About

Bergbambos tessellata is an upright, clumping bamboo that maintains its foliage year-round. The tall, gracefully arching stems start off yellow-green and develop a purple hue in strong sunlight. They are adorned with creamy-white culm sheaths that remain throughout the growing season, often featuring a bluish-white, waxy coating. The plant sports small, slender leaves in shades of mid to grey-green, which grow abundantly from multiple branches at each node.

About the genus

Bergbambos are robust, evergreen bamboos that grow in clumps. They feature round, heavily branched canes that are thick and hollow, typically coated with a waxy sheen. The leaves are small and have a fine texture.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Bamboos
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, Cottage and informal garden
Native to
S. Africa

Care notes

Cultivation
Tolerant of most soils in full sun or partial shade, but avoid waterlogged conditions and areas with average to cold winters
Pruning
Thin clumps by removing older canes in spring as younger canes emerge
Propagation
Propagate by dividing established clumps, preferably in spring
Pest resistance
Normally trouble free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free