Mountain Bamboos
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Often referred to as Sino Himalayan bamboos, the hardy clumping bamboo are from China, Nepal, Bhutan, India, and Africa, with a few from South America. Possibly the most important factor in growing the hardy clumping bamboos is a major difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. Fargesia, Himalayacalamus and Yushania bamboo are from mountain areas that have a 30 plus degree F difference. The South American clumping bamboo appear to be against very hot climates. Lack of summer water is a very important consideration. The Sino Himalayan bamboos are not drought tolerant and prefer acid soils. Heights vary; most are very well adapted to coastal climates. Generally disliking direct hot sun, these bamboos do very well in shade. The main exception would be the South American bamboo Chusquea gigantea and Chusquea culeou 'Cana Prieta' which are able to grow in full sun provided it's not hot, dry sun. A select few are hardy to as low as -20 F. most are in the -5 to 0 F range.
Chusquea gigantea
(Ht: 60’ dia: 2.50" Deg: 0 F) The clone we have of C. gigantea (may well = C. breviglumis) is quite upright and gets tall very rapidly. The new culms get a very nice pink/red cast when exposed to the sun. Having long rhizome necks, a broad clump is formed rather fast. Ours has reached about 26 feet so far. One very interesting development is to note its drought tolerance. Ours is planted under a huge Acer macrophyllum which is very aggressive at getting nutrients and water
Availability: 5 gallon $65.00 TOP OF PAGE
Chusquea culeou 'Cana Prieta'
(Ht: 10’ dia: .5" Deg: 0 F)A small form of culeou that is able to handle full sun and boggy conditions. The culms take on a purplish-black color. Very stiff leaves that point rather upright as is the same of a lot of the Chusqueas. Often sold as C. nigicans.
Availability: 5 gallon $65.00 TOP OF PAGE
Fargesia apircirubens
(Ht: 16’ dia: .5" Deg: -10 F) Formerly known as Fargesia dracocephala. This clumping bamboo can tolerate more sun than other Fargesia's. Originally from the mountains of China introduced to US. from seed in 1988 from Germany. "Draco" is one of the main food sources of the Panda.
Availability: Price 2 gallon: $35.00 5 gallon $45.00 TOP OF PAGE ON-LINE CATALOG
Fargesia dracocephala "rufa"
(Ht: ? dia: .5" Deg: -10 F) Formerly known as Fargesia sp. rufa. A newer species that looks a lot like Fargesia murielea but appears more open and may well not get as tall. It is reported to reach 11 feet, but so far hasn't gotten to 6 feet.
Availability: 1 gallon: $25.00, 2 gallon: $35.00 TOP OF PAGE ON-LINE CATALOG
Fargesia murielea
(Ht: 15 ’ dia: .5" Deg: -20 F) "Umbrella Bamboo" This clumping bamboo likes filtered light. Beautiful, small, yellow-green leaves. Branches have weeping habit when fully leafed out. From the mountains of China
Availability: 1 gallon: $25.00, 2 gallon: $35.00, TOP OF PAGE ON-LINE CATALOG
Fargesia nitida
(Ht: 15 ’ dia: .5" Deg: -20 F) "Blue Fountain" Many forms of nitida are available. A very cold-tolerant clumping bamboo. Long, blue, arching culms with tiny leaves make this bamboo a beauty.
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Fargesia robusta
(Ht: 20’ dia: 1" Deg: -10 F) When compared to nitida or murieliae, this very upright Fargesia sets itself apart not only by its taller, straight culms, but by leaves that are thicker and are a glossy green on red petioles.
Availability: 1 gallon: $30.00, 2 gallon: $40.00 TOP OF PAGE ON-LINE CATALOG
Yushania anceps
(Ht: 12 ’ dia: .5" Deg: 0 F) This graceful bamboo from the Himalayas forms an open clump with masses of small leaves. Although listed to be hardy to 0 F a fair amount of leaf damage occurs at 8 F, with full recovery in the spring. The "Pit White" clone from Britain is said to reach 16' but hasn't for us
Availability: 1 gallon: $25.00, 2 gallon: $35.00 TOP OF PAGE ON-LINE CATALOG