How to find the right words to do this bamboo justice? The photos speak better than anything I can muster. 'Spectabilis', just think "Spectacular". It lives up to its name, and then some. These pictures were taken at our
nursery in May. The culms photographed are new shoots that
sprung up in late March and have reached their full height.
Obviously, it was a very good year for 'Spectabilis' shoots. At this
phase in their growth, the color is most vivid. Lemon yellow, contrasting
with a green striped sulcus, on alternating sides up the length of the
culm. The nodes have tones bright red, pink, and pastel blue. When
new shoots are exposed to direct sunlight, the intense red coloration
extends throughout the lower portion of the culms. A sunburn, one could
say, though it is not damaging to the plant in any way. I'm not certain,
but I suppose the red color actually protects the young culm from
the harsh elements. It gradually fades to yellow, throughout the course of a
season, as the culm hardens and becomes more resilient. |
![]() © Noah Bell, Shweeash Bamboo Young culms in April/May have the most brilliant color. ![]() © Noah Bell, Shweeash Bamboo New shoots in a five gallon pot, showing red blushing in the spring. ![]() © Noah Bell, Shweeash Bamboo ![]() © Noah Bell, Shweeash Bamboo Even the braches are yellow with a green sulcus. ![]() © Noah Bell, Shweeash Bamboo Sometimes the zigzag culms are synchronized |
Home | Running Bamboo | Clumping Bamboo | Price List | How to Order | Maintenance | Links | Photos |