiful, lemon-yellow culms, with-out the green sulcus though. Random green stripes and the occasional gold stripe on the leaves: very pretty.
Availability: 5 gallon $55.00 TOP OF PAGE
Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabalis
(Ht: 30’ dia: 2.75" Deg: -10 F) Hard title to live up to? Not at all for this beautiful lemon-yellow culmed bamboo. Spectabalis is the flip of the species having a green sulcus; the new culms will stain rosy red when exposed to sun.
Availability: 5 gallon $55.00 TOP OF PAGE
Phyllostachys bambusoides 'All Gold'
(Ht: 38’ dia: 2.75" Deg: 5 F) Rich, gold culms with random green stripes. My favorite of the gold stemmed bamboo since the color stays fairly constant, and the heartbreak of the snapping off by snow fall is lessened.
Availability: 15 gallon $125.00 TOP OF PAGE
Phyllostachys bissetii
(Ht: 40’ dia: 2" Deg: -20 F) There is some speculation that bissetii may even be hardier than P. aureosulcata and P. nuda. Masses of deep-green leaves. For us P. bissetii is our best-looking Phyllostachys at end of winter: rarely beat up looking. The heights listed have not been achieved; expect more like 20-25 feet.
Availability: 5 gallon $45.00 TOP OF PAGE
Phyllostachys nigra
(Ht: 45’ dia: 2.5" Deg: 0 F) "Black Bamboo" One of the more sought after bamboos due to the ebony culm color. Culms are green for first 6 months, molting to black. The weeping habit can create a problem when planted next to walk ways. Prune lower portion of culm to show off the beauty.
Availability: 5 gallon $55.00 TOP OF PAGE
Phyllostachys nuda
(Ht: 40’ dia: 2" Deg: -20 F) Possibly the hardiest of the Phyllostachys. The beauty of this plant is the new shoots. When grown in full sun, culms are deep purple, almost black, slowly turning to bright pea green. Smaller leaves. Shoots are delicious..
Availability: 5 gallon $45.00 TOP OF PAGE
Semiarundinaria fastuosa 'Viridis'
(Ht: 30’ dia: 2" Deg: 0 F) Growth is very erect. A perfect hedge bamboo. Rich, green culm color. Makes great garden stakes.
Availability: 5 gallon $45.00 TOP OF PAGE
Semiarundinaria yashadake 'Kimmei'
(Ht: 40’ dia: 2" Deg: -20 F) The yellow culms with a green stripe above branches turn pinkish-red in sun, which intensifies with winter cold. For us the red appears to be permanent. The fairly large leaves have random stripes of cream.
Availability: Price 2 gallon: $25.00 5 gallon $45.00 TOP OF PAGE ON-LINE CATALOG