Matt's 9b field note
“'Insanely vigorous... the biggest, most vigorous bamboo that I have in my yard.'”
Background
A species native to southern China (Guangdong/Hainan region), introduced to Western cultivation as an ornamental and coastal-tolerant hedge bamboo. Its trade name comes from its famous tolerance of salt spray and coastal wind. Widely grown in Florida, Texas, and Southern California for screening.
Distinguishing traits
Vigorous, bushy, tight-clumping bamboo reaching 30-40 ft with 2-2.5 in diameter culms; new shoots carry a powder-blue waxy coating that matures to dark green. Small dark-green leaves; unique lateral branching gives dense, umbrella-topped clumps. Thick-walled culms make it one of the most storm/wind-tolerant tropical bamboos.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- n/a — ornamental
- Cold hardiness
- Hardy to ~18-21°F (zone 8b+); recovers from roots after harder freezes. One of the more cold-tolerant tropical screening bamboos.
- Heat tolerance
- Excellent; bred for Florida coastal heat and performs in 120°F desert heat with water. Moderate drought tolerance once established.
- Water
- Regular irrigation to establish; mature clumps tolerate drought but look best with steady water. Trim once a year to hold a hedge line.
- Soil
- Adaptable; tolerates poor, sandy, and salty soils. Likes rich, well-drained soil for maximum vigor.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to light shade; full sun for the densest screening.
Where to buy
- Houston Bamboo Nursery
- Freund Flowering Trees