This section lists the tropical bamboo species we have in production. They
are all tropical, or sub-tropical, clumping bamboos and are generally not
cold-hardy like the temperate, running bamboos. Some, the sub-tropicals, can
tolerate freezing temperatures for short periods. Check the minimum
temperatures listed on each species description as a guideline for which
species can grow unprotected in your area.
A small understory bamboo with a fountain shape and large leaves. The species name S.flexuosum has been recently confirmed by Dr. Elizabeth Widjaja during her U.S. visit in late 2007. Until then, bamboo afficianados called the species Schizostachyum tutu as a referal to the Indonesian import that was originally numbered by Dr. Widjaja. The species ID tag # was Schizostachyum 2-2.
Grows to 10' tall with 1/2" diameter culm in Florida. Minimum temp. 30 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
Erect culms are tight clumping. Internodes can be over 3 feet long. It seldom flowers. May be synonym for S.lima. Will grow to 30' tall with 1" diameter culms. Very tropical. Will beging to show signs of stress below 40 degrees F. Click to find your zone.
Has very long internodes, up to 3 feet. Used in the Solomon Islands to make pan flutes and for weaving. Large leaves, fountain-shaped overall form. Will grow 16' tall with 3/4" diameter culms in Florida. Minimum temp. 35 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 10. Click to find your zone.
A large tufted elegant bamboo. Thin, leaves. Culms straight and completely covered in their culm leaves (sheaths) for the first few feet when young. Very tight clumping pattern. This is a rare species in the U.S. so we're still test-growing. Will grow to at least 40' tall with 2.5" diameter culms in Florida. Minimum temp. 27 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
One of the most graceful bamboos known. Culm walls very thick,
almost solid - small leaves. Extremely erect and tight clumping. Culms used for umbrella handles in Thailand. Planted as an ornamental by Buddhist monks around temples. Shoots edible. There are several cultivars of this species in distribution within the U.S. and we've collected four different forms (so far). This one we call 'standard' as it is the truest in form. 40' with 3" culms. Min. temp 25°F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
This is a cultivar that we picked up in Clifornia. Compared to the cultivar we call 'standard' it grows with the same tight clump form but not as erect - the culms open at the top and arch outward a bit. The leaves are also somewhat thinner than the leaves on the standard form.
Min. temp 25°F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
A cultivar that we picked up in Hawaii. Still too young to determine the mature characteristics. It is already distinguishing itself from our other cultivars but we'll wait another growth season before describing the differences.
Min. temp 25°F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
Among the siamensis cultivars, this one is the easiest to distinguish. It has tiny leaves and the overall form starts mushroom-shaped then, after a few years, matures with a distinct hourglass shape. The clump is still typically tight. It was propagated from seedling stock by Redlands Nursery in South Florida.
Min. temp 25°F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
A new cultivar from Thai seed stock (2009). This one will take a few years before we know which seedlings will be most vigorous and also what overall form/appearance they will reveal.
