Himalayacalamus cupreus

Cultivation Details

Himalayacalamus cupreus is native to cool broad-leaved forests in the Himalayas where it experiences frost and snow. Members of this genus are generally of moderate cold-hardiness - they should all be expected to cope easily with temporary winter temperatures down to -5°c, whilst some of them will tolerate down to -15°c, but many do require reasonable summer rainfall (or at least good irrigation) with some cloud cover and partial shade. Prefers a good loamy soil^[1]. Succeeds in most soils so long as they do not dry out^[2]. Dislikes drought^[3]. Prefers a position sheltered from cold north and east winds^[3]. The stems colour more brightly when grown in a sunny position^[2], though the leaves curl up in bright sunlight^[1]. Succeeds outdoors in a woodland garden^[1]. Some species in this genus have been noted as being notably resistant to honey fungus^[2]. Bamboos have an interesting method of growth. Each plant produces a number of new stems annually - these stems grow to their maximum height in their first year of growth, subsequent growth in the stem being limited to the production of new side branches and leaves. In the case of some mature tropical species the new stem could be as much as 30 metres tall, with daily increases in height of 30cm or more during their peak growth time. This makes them some of the fastest-growing species in the world^[PFAF]. Bamboos in general are usually monocarpic, living for many years before flowering, then flowering and seeding profusely for a period of 1 - 3 years before usually dying. This pattern can vary - sometimes flowering is sporadic, with plants flowering annually and not dying; at other times it is gregarious with all the plants in a specific species coming into flower at the same time.