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Timber Bamboos

People naturally gravitate to the giant bamboos in our display garden. Their magnificent heights of 25 feet and more demand that you pause, look up and reflect on their amazing nature. Timber bamboos typically take 10-15 years to reach their mature height and culm/cane diameter. Full sun, loamy soil and regular watering will encourage the best growth. Timber bamboos must be in the ground to reach their dramatic sizes. We recommend a minimum space of at least 6 feet by 6 feet. The greater the space the better to achieve a beautiful grove and minimize rhizome maintenance.

Note: Photos with descriptions enlarge if you click them. Click on symbols below photo for detail of plant habits.

JAPANESE TIMBER
Phyllostachys bambusoides
Typical Seattle Height: 50'?
Maximum Height: 72'
Maximum Culm Diameter: 4-6"
Minimum Temperature: 5° F

Potential for being tallest bamboo with largest diameter. Valued for strong, straight culms. Not as agressive as Vivax. Latest to shoot.

CASTILLON
Phyllostachys bambusoides 'Castillon'
Typical Seattle Height: 20-35'
Maximum Height: 50'
Maximum Culm Diameter: 2"
Minimum Temperature: 5° F

Striking gold variety of bambusoides. The sulcus/groove is bright green. Rare.

MOSO
Phyllostachys heterocycla pubescens
Typical Seattle Height: 15-20' so far
Maximum Height: 75' (?)
Maximum Culm Diameter: 7" (?)
Minimum Temperature: 0° F

Soft, feathery appearance of foliage. Slow to mature. May not reach full potential in U.S.

BORY
Phyllostachys nigra 'Bory'
Typical Seattle Height: 30-35'
Maximum Height: 50'
Maximum Culm Diameter: 3"
Minimum Temperature: 0° F

Abundant, small, shimmering leaves. Mature culms have irregular brown speckles.

HENON
Phyllostachys nigra 'Henon'
Typical Seattle Height: 30-35'
Maximum Height: 50'
Maximum Culm Diameter: 3"
Minimum Temperature: 0° F

Foliage like Bory but culms have an olive cast. White powder on new culms.

MEGUROCHIKU
Phyllostachys n. 'Megurochiku'
Typical Seattle Height: 30-35'
Maximum Height: 50'
Maximum Culm Diameter: 3"
Minimum Temperature: 0° F

Foliage like Bory. Olive-green culms with sulcus/groove that turns brown as it ages.

RUBRO
Phyllostachys rubromarginata
Typical Seattle Height: 30'BR> Maximum Height: 55'
Maximum Culm Diameter: 2 3/4"
Minimum Temperature: -5° F

Excellent third story screen. Strong, architectural lines. Sleek culms and beautiful new shoots.

ROBERT YOUNG
Phyllostachys viridis 'Robert Young'
Typical Seattle Height: 20'
Maximum Height: 40'
Maximum Culm Diameter: 3"
Minimum Temperature: 5° F

Arching canes for second story screen. Yellow-green culms with random green, pin stripes. Slow to spread.

VIVAX
Phyllostachys vivax
Typical Seattle Height: 35-45'
Maximum Height: 70'
Maximum Culm Diameter: 5" (?)
Minimum Temperature: -5° F

Popular for large culms, striking appearance and tasty shoots. Fastest to grow tall and large. Spreads rapidly.

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				Copyright © 2001 Bamboo Gardens of Washington. All rights reserved. Please call 425-868-5166 with any questions or comments. Photos Copyright © by Craig Sherburne. All rights reserved.