‘Himalayacalamus hookerianus
This bamboo gets its name from the new shoots or culms which are a powdery blue, so ‘Blue Bamboo’.
Now this is a tricky one that seems to have two names for the one plants Himalayacalamus hookerianus or Drepanostachyum falcatum. It is also known as ‘Blue Bamboo’ and ‘Himalayan Blue Bamboo’, it is a graceful ornamental bamboo growing to 10 metres depending on conditions.
Himalayan Blue Bamboo is a bamboo that does well in cooler climates. Originally an understory plant from forested areas and also copes well in a part shaded position.
This is a clump forming bamboo with very attractive smokey blue culms.
Found growing from Nepal through to Butan and nearby areas it grows well in cool to temperate climates as well s warmer zones.
Reaching up to 10 metres in height (30ft) it can be used as a screening plant or as a feature plant in the garden where the blue culms are a standout.
How To Grow Himalayan Blue Bamboo – Basic Care
Good drainage is important and very low temperatures can be a problem.
The colour of the stems will vary according to how much sun the plant receives. The more sun the better the stem colour. However very bright sun can cause leaf curl.
Growth rate is fast, a single stem reaching its height in one year and perhaps growing at 30 cm plus in a day or two.
It is the new culms that have the best blue colour, older culms will fade to a golden yellow. For this reason many gardeners prune away a portion of the older growth each year.
Care
This is a plant that likes good light however not a hot sunny position. It is really more of a cool to temperate plant.
- Good drainage.
- Low humidity.
- Moist humus rich soil.
- Prune away old stems as they loose colour if desired.
Blue Bamboo – Summary Information
- Botabical Name – Himalayacalamus hookerianus syn. Drepanostachyum falcatum
- Common Name – Himalayan Blue Bamboo
- Height – Will reach around 10 metres in height.
- Spread – Clump forming.
- Position – Light shade, this is an understory plant, and prefers light shade.
- Growth rate – slow at first, faster as the plants settle in.
- Container Growing – Yes, well suited to growing in containers.
- Foliage – Green, it is the new culms that are blue.
- Flowers – Very rarely flowers.
- Indoor use – Yes in good filtered light it grows well.
- Pruning – Yes you can prune to height if required.
Blue Bamboo is available for sale from the following participating suppliers
50 Meadowbrook Way Riddells Creek
Specialising in non-invasive & running bamboo
With over 50 varieties of bamboo planted on our property your sure to pick the right bamboo to suit your needs
www.bamboo-plants.com.au
930 Tamborine - Oxenford Road, Wongawallan. QLD 4210.
Open 9am - 5 pm 7 days a week. Specialist bamboo nursery with numerous species, other sub-tropical plants available. A great day out, with our fantastic rainforest walk, maze, kids tunnel and much, much more!
www.bamboodownunder.com.au
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