Growth habit: clumping (non-invasive)

Culm (cane) color: light green when immature, green and powder blue when mature

Spacing: 4' between plants

Mature height: 18'-25'

Maximum culm (cane) diameter: 1"

Maximum clump diameter: 3'

Minimum temperature: 20 degrees Fahrenheit

Light: full sun (4 hours minimum per day)

Known for its signature powder blue culms, bambusa chungii ‘barbelatta’ is a clumping (noninvasive) bamboo that reaches a total height of 25', with 1.5" diameter culms (shoots) that gradually turn blue as the plant matures. Barbelatta works well in smaller yards, due to its tightly packed clumps (clusters of shoots) and the fact that leaves on it emerge about 6' above ground level when mature, allowing for ample yard space below the branches. Barbelatta is cold-hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Requires a minimum of 4 hours of direct sun per day; full sun is ideal. We carry these in 7-gallon pots for $100 and 15-gallon pots for $200.

Plant Care

This species, like all tropical clumping bamboos, requires ample sunlight. When planting as a privacy hedge, space each pot of bamboo about 3’-4’ apart. If planting near an existing wall or fence, allow for ample space for the bamboo’s clump to spread — ideally, 2’-3’ inside of the fence boundary. Dig the hole slightly larger than the pot that the bamboo came in, and about as deep as the pot is tall.

Water the bamboo well after planting. Bamboo often experiences shock from transplanting and may lose some leaves while it adjusts to its new home. This is completely normal. Continue watering the bamboo every 2 days for approximately 2 weeks after planting, at which point the plant should be over its initial shock and will only need to be watered as needed. If the bamboo requires more water, its leaves will begin curling.

Have questions about your bamboo? We’re happy to help. Feel free to give us a call at 504-296-8398 or email info@ninthwardnursery.com.