About

Large bamboo forming clumps of dense, dark green canes about 5m tall, tinged purple, maturing to red-brown, dark red in sun with pale hairy sheaths. subtle, linear mid-green leaves to 13cm long turn orange-red in cold weather.

About the genus

Himalayacalamus are clump-forming bamboos with hollow, glossy, sometimes attractively-striped or stained canes and glaucous green leaves

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeBamboos
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, sheltered from cold, dry winds. See bamboo cultivation and bamboo control
PruningRemove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and to show off stems to best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free