44 in stock
Botanical Name: Bambusa Multiplex
Common Name: Alphonse Karr Bamboo
Maximum Height: 30' - 40'
Maximum Diameter: 1 1/2"
Clump Width: 10'
Spacing: 8' - 12'
Minimum Temperature: 12F
*Please respect the minimum temperatures. If the temps dip below the minimum temps for just a few hours the bamboo will suffer severe damage. Most importantly, it will stunt the bamboos long term growth! PLEASE order the right bamboo for your climate. Do it right the first time and you'll love the results!
Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Needs: Average. Water regularly, without over watering.
Growth Expectations:
| Year | Height | Culm Diameter |
| 1 | 6-8 feet | Up to 3/4 inch |
| 2 | 8-15 feet | Up to 1 inch |
| 3 | 20+ feet | Up to 1 1/2 inches |
Below: An example of the Alphonse Karr 3 gallons that are currently shipping
Alphonse Karr Bamboo
Alphonse Karr is commonly considered a collector's bamboo. This is mainly due to the plant's great adaptability, versatility and beautiful attributes. Featuring brightly striped canes of yellow and green, this bamboo makes an excellent centerpiece and conversation piece, not to mention an amazingly beautiful hedge or screen.
When new shoots are young, they appear green and pink. Offering a bright splash of color that is both unique and appealing. Due to its clumping nature, Alphonse Karr forms compact, symmetrical circles.In addition, it is also very easy to maintain regardless of what you use it for. This is a bamboo plant that thrives outdoors in a number of conditions, down to 12 degrees Fahrenheit and even in some soggy conditions. Alphonse Karr makes a great potted plant, and an easy 30-40 foot tall screen, or even a 6 foot tall hedge.
Great For Pots & Containers
The easy growing attributes of Alphonse Karr bamboo makes it an excellent specimen for pots and containers. As with most clumping bamboos, growing in containers that restrict the rhizome growth prevents the plants from reaching their full growth potential. Depending on the size of the pot, you can expect your plant to reach anywhere from 8 to 16 feet, or even more. That is why they make a great choice for brightening up a well-lit indoor room, a patio or deck, or wherever else you feel needs a bright and attractive centerpiece.
Creates Amazing Hedges & Screens
Alphonse Karr bamboo is renowned for its thin, brightly colored culms and thick, bushy foliage. This is one of the reasons that this Multiplex variety makes a great choice is for creating a thick, impenetrable hedge or screen. When planted on 8 foot centers, these medium-sized clumping bamboos can form a thick wall of foliage within just 3 to 5 years. Want a little less screening? Simply plant them further apart. Clumping bamboo is the number one choice for creating an environmentally safe and Florida Friendly privacy screen or hedge.
With yellow bamboo growing in popularity due to their bright colors and tropical feel, Alphonse Karr has become one of the #1 choices for function and appeal.
Maintenance
When you order 1 or 3 gallon bamboo nursery plants, you are receiving specially cultivated Alphonse Karr starters. These bushy starters are both thirsty and hungry growers, which means that they should be irrigated and fertilized on a regular basis. We recommend regular watering for at least the first year or two, or until the plants are well established.
When it comes to fertilizing your bamboo, we recommend taking a Florida Friendly approach that utilizes a high nitrogen, controlled release organic fertilizer, such as Bamboo Special 13-3-13. This is the only fertilizer that we use at the Bamboo Plants Online farm, and we only have to apply it once a year.
Finally, it is important to understand that bamboo starters gain their drought tolerance and sustainability through maturity. The first couple years of your bamboos' lives are the most important for ensuring that they become well established. It also helps to keep them trimmed or pruned annually. By removing aging or dead culms, the plant can redirect that energy into producing strong rhizome growth. Not to mention, it just gives them a tidier appearance.
For more information, visit our Bamboo FAQ
Special Considerations:
When exposed to temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, especially for prolonged periods, it is common for the plant to experience a significant amount of die-back. Whenever possible, we recommend moving the plants to an indoor or outdoor shelter, or covering with frost cloth if you expect to experience significant cold temperatures.
When To Plant:
Alphonse Karr bamboo shoots from late spring until fall. However, during the winter and early spring, the plant continues to grow its roots and rhizomes blow the ground. If you are purchasing a plant after August, there is a good chance that you will not see new shoots until the next April-November shooting season.
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