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.
A slightly smaller version of the amazing Bambusa chungii bamboo.
Same pale blue appearance but grows to about 3/4 the maximum size of the standard chungii. 25' tall with 1" culms. Perfect for smaller gardens.
Min. temp 21F. Min USDA zone: 8b/9a. Click here to find zone.
Bambusa chungii var. velutina - Velvet Chungii*New
Another importation success after initial failure. Like Bambusa oldhami f. striata, I first found this beautiful bamboo growing in Hua'an, China (2012) and attempted to import it via the USDA. That small propagule did not survive the stress of international travel. I revisited this area of China in 2018 and, once again attempted to import this unique form of Bambusa chungii. This time, we succeeded and the imported specimen has passed pathogen testing. It should be released to us from USDA quarantine by 2020. Once released to us, the single specimen will be allowed to develop in our test field for about two years to prove its viability in south Florida. If all goes well, we will begin propagation and, realistically, propagules should be available by 2022. The culms grow mostly covered in velvety tan/brown fur. Truly an exciting new introduction to the USA as an ornamental bamboo.
It seems to grow a bit smaller that the standard form of B.chungii - it will take time to confirm mature dimensions once planted at our nursery. (Likely) Up to 25' tall and 2" dia. culms. Min. temp 24�F. Min USDA zone: 9a.Click here to find zone.
Relatively small, upright bamboo, comparable to the smaller B.textilis cultivars. We have been test-growing this bamboo for several years and the projected maximum height is around 20'.
At first glance, it appears to be a type of B.textilis until you step back and notice the overall height is not as tall as expected. The culms are noticeably thicker with shorter internodes than a textilis at the same height. The culms are more compact, or contracted, hence the species name. When several are planted in a row, this species makes an excellent privacy screen. Spacing can be between 3'-5' apart, depending on the density wanted.
Min USDA zone: 9a. Click here to find zone.
Culms slightly zigzag, and internodes are slightly curved. The common name 'Ox Horn Bamboo' refers to the overall form of the culms as they emerge from the ground. Because the culms naturally bow outward, then upward, the new shoots truly resemble ox horns - especially when two new shoots oppose one another. Mostly a bamboo for collectors. Should grow to about 35' tall with 3" diameter culms. Min. USDA zone 9b. Click here to find zone.
