Thursday, April 12, 2012

A hidden garden beauty...

Thamnocalamus crassinodus 'Kew Beauty'

About four years ago, I planted a rare, very clumping beautiful bamboo in the back end of my yard thinking it was the perfect spot for it to flourish.  The bamboo, Thamnocalamus crassinodus 'Kew Beauty', is very rare and exceptionally beautiful with light airy culms and leaves; and very vivid red coloring on its culms and branchlets.  It's so dainty, it really is suited for mostly shady sun conditions, especially in the Sacramento area with its hot summers and intense afternoon sun.

Pretty soon I realized this wasn't the best spot for 'Kew Beauty'.  But as with most things, finding the time to tend to the simplest things seems to be a challenge in life.

So, it sat, and sat, and sat.  Looking somewhat pitiful and untended after several years of being on the 'to-do' list, I finally dug up what is now a very mature plant and split it in two.  The largest piece I kept for myself and the rest, I plan on selling once it roots out (likely by late Summer).

After, I relocated the main plant into a large pot and under a shade structure, and cleaned it up, I was amazed how such a neglected plant could still be so beautiful.  Pictured is the smaller plant I intend to sell in the near future.  Funny how sometimes mild neglect can bring the best out in some plants.

Cheers!

Sean
Mad Man Bamboo - Rocklin, CA
(916) 300-6335
www.madmanbamboo.com
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1 comment:

Alex said...

Very interesting. Thanks.