This section lists the tropical bamboo plant varieties 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.
Use our Search Bamboo page to find something specific.
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.
Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
A rare discovery in NE Thailand. This cultivar looks identical to the standard T.siamensis that grows throughout SE Asia.
What distinguishes it from all others is that the shoots are edible, and delicious, RAW. This is significant as most bamboo shoots must be boiled to remove bitterness - especially shoots of T.siamensis which are notoriously bitter. I was brought to the bamboo and a new shoot was kicked over and handed to me to try. Sure enough, no bitterness!
It was sent to USDA quarantine in September 2015 where it spent three years, finally being released in September 2018. This bamboo spent more time in quarantine that any other we've introduced. It was repeatedly tested for viruses and phytoplasmas until ultimately being determined to be clear of any pathogen.
We have planted this bamboo (2018) in our test field to let it develop. It will take several years until we're certain this bamboo will perform as we observed in Thailand.
Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
Another rare discovery in NE Thailand. This cultivar looks identical in form to the standard T.siamensis that grows throughout SE Asia, however, the culms are yellow/gold with green vertical stripes. Finding a clone of this species with striated culms is the product of the relentlessness of Thoop Nakasen, in Thailand.
It was sent to USDA quarantine and released in September 2018.
Availability by 2021.
Min. temp 25°F.
Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
x Thyrsocalamus (fomerly Bambusa) sp. Phai Liang Wan (Honey Bamboo)*New
Imported by us (into USDA quarantine) in July/2012, this bamboo was found in northern Thailand. Locally, it was called Phai Liang Wan,or Phai Thwa (Honey Bamboo) as it is prized for its sweet shoots. Its appearance and form indicates it surely is a regional clone of Bambusa nana.
Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
x Thyrsocalamus liang (Bambusa nana) Thai Beauty Bamboo*New
Very tight clump with erect culms that are naturally 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.
Note: The species name, Bambusa nana, was mistakenly attributed to this bamboo several decades ago in the USA. It will eventually end up with its real species name, Thyrsocalamus liang (a hybrid species) per taxonomist and author, Dieter Orhnberger. Ref: CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
Min USDA zone: 9a. Click here to find zone.
x Thyrsocalamus liang striata (Bambusa nana var. striata) - Candy Bamboo*New
This exciting variety of the species has the added feature of striated culms, with the stripes transitioning in color tones as the new shoots develop. The stripes range from green to yellow to pink, red, and orange shades. Typical tight clump form for the species with erect culms that are naturally branchless on the lower 1/4. Somewhat thin leaves present a feathery, delicate touch to a majestic overall form. This bamboo was imported from N.E.Thailand and the single, small specimen was released to us in 2018. It is now mature in our test field.
UPDATE: We now have well rooted specimens in 3 gallon containers. These are available in limited quantities. When all are sold, there will be no more available until next spring.
Min USDA zone: 9a. Click to find your zone.
New introduction.
