Bambusa textilis ‘Mutabilis’ (Emerald bamboo)

Growth habit: Clumping (noninvasive)

Culm (cane) color: dark green

Spacing: 4' between plants

Mature height: 30'-40’

Maximum culm (cane) diameter: 2-3”

Minimum temperature: 20 degrees Fahrenheit

Light: full sun (4 hours minimum per day)

Emerald bamboo (Bambusa textilis ‘mutabilis’) is nearly identical to our most popular clumping (noninvasive) bamboo, Graceful (Bambusa textilis ‘gracilis’), reaching a maximum height of 30’-40’ at maturity — well-suited for providing a rich, deep green privacy screen. It is also one of our fastest growing varieties. Emerald bamboo works well in larger yards and urban settings for a few reasons. It is a very erect-growing bamboo, whose dark green culms (shoots) are less inclined to arch downward than other species. Also, because its clusters of shoots are packed tightly together, Emerald forms a dense hedge while taking up relatively little space. When mature, the bottom 6'-8’ of the plant is bare, with foliage emerging above and forming a dense mass of leaves that are evergreen, hurricane-resistant and salt-tolerant. The culms are tightly packed together, so that they also provide privacy. This makes Emerald attractive for customers interested in bamboo that naturally looks tidy and low-maintenance. We carry these in 3-gallon pots for $50, 7-gallon pots for $75, and 15-gallon pots for $150.

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, 4’-5’ 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.