bamboo | NZ Palms

Bamboos for New Zealand Gardens.

Bamboo – Phyllostachys nigra, black bamboo

Bamboo – Phyllostachys vivax 'Aureocaulis'

Bamboos are often overlooked as being too big, too messy, and too prone to spreading. But in all cases this need not be true. In fact there are a wide range of well-behaved bamboos all suitable for the garden. Another couple of points in favour of bamboo are that there are plenty of hardy species suitable for all parts of the country and it acts as a brilliant shelter from the elements for smaller plants.

SELECTION

Types of palm trees

Palms for different locations

Subtropical bushes and trees

Bromeliads and Orchids

Particular favourites include:

Bambusa vulgaris var. vittata, a large and attractive plumose plant with green barcode-like banding on its yellow stems.

The gorgeous tropical Dendrocalamus genus – if you have the space!

Phyllostachys nigra, the black bamboo and Phyllostachys vivax 'Aureocaulis', another ‘barcoded’ bamboo.

The lovely Pseudosasa japonica which has been ever-reliable in our London garden.

Semiarundinaria fastuosa which develops burgundy canes in the autumn.

See Garden Designs using Palms, Cycads and Subtropical Plants for more suggestions about combing palms with bamboo.