PlantFiles: Giant Timber Bamboo, Oldham's Bamboo
Bambusa oldhamii

This plant can be seen growing at the Jacksonville Florida Zoo & Gardens in the "Range of the Jaguar" exhibit. It is one of the most dramatic and impressive plants I've ever seen. I am amazed it is hardy in our zone 8b/9a climate as it would seem to be totally tropical.

Jeremy

I needed a plant that would add something to a otherwise awful view of a 18' concrete retaining wall built into a hillside. From a 24" pot and not much more in depth where it was planted, the soil level had to be raised a foot even to give it a chance. In partial sun (actually 90% shade in the winter) it did hardly anything. I worried if it was going to perform.

I noticed some above ground activity about a month ago and knew something was going on. This week, I noticed my first new culm at about 5" in height! Four days later it is growing over 1" per day and accelerating. The base is already larger than a silver dollar and widening.

Update: 11/29/04
The first 3 cums topped at 20 feet and continue to spread out. Now an additional 2 culms are growing upward with a girth of double the first three.

It looks pretty clear that this plant will grow well even in the shade as long as it can sense sunshine above.

Update 07/21/05
7 new culms in the last month alone! They keep getting bigger! I might have to move my house!

Actually this is the most remarkable plant I have ever dealt with. I love it. But for the novices I recommend containment. It definately rules.

Trim it to your height, if not it is a collosal weed. If you do it is magic,

Growing well in Houston, Texas. New culms have appeared three or four times in the year since I planted it, the latest being thirty feet high. Highly gratifying.

Instant tropics! Clumping non-invasive bamboo, good focal point, 20' tall in 3 years. New culms appear Aug/Sept each year, growing 3-4' a week. Some canes may not mature beyond 6" tall, if temps cool too quickly in the fall. Prone to wind damage if canes have not had several months to stiffen up and become strong.

Semi deciduous in 9b, but comes back stronger each year. Wonderful rustling in the wind, gives an architectural look if trimmed up about 5-6'.

See the images I've uploaded to appreciate the fast growth of this bamboo.