GIGANTOCHLOA ATROLVIOLACEA
30' height, Sun, 30 degrees F Minimum, Clumper.
Rare, striking bamboo from
Australia with very thin-walled canes which turn black with green stripes after
6 months. Mature culms sweep upward with a slight curve, leafless for
the bottom half, an impressive specimen. One of the most sought-after
bamboos in Southern parts of the U.S., especially in humid areas near the ocean.
However in much of Southern California the air is too dry and the plant is often
largely leafless.
1988
- Two plants, each in #15 pots sold at auction for $400 each. We supplied
one of them.
1991
- 15 gallon pot with 2 4' canes sold for $300.1992 - 15 gallon pot with 2 small
canes sold for $200 & 16 collectors tried to buy it.1995 - 8" pot 18"
tall sold for $150.
2001
- two 20" pots with 2 scraggly canes in each sold for $280 each, 8"
pot sold for $200 at spring auction. 15 gallon pot offered at fall auction
for $275, no sale. 5 gallon pot sold for $150.
At
32 degrees F. plant loses leaves & some of the tops of the canes, but foliage
vigorously returns a few months later. New culms are put out in September.
Grew well for Gary Stinson in Menifee, California which is a very dry climate
which regularly freezes in winter. Jean Harrington in St Pete Florida
had a 1 year-old 20' tall plant which was hit with 27 degrees for one night
and lost leaves but then recovered.