Arundinaria Gigantea

[needmore]

Here are a couple shots of a promising Gigantea clone Eastlandia & I dug a couple of years back, it seems vigorous, hardy and I think it's very attractive. Thus far it has been tested at -12F with no problems and is stronger than my native Hoosier strain in terms of spread and new culms.

It had been kept in a clump for more than 40 years by the owner mowing it tight and it still looks like a clumper although I am seeing rhizomes heading off...

Sheesh, what if it is hardy, beautiful and strong?

<img src="http://www.bambooweb.info/images/bamboo ... aback2.jpg" alt="ARUNDINARIA gigantea ssp. Gigantea">

<img src="http://www.bambooweb.info/images/bamboo ... eaback.jpg" alt="ARUNDINARIA gigantea ssp. Gigantea">

[Baa]

I've never seen a picture before where that stuff looked any better than a roadside weed, but yours is just lovely. I might have to rethink that one!

[Eastlandia]

Yes...the "possum-trot" variation is doing quite well. Mine is still shooting. doubling its height from two years back. -eastlandia

[needmore]

Nice call Brian, I've been trying to think of a suitable moniker for this clone and since we dug it on Possom Trot Road at the former Possom Trot Winery, well...you've nailed it.

[BooKing]

I hope they didn't use possum "trots" when making the wine...

[CadyG]

I've never seen an opossum trot. They usually waddle.

Man, if my new A. gigantea divisions develop into what you have now, Brad, I'm gonna think I'm in paradise. I'm laying on the manure compost double!

Baa, I think that left uncultivated, A. gigantea does get weedy and sloppy. I've seen stands full of old culm sheaths and weedy, scrawny culms that hadn't been culled. That can make canebrake look like a nightmare. But well kept, it is as beautiful as any 'boo.

[needmore]

Sorry Cady, yours is the Hoosier clone but it too can be attractive when maintained as you stated - I posted a picture of it by the mailbox a couple of weeks back and it looks very nice right now, but it has been culled. The Possom Trot (we don't use the 'o' in these parts when naming things Possom) clone looks good and it has not had any thinning done on that clump and some of the culms are several years old.

[foxd]

Brad, just out of curiosity, how far North on Possum Trot Road is the A. gigantea located? I know someone who is tracking the distribution of River cane and would probably appreciate knowing something about it. Also, I would like to stop by before you head to Hawaii and see how your bamboos are doing.

[needmore]

Dan, the location is near the southern most end of Possom Trot road - it is not a native planting, rather a transplanted ornamental.

I leave next Tuesday and will be spending all but a few scattered days of the next 4 months in Hawai'i, then Europe, so your best bet is to come this weekend. I'm basically closing down the nursery for the year except for any appointments I can squeeze in the last few days of August when I return briefly. The newspaper article comes out on Saturday the 19th and I suspect it may drum up some calls - Ill already be gone


In fact, this Saturday there will be a keg of beer, food, and crazies running around here so you are welcome to join the madness late afternoon/early evening or come earlier in the day and avoid it. I have a large pile of Viridis culms to be used as explosives for after dark fun if that appeals to you.

[foxd]

Brad, sounds like fun, I'll try and be there in the late afternoon on Saturday.

[CadyG]

Hoosier is fine with me. I'm just glad to have A. gigantea. I'm keeping the smaller one in a container and overwintering it indoors this year, but the larger one is going in the garden with a lot of compost. I expect it will fill out well. It's already shooting happily.

Hope the airlines are calmed down before you take off for Europe. With yesterday's liquid explosives escapade in UK, security at airports is doubled as of today. They're not allowing any electronics (cellphones, etc.), liquids or gels in carry-on bags, including shampoo, toothpaste and even beverages purchased at the airport.

[Markj]

I bet there making a buck or too out of selling those little bottled water things when you are on board.


I've a small plant of this and up til now it's been doing OK, but just talked to Mike Bell and his is in full flower right now , which means mine, as a division from his is going to..............!


It's just not fair

[Brian_K]

Sorry to hear about the flowering. There is always a chance your clone could recover.
I will be on the look out for native populations near here based on historical records.
<img src="http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b28/b ... ure624.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting">

[foxd]

Sorry to hear about the flowering. There is always a chance your clone could recover.
I will be on the look out for native populations near here based on historical records.

I'm curious, what sort of historic records does one have to check to find out about where River cane was growing?

[Bill Howard]

I'm curious, what sort of historic records does one have to check to find out about where River cane was growing?

Yes, I too am a little more than curious as to where a person could find out where 'River Cane' is growing in his respective neighborhood. Does anyone have that information or a link?