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 one of our 2012 imports into USDA quarantine. It will be test-grown at our nursery in 2013. The species grows naturally under the broad-leaved forest at elevations of 4000' - 5000' in Jinping of Yunnan China. In recent years, it has been introduced into other areas of Yunnan (at lower elevations) and is growing well. We were advised by our Chinese colleagues to test it in Florida.
Culms are purplish-brown or green when young, yellow, purple or red when mature, called the five-colored fragrant bamboo. Branches emerging high. Beautiful clumps are used for gardens, parks and bonsai.
It is described as growing to about 24' tall with up to 1.5" diameter culms. If the species adapts, we project it will attain only about half those dimensions at maturity in Florida, at sea level. It is cold-hardy to 20 degrees F. UPDATE March/2016: The test bamboos are growing nicely in the ground but struggle in containers. So far, there is only one color (green). We're hoping this changes as the bamboos mature in the sun.
Imported April/2012 into USDA quarantine, released to us in 2013. The first field specimen successfully completed its first full year and is thriving. We've planted five more (2014) for future propagation.
We are releasing 3 & 7 gallon plants for sale with the understanding that they may not grow as taxonomically described. In south Florida, the natural growing conditions seem to not be ideal to develop with the culm color transitions. The culms stay mostly green. Where originally collected in China, the bamboo was growing in clay soil in an arid climate at around 1200' altitude.
Min USDA zone: 9a. Click here to find 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 Click here to find zone.
Similar in appearance to Bambusa oldhamii. Can be used as an ornamental or as a privacy screen in the landscape. New (2012) introduction.
Listed under Dendrocalamopsis and Bambusa as synonyms of each other. It's predominately published under Dendrocalamopsis so, for now, that's how we're listing it.
Will grow to at least 40' tall with straight culms, 2" in diameter. (good for construction timber). Click here to find zone.
Also known, scientifically, as Bambusa grandis. This species was one of our 2012 imports from China into USDA quarantine. To be test-grown until 2015.
Should grow to at least 35; tall with 3" dia culms. Click here to find zone.
This is one of our newer imports that cleared USDA quarantine in April/2012.
Species name is in question but the genus is accurate. We believe it to be a variety of Bambusa multiplex. It is not to be confused with Dendrocalamus/Bambusa variostriata, which grows much larger.
Develops into a nice garden bamboo with unusual fernlike leaves. Makes a great privacy screen or small feature.
It has a very tight clumping and erect growth habit; good for areas with limited space.
Grows to 12' tall. Min temp 28 degrees F. Click here to find zone.
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 here to find zone.
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 a vigorous Dendrocalamus asper mother plant. Ours is not an unreliable seedling. It is important to consider this when choosing the young bamboo you're planning to grow, especially if you're planning commercial shoot or biomass production.
Can attain 65' and 5" dia. culms in Florida.
Min. temp. 25 F. Min USDA zone: 9a
The price of this species has increased due to the recent demand for prime shoot-producing bamboos. Our stock levels and available propagation material are very low
Click here to find zone.
I first took note of this this bamboo in Hua'an, China, near the central east coast. It was collected and sent to USDA quarantine in mid-2012. The culms are very erect and smoky gray, similar to the temperate bamboo, P.nigra Henon.
Currently being test-grown in the fields at Tropical Bamboo Nursery. UPDATE 2022: Limited quantities now available in 3 gallon container.Click here to find zone.
Dendrocalamus barbatus grows in the southeast, south and southwest of Yunnan, China. More in cultivation than in the wild, and is cultivated in Chongqing, Sichuan and Guizhou. It is similar to D. membranaceus, but larger.
Used for construction, paper, bamboo fiber plywood and handicraft. Shoots are edible. Bamboo clumps are giant and upright, of great ornamental value.
Will grow to at least 50' tall with 3" - 4" diameter culms. New import. . Click here to find zone.
Dendrocalamus barbatus var. internodiradicus - Cat's Ear Bamboo*New
Inter-nodi-radi-cus...
This one's all about the internodes (the culm space between the nodes). The cool name indicates there's something unusual going on there, and the name doesn't lie.
As this bamboo matures, the weirdness becomes more pronounced. The taxonomic description indicates that the most notable difference between this variety and the standard form of D.barbatus is the lack of hair on the culms or oral setae on the culm sheath auricles. The culm internodes are very slightly concave in the center then step up to create pronounced nodes banded in white. They also can be slightly ventricose (zig zag).
The new culm colors are spectacular! Sourced from the South China Botanic Garden. New import. Released to us from USDA quarantine in March/2015. Grows 45'-50' with 3"-4" diameter culms. .
Click here to find zone.
This is a relatively small-growing species of Dendrocalamus from Yunnan, China and Myanmar. Leaves are very small and it may reach 30' tall - more likely 20' tall in South Florida. We are trialing this species as a trimmed hedge and the results, so far, are excellent. New import..Click here to find zone.
A fast-growing timber bamboo with large leaves. Culms are covered with a dense 'fur' that ranges from light tan to brown between the nodes. A unique ornamental feature. From Bogor Botanic Garden, Indonesia.
Edible shoots. Culms used for construction. Will grow to at least 50' tall with 3" - 4" diameter culms. New import..Click here to find zone.
Dendrocalamus brandisii 'Black' - Black Brandisii Bamboo*New
Similar to the standard Dendrocalamus brandisii but with exceptional black culms. Very decorative and very useful. The poles of this bamboo are smokey-black and are great for structures or furniture.
Could grow up to 60' tall with 5" dia. culms in FL. New import.
Min. temp. 26F. Min USDA zone: 9b Click here to find zone.
The D.brandisii in the USA, for decades, has been a variety with the common name 'Teddy Bear Bamboo'. In recent years, a Black Brandisii became available. They're both spectacular, produce edible shoots, and have excellent timber. Neither, however, are true D.brandisii and are likely hybrids of D.brandisii and another species (likely D.asper or D.hamiltonii).
For many years, I've hoped to acquire a true D.brandisii. In 2014, I happened upon a stunning focal specimen in Guangzhou, China's South China Botanic Garden. Our lunch that day was bamboo shoots from the same specimen.
It took some work (begging and trading) with a garden worker who quietly dug off a small section for me. This was sent via DHL to the USDA in Beltsville, MD for quarantine. It survived and, in March/2015, it was released to us and is now growing in our test-fields.
Not available at this time. There is massive farming demand for this species and we are letting our field stock mature to prepare for mass-propagation.
Highest quality shoot producer - edible raw.
60' and 5" dia. culms in FL.
Min. temp. 26F. Min USDA zone: 9b Click here to find zone.
