Bambusa chungii --Tropical Blue Clumping Bamboo--

Exotic and rare Chinese imported variety that cleared U.S.D.A. quarantine in the 1990's. Also called Emperor's Blue Bamboo & White Bamboo. This variety to 30 feet tall with 2 inch culms and cold hardy to 20 degrees. The new culms have an appealing powder blue hue, striking when used as a centerpiece. Thin walled with smaller branches and leaves and without lower branching so it is always showing off its powder blue hue waxy coating.
Clumping bamboo is an underappreciated gem. It grows fast, looks great, and has endless uses—think strong building materials, eco-friendly fabrics, and more. It’s sustainable and tough, yet people still overlook it. Some fear the spreading kind, but clumping bamboo? It’s a different story—beautiful, manageable, and worth a second look.
To ensure maximum cold hardiness regularly (every couple of months or more) add a rich compost or mulch to the existing corms. This will also create rapid tight growth of the clump of canes. And though bamboos are very drought tolerant, keep in mind the more water, both through the root system as well as spraying the foliage will keep it looking lush, and tropical and helps to maintain a peaceful mind.