Bambusa oldhamii “Giant Timber”, “Oldham’s” – BOL

Description A giant timber clumper growing 55′ tall and 4″ in diameter in southern California and 20′ to 30′ up north. Long known for its large, olive green culms, vertical and clumping growth habit, and tasty shoots. Hardy to 20 degrees. Not good in desert climates. Origin: Japan Minimum Temperature: 20 Size in climate of origin: 55’ tall, 4” diameter Sun/Shade: Full-day of sun down to a half-day of sun (3-5) Recommended Uses: Visual, sound, and wind screens. Tall, large diameter, decorative clumper with tasty shoots and useful timber. Shooting Season: Shoots year ‘round, especially summer and fall. Care Ideal growing conditions: Hot, humid summers, full sun, ample water with good drainage, warm winter temperatures.  Does particularly well in San Diego, and is especially happy in certain parts of the SF Bay Area with milder winters and hot summers. Acceptable growing conditions: Hardy to salt air in ocean environments and hot desert climates with warm winters.  Does not do well in shade.  Drops leaves at 18 F, but roots survive to 20 F. Size Size Locally in open ground: Reaches 20’ tall, 2” in diameter in Sebastopol.  Reaches 30’ in many Bay Area locations, and up to 40’ in the warmest places, such as Berkeley/Oakland and Santa Clara.  In LA and San Diego it may grow up to 55’ tall with 4” diameter canes.  To reach full size it requires at least an 8’ x 8’ area.  Will not get tall in shade. Screening Time required locally to fill in a screen, with most favorable growing conditions and care: Starting with 5 gals, 4’ apart:  5-6 years for good screen.  May reach 15’ tall in 2 ½ years. Related