Bambusa multiplex Alphonse Karr (Bamboo)

A sought after selection, Bambusa multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’ (Bamboo) is a medium-sized evergreen bamboo with tall, upright, bright golden-yellow canes, up to 2 in. wide (5 cm), with random green stripes and panel. When exposed to bright sunlight, the golden color of the culms turns orange-red, becoming a deeper golden-yellow with age.

A sought after selection, Bambusa multiplex 'Alphonse Karr' (Bamboo) is a medium-sized evergreen bamboo with tall, upright, bright golden-yellow canes, up to 2 in. wide (5 cm), with random green stripes and panel. When exposed to bright sunlight, the golden color of the culms turns orange-red, becoming a deeper golden-yellow with age. Young shoots emerging from the ground are tinged with pink. The fine, luxuriant, green leaves, up to 7 in. (18 cm), display occasionally a thin creamy-yellow stripe. Brightening up the dullest corners of the garden, this non-invasive bamboo makes a wonderful container plant and is an excellent choice for a privacy screen. Hardiness: 23 to 14ºF (-5 to -10ºC).

  • Grows up to 10-30 ft. tall (3-9 m).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, it is best grown in fertile, moist soils. Drought tolerant once established, it can survive almost any condition, even high winds and sea salt.
  • Great choice for hedges and screens and containers.
  • Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for aphids, cottony scales and bamboo borer.
  • Remove weak, dead, damaged or spindly stems in spring and thin to show off stems to best effect. Cut out any flowering shoots promptly to discourage more from forming.
  • Propagate by division or take cuttings of sections of young rhizomes in spring
  • Native to China

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 10

Heat Zones 1
– 11

Plant Type Bamboos
Plant Family Bamboos
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 10'
– 30'
(3m
– 9m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Salt
Garden Uses Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden