(Well, really... these are just the ones we have...)
The phyllostachys aureosulcata and the pleioblastus viridi-striata planted outside are from local (Ithaca) nurseries. All other plants are from the New England Bamboo Company.
The plant descriptions are mostly culled from the New England Bamboo Co catalog and from the english translation of Bamboos by Christine Recht and Max F. Wetterwald. The dimensions refer to mature plants in colder climates and the minimum temperatures indicate culm hardiness.
Note: all the thumbnails below lead to larger images-just click!
Descriptions: "Canes are bright
yellow with green stripes, dense branching on all nodes. New
culms have pink blush when shooting". "Stately plant
with typical `bamboo look', colored culms".
A.k.a. Bambusa glaucescens "Alphons Karr", "Golden
Goddess".
Origin: China, clumping, height: 30', culm dia: 1.5", needs
sun, Tmin: 5F.
Description: "Culms are greenish
purple the first year, maturing to deep purple the second year.
The foliage weeps all the way to the ground like a fountain and
leaf shape is more slender and graceful than F. Murielae.
One of the hardiest bamboos, very slow to increase but worth the
wait. Does not thrive in full sun. Beautiful as specimen or
hedge".
A.k.a. Fountain Bamboo, Sinarundinaria nitida.
Origin: Himalayas, clump forming, height: 12', culm dia:
0.75", needs shade/light sun, Tmin: -25F.
Description: "Long, fine, narrow
leaves with dense arching culms. Considered one of the most
beautiful of all the bamboos". "Very narrow leaves,
soft appearance".
Origin: Mexico, clump forming, height: 20', culm dia: 1.5",
needs partial shade, Tmin: 15F.
Description: "A.k.a. yellow
groove bamboo, Green culms with yellow grooves that grow in
a zigzag manner. Edible. Good winter foliage. A prized oriental
garden plant".
OriginL Chekiang China, running (loose growing culms), height:
15', culm dia: 1.25", needs light shade, Tmin:
-10F.
Description: "Rare and decorative.
The new culms shoot green, and turn black after their first year.
Foliage tends to grow towards the top of the plant. Easily grown
in planters. Should be protected from hot afternoon sun".
A.k.a. black bamboo.
Origin: China, running (moderately spreading), height: 15', culm
dia: 1.25", needs light shade, Tmin: -10F.
Description: "This cultivar of
black bamboo is attractively mottled green and black -- snake
skin. For those who appreciate the black bamboos, this plant is a
must", "Decorative culm coloring".
A.k.a. snake skin bamboo.
Origin: China, running (moderately spreading), height: 20', culm
dia: 1.5", needs light shade, Tmin: -10F.
Description: "This groundcover
bamboo is beautifully variegated with white and yellow sripes.
Vigorous". "Dark blue-green leaves with white
stripes".
Origin: cultivation, running (moderately spreading), height: 3',
culm dia: 0.25", needs partial shade, Tmin: -10F.
Description: "A strongly
variegated white-and-green foliage groundcover. Widely used in
Japanese gardens for its distinctive appearance".
Running, height: 2', culm dia: 0.125", needs sun, Tmin:
-10F.
Description: "Pubescent foliage is
brilliantly variegated green and yellow. Leaves become more
yellow in the sun. Should be cut to the ground to rejuvenate
growth in spring. An excellent and desirable groundcover".
"Very pretty yellow-green foliage".
A.k.a. Arundinaria auricoma.
Origin: cultivation, running (little spread), height: 3', culm
dia: 0.25", sun or shade, Tmin: -20F.
Description: "Erect culms with
`bottle shaped' swollen internodes. Large medium green leaves.
Good specimen for containers".
Origin: S. Japan and Korea, running (moderately spreading),
height: 18', culm dia: 0.75", partial shade, Tmin:
-10F.
Description: "Dwarf running
species. Six inch leaves. Exceptional variegation. A very
desirable groundcover".
Origin: Korea, Japan, Sakhalin, Kuril Islands. Running (spreading
rapidly), height: 3', culm dia: 0.25", sun or shade, Tmin:
-10F.
Last updated Wednesday, November 04, 1998, Thorsten von Eicken