Indocalamus tessellatus
large-leaved bamboo
An evergrenn 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 the UK
- 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 loam-based compost (JI No3) 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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