Bambusa multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’

Growth habit: clumping (non-invasive)

Color: yellow with vertical green stripes

Spacing: 4' between plants

Mature height: 25'-30'

Maximum culm (cane) diameter: 1.5"

Maximum clump diameter: 4'

Minimum temperature: 12 degrees Fahrenheit

Light: full sun (4 hours minimum per day)

Bambusa multiplex is a noninvasive species of bamboo notable for its tight clumps (clusters of shoots) and branching near the base of the plant, forming dense privacy hedges that are both easy to maintain and very receptive to pruning and shaping. The Alphonse Karr cultivar is special among multiplex species, due to its bright yellow culms (shoots) with irregular green stripes. New culms emerge as pink in color. Alphonse Karr is also notable as one of the few bamboos that does well as an indoor plant. We carry these in 3-gallon pots for $50, 7-gallon pots for $75, and 15-gallon pots for $150.

Plant Care

This species, like all tropical clumping bamboos, requires ample sunlight. When planting as a privacy hedge, space each pot of bamboo about 3’-4’ apart. If planting near an existing wall or fence, allow for ample space for the bamboo’s clump to spread — ideally, 2’-3’ inside of the fence boundary. Dig the hole slightly larger than the pot that the bamboo came in, and about as deep as the pot is tall.

Water the bamboo well after planting. Bamboo often experiences shock from transplanting and may lose some leaves while it adjusts to its new home. This is completely normal. Continue watering the bamboo every 2 days for approximately 2 weeks after planting, at which point the plant should be over its initial shock and will only need to be watered as needed. If the bamboo requires more water, its leaves will begin curling.

Have questions about your bamboo? We’re happy to help. Feel free to give us a call at 504-296-8398 or email info@ninthwardnursery.com.