Matt's 9b field note
“Dark-culmed clumping bamboo — 'not super vigorous... I'm not sure I'd plant this one again.' Honest verdict.”
Background
A species (not a cultivar) native to Timor in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. It was separated from the closely related Gigantochloa atroviolacea in 1997 and is still sometimes treated under that genus in trade. Introduced to US and Australian cultivation as a collector's ornamental.
Distinguishing traits
Clumping bamboo with thick-walled culms 2-3 in diameter reaching 30-45 ft (up to ~70 ft in the tropics). Young culms emerge green and mature to a glossy near-black, sometimes with thin green or yellow striping. Slightly open clumper; semi-upright habit; leaves long and narrow.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- n/a — ornamental
- Cold hardiness
- Tender tropical; minimum ~27°F (zone 9b). One Florida grower reports it 'burns to the ground at 25°F'. Marginal in 9b freezes; plant in a sheltered warm microclimate or accept top-kill and regrowth.
- Heat tolerance
- Excellent heat tolerance; tropical species that thrives in hot summers. Provide regular water in 120°F desert heat.
- Water
- Regular irrigation; prefers continuously moist, well-drained soil. Drought-stressed plants stay stunted.
- Soil
- Rich, well-drained soil with organic matter; mulch heavily.
- Sun exposure
- Full sun to partial shade; full sun gives the strongest black culm color.
Where to buy
- Tropical Bamboo