Bambusa multiplex Alphonse Karr
From: Yangtze Valley, China
Characteristics
Grows to 6m, 35 mm diameter. Striking yellow culms striped green having upright growth (It’s like a sky rocket going off.) New culms in Summer and Autumn, shed their sheaths revealing a deep pink. Exposure to sunshine subsequently turns the culms bright yellow.
Use
As a feature plant or a privacy screen.
Check out the Dragonfly Restaurant in Double Bay where Alphonse Karr provides privacy for thankful diners.
Requirements
Will tolerate temperatures down to -9 degrees Celsius (16 deg F).
Trimming keeps Alphonse looking special. It really appreciates an annual trim. Remove unwanted culms. Trim to height as required. Do it mid-winter as growth has finished for the year and the new culms have hardened up.
How fast?
Food and water well and Alphonso will grow from 1/2 m in spring, to 3 metres, end of summer. Liquid feed through winter, otherwise leaves go ‘rusty’. This is an observation for east coast Australia.
So what’s it cost?
| Size (click for a pic) | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 255mm pot; 0.5m tall | Available | $75 |
| 300mm pot; 1.2 m tall | Available | $110 |
| 35 litre bag; 2.5m tall | Available | $180 |
