PlantFiles: Himalayan Blue Bamboo
Himalayacalamus hookerianus

I spent years in the indian himalayan foothills. this species is very hardy and grows at altitudes of 1880 meters or 6000 ft above sea level. the climate was very cold in winter (2-3 feet of snow for 3 months (dec-feb) yet summers in the 30s celcius or 86 deg fahrenheit plus ( up to 104 f) in some places. very hardy, and large clumping bamboo. culms are large enough to use as scaffolding and are used as such. soils they grow in are generally poor ( clay and shingle), and under trees yet also out in the open too. hence i would say very hardy and useful. the blue hue of culms takes time to develop and rubs off after harvesting leaving a green or gold colour.very attractive and even more useful bamboo! about to buy my first one to plant in southland NZ. already have bambusa multiplex, japanese arrow bamboo, and running black bamboo ( Phyllostachys nigra) all doing well outside in a cold wet climate. will keep you posted on the blue bamboo as it grows. very keen and excited organic gardener,,

If it goes to seed which is very unlikly though in th uk it seed s all the time, fertiliser and water will prevent it dying

This is one of the most colorful bamboos and is my favorite. It has 1/2" culms of an incredible turquoise, that turn purple its first winter. Leaves are a very tropical looking bright green. Clumper and slow growing (best to start with a plant in a large 15gal, or else you will be waiting years for the great blue culms- smaller culms are a less interesting brownish color). It can be a bit tricky to grow and seems to like to be wet more than most other bamboo I've had. Usually sold under the synonym Drepanostacyum falcatum.