Blue Bamboo

Himalayacalamus hookerianus Himalaya Blue

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast growing
• Leaves: mid-green
• Canes: blue with purple tints fading to yellow
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A native of cool forests in India and the Himalayas, this bamboo is a recent introduction to the UK. It is prized for its colourful canes, which emerge each year in early summer in shades of greeny-blue with a hint of maroon and fade slowly as they age to a mustard yellow. It has a very upright habit so is great adding vertical interest.
  
  
• Garden care: It will thrive in a cool, moist, shaded position with protection from cold dry winds. Avoid very heavy soils that get waterlogged for long periods in winter. If you want to restrict its spread, then plant in a large container or surround the roots with a non-perishable barrier.