Semiarundinaria fastuosa ("Temple bamboo")

Growth habit: running (potentially invasive if not controlled)

Culm (cane) color: yellow, maroon and light green

Spacing: 4' between plants

Mature height: 30'

Maximum culm (cane) diameter: 1.5"

Minimum temperature: -5 degrees Fahrenheit

Light: full sun (4 hours minimum per day)

Semiarundinaria fastuosa is called "Temple bamboo" thanks to its very distinctive foliage. A thick, conical tuft of branches and leaves emerges in the top portion of each culm (cane), giving them a pagoda-like appearance. This is unquestionably the straightest, most erect bamboo we carry, and is wonderful for privacy screening in small yards and as specimen plants. Note that, as a "running" variety of bamboo and needs to be contained, either in planters, pots or via polyethylene rhizome (root) barrier. 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.