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.
Bambusa vulgaris 'Vittata' - Golden Hawaiian Bamboo
Very popular and recognizable. The most common ornamental bamboo found in Hawaii. Golden yellow culms with green vertical stripes that look like drip marks.
This species has been in the continental U.S. for more than a decade and propagates relatively easily.
Will grow to 50' with 4" dia. culms. Min. temp 27°F. MIn USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
Occasionally, a culm will develop in a clump of B.vulgaris Vittata that has inverse color striping. Instead of green stripes on a yellow base, the culms are predominately green with thin yellow stripes. We've isolated a few of these and propagated them into a reliable new, inverse form of B.vulgaris Vittata. Same growth form and dimensions as the standard B.v.Vittata. 50' tall with up to 4" diameter culms. Minimum temp. 27 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
Bambusa vulgaris 'Wamin' - Dwarf Buddha Belly Bamboo
A dwarf bamboo that is perfect by a pond but will fit just about any landscape. Swollen internodes are unusual and are sure to attract your visitors' attention. This bamboo could have been conjured up by Tim Burton or Dr. Seuss.
In Florida (and other warm, humid areas) this species is much more reliable and consistent in producing swollen internodes (bellies) than the first species given the name Buddha Belly Bamboo, Bambusa ventricosa (tuldoides).
12' - 15' with up to 3" dia. culms. Min. temp 27°F. MIn USDA zone 9b. Click to find your zone.
Bambusa vulgaris 'Wamin Striata' - Striped Buddha Belly Bamboo
A striated (and more rare) version of the popular Wamin Bamboo. The culms are a pale green color with irregular dark-green vertical stripes. The swollen internodes and overall form is the same as the standard Wamin.
12' - 15' with up to 3" dia. culms. Min. temp 27°F. MIn USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
A rare, new introduction. Culms are straight and erect. In Thiland, used as a flavor-adding vessel for cooking rice. Grows to 30' tall with 2" diameter culms. Min. temp. 30 degrees F. MIn USDA zone: 10. Click to find your zone.
Culms strongly arching, sometimes clambering. Small tufts of leaves wrap the nodes of the culms. This is the only Chusquea species that can survive in South Florida without artificially modifying the natural growing conditions. All Chusqueas are clumping mountain bamboos and our sea-level, hot, humid summer conditions are fatal to the rest of this Genus. C.liebmanii will grow to 20' tall with 1/2" diameter culms in Florida. Minimum temperature 31 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 10
An impressive timber bamboo that grows rapidly under favorable conditions.
Shoots are large and of the highest quality for food. New shoots are a furry silver brown and velvet to the touch.
This is the superior, Indonesian clone of the species. Not a Thai seedling.
Can attain 65' and 5" dia. culms in Florida.
Min. temp. 25 °F. MIn USDA zone: 9a
Dendrocalamus asper 'Betung Hitam' - Black Asper Bamboo
A rare black variety of D. asper. Large culms are dark brown at the base and darken to black after a few nodes. This is a giant, timber bamboo that needs plenty of space. It is the largest of the black bamboo species and makes an unbelievable statement in the proper application. Will grow to at least 70' tall in South Florida with 6" diameter culms. Min temp, 27 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
The thick-walled culm is similar to D.asper. Soft brownish fur on new culms give this big bamboo it's nickname.
Highest quality shoot producer in the U.S. - edible raw. 60' and 4" dia. culms in FL.
Min. temp. 26 °F. Min USDA zone: 9b
This cultivar of Dendrocalamus giganteus has been in Florida for more than 2 decades. It is beautiful but is not as vigorous nor does it mature as large as the Quail Clone. The new shoots easily distinguish it as they are reddish/brown rather than the steel-bluish of the Quail Clone.
There is demand for a slightly smaller giganteus so we're once again propagating the Florida Clone.
Will reach 70' tall with 6" diameter culms.
A native of Burma. One of the largest bamboos in the world. Leaves can be up to 20 inches long and 4 inches wide. We are now propagating the superior clone that is on display at Quail Botanical Gardens, San Diego.
Will grow to 100' tall with 8" diameter culms in Florida. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
Mostly identical to D.giganteus but with occasional variegated leaves. The leaf variegation is random and appears on a small percentage of the leaves - then dissapears with age. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone. Only propagating this species on request
Medium green culms with silky texture. Leaves feel almost plastic and are slightly glossy. A large timber bamboo that produces highly ornamental, edible shoots.
Will grow to 60' tall with 4" diameter culms in Florida. Minimum temp 27 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
Typical overall form of the Dendrocalamus genus. Lower culms are covered with silver/tan fuzz. Shoots edible. Will grow to at least 50' in South Florida. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
Vigorous clumper. Rust-colored shoots. Ornamental that is becoming very popular despite questioned identity.
50' and 3" dia. culms in FL.
Min. temp. 25 °F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
