Bamboo Nepalese Blue (Elegant Clumping Bamboo for Soft Screening)
Himalayacalamus porcatus
Non-invasive clumping bamboo
Himalayacalamus porcatus, commonly known as Nepalese Blue Bamboo, is a refined, tight clumping bamboo admired for its powdery blue-grey culms and graceful, cascading growth habit. Unlike running bamboos, this variety forms a compact, non-invasive clump, making it ideal for modern residential gardens, narrow side boundaries, courtyards, and feature planting.
Its soft foliage and arching canes create a relaxed, natural screen that feels lighter and more elegant than upright hedge-style bamboos. When planted in filtered light, the distinctive blue bloom on new culms is most pronounced, giving the plant its signature cool-toned appearance.
Plant Specifications Chart
| Feature |
Details |
| Botanical Name |
Himalayacalamus porcatus |
| Common Name |
Nepalese Blue Bamboo |
| Plant Type |
Evergreen clumping bamboo |
| Growth Habit |
Upright with graceful weeping tips |
| Mature Height |
2–5 metres (can be maintained lower) |
| Mature Width |
1–2 metres (tight clump) |
| Invasiveness |
Non-invasive (clumping, not running) |
| Foliage |
Fine, soft green leaves |
| Culm Colour |
Blue-grey with pale bloom on new growth |
| Light Requirements |
Part shade to filtered light |
| Frost Tolerance |
Light to moderate frost tolerant |
| Ideal Uses |
Screening, feature plant, pots, courtyard gardens |
Why Choose Nepalese Blue Bamboo?
| Benefit |
What It Means for Your Garden |
| Clumping root system |
No spreading runners or invasive growth |
| Elegant weeping form |
Softer visual screen compared to upright bamboo |
| Blue-toned culms |
Unique colour contrast against fencing and greenery |
| Shade tolerant |
Perfect for south-facing or filtered light areas |
| Container friendly |
Suitable for large pots and architectural settings |
Ideal Growing Conditions (Melbourne & Temperate Climates)
Position
Performs best in part shade or dappled light, especially protected from harsh afternoon sun. It can tolerate more sun if soil moisture is maintained.
Soil
Prefers well-drained, organically enriched soil. Improve heavy clay with compost and gypsum; enrich sandy soils with organic matter.
Watering
-
Establishment phase: Deep watering 2–3 times per week in warm weather
-
Once established: Deep weekly watering during dry periods
-
Potted plants require more frequent watering
Feeding
Apply a quality slow-release fertiliser in spring and top-dress with compost annually.
Pruning
Responds well to trimming. Can be:
-
Maintained as a 2–3m privacy screen
-
Allowed to grow taller for a layered bamboo backdrop
-
Thinned at the base to highlight blue culms
Screening & Spacing Guide
| Purpose |
Recommended Spacing |
| Soft privacy screen |
1.2 – 1.5 metres apart |
| Feature clumps |
1.5 – 2.5 metres apart |
| Narrow side boundary |
Single row planting |
| Large decorative pots |
40–60cm+ diameter containers |
Seasonal Care Chart
| Season |
Care Guide |
| Spring |
Fertilise, refresh mulch, increase watering |
| Summer |
Maintain consistent moisture, protect from heat stress |
| Autumn |
Light tidy prune, remove older culms |
| Winter |
Minimal watering, monitor drainage |
Landscape Uses
-
Boundary screening with a softer look
-
Feature plant in shaded courtyards
-
Understory planting beneath tall trees
-
Modern architectural landscapes
-
Poolside planting (protected from intense heat)
-
Large statement pots on decks or patios
Clumping Nepalese Blue Bamboo with graceful weeping form and blue-grey culms. Ideal for part shade screening and modern garden landscapes.
$77.25 – $262.25 inc. GST
