Indocalamus tessellatus
large-leaved bamboo
An evergreen perennial that forms dense thickets of slender, bright green canes up to 2m tall. Glossy green leaves, up to 60cm long and 5-10cm wide, are the largest of all hardy bamboos and cause the canes to bend over under the weight of the foliage. Usually clump-forming in habit, it may become spreading in favourable conditions and need containing
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter | Green | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Indocalamus are fairly small evergreen bamboos, initially clump-forming then becoming spreading with vigorous rhizomes; slender canes, usually with one branch at each node, bear thick glossy dark green leaves
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, ideally in light dappled shade but tolerant of sun if the soil is moist. In containers, use a peat-free, loam-based compost and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season
Propagation
Propagate by division in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Patio and container plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Thin clumps by removing the oldest canes in spring as the young ones emerge
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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