DREPANOSTACHYUM. Himalayas. A group of showy, clumping bamboos, most of which have been assigned to several other genera at one time or another. Now they are on the march again, and I will soon have to change their listing (Himalayacalamus is their probable destination). They have graceful, slender branched stems bearing elegant sprays of narrow, deep to bright green leaves. All of them are easily grown, though most attractive with protection against hot afternoon sun. Most soils, moderate to regular watering. Those listed below are hardy to 20-25oF. when established, though their ultimate limits are not well tested.
falcatum (Himalayacalamus hookerianus). Blue bamboo. A plant of moderate growth to about 20’, with smooth, openly branched culms, colored a stunning, nearly turquoise shade when young. They are also marked with purplish bands above and below each node. The leaves are 5-8" long and rich, dark bluish green in color.
falconeri (D. sengteeanum). This species flowered several years ago, and many died, though not before setting copious seeds. Now we are able to offer not just random seedlings but some ornamentally superior forms from the new generation. This is a particularly graceful species, growing up to 15’ high. It has slender arching green stems and open sprays of narrow, nearly sickle-shaped, bright green leaves.
hookerianum (Himalayacalamus falconeri ‘Damarapa’). Candy-stripe bamboo. A taller species, possibly attaining 30’ in the garden. It is one of the most colorful of the bamboos. The new culms are dark green with both pink and yellowish stripes, as well as pinkish bracts. Against these are set billowy masses of velvety deep green leaves , 4-7" long. Some leaves have a few narrow cream-yellow stripes, but this feature seems to come and go.