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.
The culms are straight and form tight, dense clumps. This is a medium
sized bamboo that grows quickly to create a nice screen. Small leaves and thick-walled culms help make it one of the most storm tolerant of the tropical bamboos. Some claim that it's more salt tolerant than most bamboos - it certainly is the best choice if exposed to coastal winds.
35' tall and 2" dia. culms. Min. temp 20°F. Min USDA zone 9a. Click to find your zone.
A fine-leafed, graceful bamboo that is considered a large landscape ornamental. Culms somewhat arching or weeping at the tops. The new shoots are wrapped in silver-white coated sheaths.
Very fast-growing in tropical or sub-tropical conditions. Can reach 50' tall with 4" diameter culms. Min temp, 25 deg F. Min USDA zone: 9a. Click to find your zone.
Culms and branches are bright yellow with irregular, longitudinal, narrow, dark green stripes. New shoots and culms are often reddish.
Can grow to 20' tall in Florida with 1" diameter culms. Minimum temp. 18 degrees F. Min USDA zone 8b. Click to find your zone.
A dwarf form of multiplex similar to Fernleaf, but with larger leaves. The culms tend to be yellowish. Can grow to 10' tall in Florida with 1/2" diameter culms. Minimum temp. 18 degrees F. Min USDA zone 8b. Click to find your zone.
Culms and branches are greewn with irregular, longitudinal, gold stripes.
Can grow to 25' tall in Florida with 3/4" diameter culms. Minimum temp. 18 degrees F. Min USDA zone 8b. Click to find your zone.
Solid culms and tiny leaves; similar to Fernleaf but smaller, more delicate looking. Will grow to 6' tall with 1/4" diameter culms. Minimum temp. 18 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 8b. Click to find your zone.
A facinating mutation of B.multiplex 'Silverstripe'. Each culm grows in a spiraling, corkscrew form making the entire clump a true conversation piece. Culms also feature silver/white pinstripes. A must for bamboo collectors. Can grow to 25' tall in Florida with 3/4" diameter culms. Minimum temp. 18 degrees F. Min USDA zone 8b. Click to find your zone.
Culms are greewn with irregular, longitudinal, white stripes that dissapear as each culm ages.
Can grow to 25' tall in Florida with 3/4" diameter culms. Minimum temp. 18 degrees F. Min USDA zone 8b. Click to find your zone.
Small in size and densly compact in form with many very small leaves on each branch. New shoots and young culms are red with green stripes - the red eventually changes to yellow as the culm matures. Always a mixture of beautiful colors as the culms are in various stages of development.
Can grow to 12' tall with 1/2" diameter culms in Florida - usually smaller. Minimum temp. 12 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 8b. Click to find your zone.
A dwarf form of B. multiplex Riviereorum with leaves often less than 1/4" long. Can grow to 3' tall with 1/8" diameter culms. Minimum temp. 18 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 8b Very low stock - only one or two left.Click to find your zone.
Culms droop or arch strongly with small, narrow leaves. Can grow to 20' tall with 3/4" diameter culms. Minimum temp. 16 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 8b Click to find your zone.
Very tight clump with erect culms that are natually branchless on the lower 1/4. Somewhat thin leaves present a feathery, delicate touch to a majestic overall form. This species makes a beautiful statement in any garden. Min USDA zone: 9a. Click to find your zone.
New introduction.
From Thailand. Nutans means “nodding,” which the culms do. May grow 25' tall, with 1" diameter culms in Florida. Usually smaller. Cold-hardy to 28 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
The culms are straight and erect with relatively short branches forming fairly open clumps. A well-known, classic tropical bamboo. Can be found throughout the Disney parks.
In Florida, there are no low branches. In California, the species branches almost to the ground. Culm walls are thick, but soft. Shoots are edible. Up to 55' tall and 4" dia. culms. Min. temp 20°F. Min USDA zone: 9a. Click to find your zone.
Not officially identified as a cultivar of B.oldhamii. It certainly resembles oldhamii. Some people feel it's superior as a landscape specimen and for construction material. Very rare in the mainland of the United States.
A timber bamboo, which was said to be brought to Hawaii from India. When first planted in Hawaii it grew to 6” in diameter with thick walls. The original five plants all seeded and died, producing only one seed that germinated. From that seed, this current strain, now grows to 5” in diameter.
Some of the culm sections are oval but most are round. Very straight culms and reach 60'- 70' tall with thin, strong walls and long internodes. Min USDA zone 9a. Click to find your zone.
