Dwarf Buddha Belly Bamboo
Bambusa vulgaris 'Wamin'
“Compact clumper with swollen culms. Fills the lower gaps in the bamboo screen.”
Background
A dwarf cultivar of Bambusa vulgaris selected for its grotesquely swollen lower internodes ('belly'). Trade sources disagree on origin (South China per Florida Gardener; Burma per Palmco) — treat provenance as uncertain. It is more reliable and consistent at forming the swollen 'bellies' in warm, humid climates than the original Buddha Belly bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa).
Distinguishing traits
Compact clumping bamboo 12-15 ft tall with thick (up to 3 in) dark shiny green canes whose short lower internodes bulge like a Buddha's belly; lower half of the plant is branchless, showing off the sculptural culms. Medium-green leaves up to 12 in long. Slow to moderate grower; reaches maturity in ~3 years.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- n/a — ornamental
- Cold hardiness
- Tropical and cold-sensitive; minimum ~27-28°F (zone 9b). Culms can suffer frost damage below ~27°F but rhizomes usually resprout. Shelter from frost or accept dieback.
- Heat tolerance
- Very heat tolerant. Does best with humidity, but performs in desert heat given water; afternoon shade reduces leaf stress at 115°F+.
- Water
- Requires consistently moist soil; do not let it dry out between waterings. Mulch and regular deep watering.
- Soil
- Fertile, moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogged spots.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to part shade; deep shade weakens the swollen-node form as the plant stretches.
Where to buy
- Tropical Bamboo