Timor Black (Bambusa lako)
Known for it's chocolate black canes with lime green stripes, the Timor Black is one of the world's most beautiful bamboos. It prefers a sheltered position, as direct exposure to the afternoon sun on the black canes will cause some sun-bleaching to occur. For this reason it is best protected from direct afternoon sun exposure. The canes are erect and really stand out among the stunning lime green leaves. A fantastic specimen bamboo for any garden.
This bamboo was sold in Australia for years as the similar and equally beautiful G atroviolacea. The main differences are Timor Black has a light green hairless striped shoot plus chocolate black culms whereas G-atroviolacea has sooty black culms and dark hairy stripe-free shoot.
Black bamboo prefers to be planted in the ground rather than in pots, and compared to some other bamboos is on the slower growing side.
Shoots are edible.
| FULL NAME: | Timor Black Bambusa lako |
| HEIGHT WHEN MATURE: | 10-15m |
| POLE DIAMETER MATURE: | 10cm |
| SHAPE: | Upright / straight |
| LEAF FORMATION: | Culms are visible 1/2 of plant then bushy at top |
| SUGGESTED PLANTING DISTANCE: | 1.5m between plants |
| LANDSCAPE OPTIONS: | Screen, windbreak, feature plant, edible shoots |
| KNOWN FOR: | Glossy black poles with long green leaves |
| OK FOR POTS? | Prefers to be in the ground |
| BEST CLIMATE: | Full sun to part shade |
| TEMPERATURE RANGE: | to -3°C (prefers a tropical climate) |
| WATERING: | Every other day for first month until established. |
| OPTIMIM FEEDING: | Twice a year (Spring & Autumn) - suggested Osmocote slow release 6mth |
| BEST SOIL: | Free draining soils with good organics turned over. Can mulch with a leaf litter (not tea tree). If soil is sand mix in organic matter. If clay mounding is recommended. |
| SHIPMENT OPTIONS: | 200mm pots - can fit up to 6 in a special plant box. 300mm & 45L bags need to be trucked in, see our freight information page for approx pricing and delivery schedules. |
