Known for its chocolate black canes with lime green stripes, the Timor Black is one of the world's most beautiful bamboos. It prefers a sheltered position, as direct exposure to the afternoon sun on the black canes will cause some sun-bleaching to occur. For this reason, it is best protected from direct afternoon sun exposure. The canes are erect and really stand out among the stunning lime green leaves. A fantastic specimen of bamboo for any garden.
This bamboo was sold in Australia for years as the similar and equally beautiful G-atroviolacea. The main differences are Timor Black has a light green hairless striped shoot plus chocolate black culms whereas G-atroviolacea has sooty black culms and dark hairy stripe-free shoot.
Black bamboo prefers to be planted in the ground rather than in pots, and compared to some other bamboos is on the slower-growing side.
Light requirement: Full Sun and Part sun/part shade
Water requirement: High
Watering frequency:
Soil: Free draining soils with good organics turned over. Can mulch with a leaf litter (not tea tree). If soil is sand mix in organic matter. If clay mounding is recommended.
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Growth rate: Fast
Suitable for containers: No
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Drought tolerance: Medium
Frost tolerance: Medium
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Suitable for shaping: Yes
Colour: Lime green
Variegation: No
Size: Small/medium
Seasonality: Evergreen
Flowering: Yes; but primarily grown for it's foliage
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Flowering season: Rare
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