Oldhamii
Got some space? - Get some Oldhamii
Bambusa oldhamii
- Probably my favourite cold climate Bamboo because of the big, bold statement it makes but also because of its multi-faceted portfolio of usefulness. Oldhamii is without peer as a fast growing wind break and can reach a height of 8-10 mtrs in good growing conditions (this would not likely be achieved in some parts of Tasmania however) in only 3 to 4 yrs from planting. Tasmanian farmers are more than aware of the constant battering we get from our infamous winds – get behind a grove of these giants and you could light a ‘candle in the wind’. It muffles noise very effectively as well, keeps dust at bay AND provides shade for your stock.
- But wait – there’s more……….the culms of Oldhamii make excellent timber for construction of all manner of things as the straight culms are extremely strong. Ok, the local building industry are a ways off using Bamboo but I’d be very happy to hear from handy men or artisans interested in plying their crafts with this amazing timber – fencing, furniture, toys etc, etc.
- Dinner anyone? – If you aren’t looking to use your new shoots as future timber, perhaps you can harvest them and turn your hand to Asian cuisine as the shoots of Oldhamii are a sweet and much sought after food source – you might even have a ready market.
- Oldhamii is the species of Bamboo that I believe will create an industry in Tasmania that can, in part, solve a lot of Tasmania’s logging industry issues. Yes, this big boy produces timber…………year in, year out in a completely sustainable, practical fashion. The Tassie Timber industry, to understate the facts, has had its issues and I believe Tassie’s band of Hobby & small acre farmers could very easily and affordably, without harm to the existing resources (in fact saving them), supply the raw materials to an exploding industry in Bamboo manufactured products. Watch this space!
- Oldhamii is an excellent solution to all manner of problem areas on larger blocks and farms with a natural footprint of 2-3mtrs yet it can be grown in a bed of 1.5mtrs at the expense of a little height. It also looks amazing as a stand alone feature and the click clack melody it produces in the breeze is quite spiritual.
- Like all clumping Bamboo, Oldhamii grows in a circular form so to produce a dense screen, they need to be spaced a a little closer than their 2-3mtr footprint, if the bed is 2-3mtrs wide. If your bed is narrower, you would need to space your plants the equivalent to the bed’s width. As always, refer to our planting and maintenance guides available on purchase.
Oldhamii Cheat Sheet
Clumping Non-Invasive Bamboo
Typical Height 8-12mtrs
Trim Height Between 6-8mtrs
Typical Footprint 2-3mtr
Reduce Footprint 1.5mtr min.
Typical Culm Size 10-15cm
Free Draining Soil
Full Sun To Part Shade
Drought Tolerant Once Established
Very Frost Tolerant
Not Suited to Pots And Troughs
Sweet Edible Shoots
The approximate size of bamboo is only a guide. Plant measurements are taken from the bottom of the pot.
The sizing of plants does vary, particularly through different seasons of the year.
The most valuable part of the bamboo is the rootball size within the pots, which produces incredibly fast growth once planted.
Stock availability, pricing and sizing are subject to change without notice. For more information, please contact us directly.
Stock for purchase
200mm
$55
- 200mm pots 1-2 culms 0.5 to 1mtr tall
Need it sooner? Save a season
250mm pots
$88
- 250mm pots 1-3 culms, 1.5 to 2mtrs tall
Need it much sooner?
300mm pots
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- 300mm pots 2-3 culms approx 3mtrs tall
