|
Bambusa oldhamii (Giant Timber Bamboo) - One of the most popular bamboos in cultivation, it is a densely foliated clumping bamboo to 55 feet under optimum growing conditions. Culms can have a diameter up to 4 inches and they are straight and erect. Slow growing until established.
Plant in full sun. Low water needs but best if given occasional to regular irrigation. Hardy to 15-20 degrees F. Makes an excellent large screen.
The name for the genus comes from the Dutch word 'bamboes' or 'bamboo' that was a modification of Malay word 'bambu'. It was first described by General William Munro, an English Army officer and botanist in 1868 from the type specimen collected in Taiwan by Richard Oldham and the specific epithet honors him. It is the most common and widely grown bamboo in the United States and has been introduced into cultivation around the world. We grew this plant from 1987 until 2020
The information about Bambusa oldhamii displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
