Known for it's 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 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. Shoots are edible. FULL NAME: Timor Black Bambusa lako HEIGHT WHEN MATURE: 10-15m POLE DIAMETER MATURE: 10cm SHAPE: Upright / straight LEAF FORMATION: Culms are visible 1/2 of plant then bushy at top SUGGESTED PLANTING DISTANCE: 1.5m between plants LANDSCAPE OPTIONS: Screen, windbreak, feature plant, edible shoots KNOWN FOR: Glossy black poles with long green leaves OK FOR POTS? Prefers to be in the ground BEST CLIMATE: Full sun to part shade TEMPERATURE RANGE: to -3°C (prefers a tropical climate) WATERING: Every other day for first month until established. OPTIMIM FEEDING: Twice a year (Spring & Autumn) - suggested Osmocote slow release 6mth BEST 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. SHIPMENT OPTIONS: 200mm pots - can fit up to 6 in a special plant box. 300mm & 45L bags need to be trucked in, see our freight information page for approx pricing and delivery schedules.
