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 wonderful bamboo for creating privacy, quickly. This Vietnamese import is similar to Bambusa malingensis (Seabreeze Bamboo) but matures somewhat smaller, overall. Ideally planted 3' - 5' apart, in a row, to create a privacy hedge. It can be trimmed as a hedge or left to grow naturally. Click here to find zone
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 20F. Min USDA zone 9a. Click here to find 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.
Scientifically published as Dendrocalamus membranaceus, with Bambusa membranacea as a synonym. Commercially, it's become more common under Bambusa so we're listing it as such.
Can reach 50' tall with 4" diameter culms. Min temp, 25 deg F. Min USDA zone: 9a. Click here to find zone
A fine-leafed, graceful bamboo that is considered a large landscape ornamental.
Striated (vertical cream-colored stripes) 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 here to find zone
Another wild-collected seedling that was discovered in NE Thailand in 2015 by Thoop Nakasan of Nan, Thailand. The species (B.membranacea) was in a flowering cycle in Thailand around 2009-2012 and most of the resultant seedlings have developed true to form. Some rare mutations are being discovered and this is one of the more spectacular.
Imported in 2016. It's now growing in our test field and propagation has begun.
Unlike the 'Waterfall' cultivar, this cultivar grows in the typical, upright form of Bambusa membranacea (but still smaller overall). The leaves are tiny and variegated green with cream-colored stripes.
It should be an ideal focal point in small gardens or feature bamboo in the foreground of large gardens.
So far, it looks to max out at 16' tall with 1/2" diameter culms. We'll update these specs as it continues to develop in the growing conditions of south Florida. Min temp, 25 deg F. Min USDA zone: 9a. Click here to find zone
One of the wild-collected seedlings that was discovered in NE Thailand in 2015 by Thoop Nakasan of Nan, Thailand. The species (B.membranacea) was in a flowering cycle in Thailand around 2009-2012 and most of the resultant seedlings have developed true to form. Some rare mutations are being discovered and this is one of the more spectacular.
We imported it in 2015 and it took nearly three years to clear USDA quarantine. It's now growing in our test field and propagation has begun.
The leaves are brilliantly variegated mostly white with thin green stripes. New shoots are purple/pink.
It grows in a bush form with cascading large leaves, never reaching even 1/4 the height of the standard B.membranacea. It should be an ideal focal point in small gardens or feature bamboo in the foreground of large gardens.
So far, it looks to max out at 10' tall with 1/2" diameter culms. We'll update these specs as it continues to develop in the growing conditions of south Florida. Min temp, 25 deg F. Min USDA zone: 9a. Click here to find 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 here to find zone
A small, delicate bamboo with, (appropriately-named) fern-like leaves. Can grow to 10' tall in Florida with 1/2" diameter culms. Minimum temp. 18 degrees F. Min USDA zone 8b. Click here to find 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 here to find zone
Culms and branches are green 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 here to find 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 here to find zone
This bamboo was discovered in 2012 and wild-collected in Yunnan, China. It was sent to USDA quarantine and has been test-growing at Tropical Bamboo Nursery since 2013.
It grows similar in form and leaf size to B.multiplex 'Stripestem Fernleaf' or B.multiplex 'Riviereorum' however, the culms are mostly varying shades of pink to red. There are not many bamboos that maintain this amount of stable, red culm coloration. This was a rare find that is already being targeted by collectors.
A small bamboo that would work well in a garden of any size or in containers.
Will grow to 5-8' tall with 1/4" diameter culms. Minimum temp. 18 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 9a, maybe 8b. Click here to find 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 here to find zone
Culms are green with irregular, longitudinal, white stripes that disappear 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 here to find 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 8' tall with 1/4" diameter culms in Florida - usually smaller. Minimum temp. 12 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 8b. Click to find your zone.
