Bambusa chungii ‘Barbelletta‘, ( Barbelletta Bamboo ) also commonly known as Barbelletta Blue Bamboo or Baby Blue Bamboo, is a captivating variety native to Southern China. This bamboo is a smaller version of its parent plant, Chungii, featuring tall culms (stems) with a bluish tinge covered in white blooms, giving it a graceful and elegant appearance.

Unlike running bamboo, Bambusa chungii ‘Barbelletta’ forms tight, non-invasive clumps, making it perfect for gardens and landscapes without the risk of spreading uncontrollably. Its stunning blue culms quickly become a standout feature in any garden.

The leaves of Barbelletta are narrow, lance-shaped, and bright green, providing a striking contrast to the blue culms. The dense foliage forms a lovely canopy, adding to the bamboo’s overall ornamental appeal. With its unique colouration and graceful growth habit, Barbelletta Blue Bamboo is an exquisite addition to any garden, bringing beauty and serenity to your outdoor space.

Table of Contents

• • • Appearance of Barbelletta Bamboo
    • Growth Habits and Care of Barbelletta Bamboo
    • Suitability for Australian Landscapes
    • Care instructions for Barbelletta Bamboo

Appearance of Barbelletta Bamboo

The most striking feature of Bambusa chungii ‘Barbelletta’ is its powdery blue to pale turquoise culms. These culms can develop a whitish bloom, enhancing their bluish hue, especially in younger plants, creating a mesmerising visual effect.

Barbelletta Bamboo is perfect as a screening plant or a standalone specimen. It typically grows to heights of 6 to 8 meters, making it a medium to tall bamboo species. Its slender culms, usually around 4 cm in diameter, lend the bamboo a delicate and elegant appearance that adds grace and beauty to any garden.

Growth Habits and Care of Barbelletta Bamboo

Like other Bambusa species, ‘Barbelletta’ is a clumping bamboo that grows in tight clusters and does not spread aggressively, making it ideal for controlled garden environments. Its clumping habit allows it to be planted close to other plants or structures without the risk of overcrowding.

This fast-growing bamboo reaches its mature height under optimal conditions. It can be pruned to any height and looks stunning when pleached, a process that involves removing the bottom leaves to reveal the bare canes. The contrast between the bare canes and the lush green foliage above adds a striking visual dimension to your garden.

Suitability for Australian Landscapes

It’s rapid growth and dense habit make Bambusa chungii ‘Barbelletta’ an excellent choice for creating privacy screens and windbreaks, or it serves as a striking ornamental feature. Highly valued for its aesthetic appeal in landscape design, its striking blue culms and lush foliage make it a focal point in any garden.

Beyond its beauty, ‘Barbelletta’ effectively stabilises soil on slopes and embankments due to its robust root system. It also improves air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen while providing a habitat for various species of birds and insects.

Eighteen years ago, we tested ‘Barbelletta’ on our bamboo farm in Riddells Creek, not expecting it to survive our extremely frosty days. To our surprise, this tropical bamboo thrived, proving its resilience and ranking among our top five bamboo varieties for frost tolerance.

‘Barbelletta’ is unsuited for small pots or planter boxes; we recommend using only large pots. This versatile and attractive bamboo species is suitable for various landscape applications, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits.

Care instructions for Barbelletta Bamboo

• Light requirements

  • Barbelletta bamboo, like many bamboo species, has specific light requirements for survival.
  • Barbelletta bamboo grows best in full sun to partial shade.
  • It needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal and vigorous growth.
  • While it prefers full sun, Barbelletta can tolerate partial shade. However, too much shade may result in slower growth and less vibrant foliage.

• Watering 

  • Once established, the Bambusa Chungii barbelletta will require minimal maintenance. It’s relatively drought-tolerant. Like other bamboo, Bambusa chungii ‘Barbelletta’ requires attention to ensure the plant remains healthy and thrives.
  • It is important to regularly water the plant during dry periods, especially when it’s newly planted.
  • Barbelletta prefers consistently moist soil. Ensure the soil is always slightly damp but not waterlogged.
  • The bamboo plant’s growing seasons are spring and summer, when it is active. Therefore, water is used more frequently during these seasons.
  • They slow down their growth in autumn.
  • Check the soil regularly and water when the top inch feels dry.
  • Bamboo plants’ dormant season is generally winter.
  • Reduce watering when the plant’s growth slows down during the cooler months.
  • However, do not let the soil dry out completely.
  • Deep watering is beneficial for bamboo. Water the plant thoroughly to ensure the roots get enough moisture. Avoid frequent light watering, which does not reach the deeper roots.
  • Therefore, do not rely solely on rain to water your bamboo.

• Soil

  • Ensure the plant is in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
  • Bamboo generally thrives in soil that retains moisture but also drains well. Mixing garden soil, compost, organic, sand, or perlite can provide the necessary drainage and nutrients.
  • Barbelletta grows best in well-drained, fertile soils but can adapt to various soil types, including clay, loamy, and sandy soils.
  • The fallen leaves and culm debris also contribute organic matter to the soil, enriching soil fertility and supporting diverse plant communities.

• Temperature and humidity

  • Barbelletta bamboo thrives between 15°C and 29°C.
  • Barbelletta bamboo is a tropical variety and can face challenges in colder regions.
  • However, with proper care, it can still thrive in colder climates.
  • Barbelletta bamboo can tolerate temperatures down to -6°C, but it can also survive occasional dips below this minimum temperature.
  • Barbelletta bamboo, when newly planted, will need some protection in its first cold winter.
  • Protect the bamboo during winter months by using mulch to insulate the roots and covering it with frost cloths or blankets during extreme cold spells.

• Fertilising

  • Barbelletta bamboo benefits from regular fertilisation during the growing season.
  • Apply a balanced formula that is explicitly for bamboo plants. Fertilising with a high-nitrogen fertiliser three times a year and a slow-release fertiliser once a year can promote vigorous growth and improve the plant’s overall health. You can learn more about fertilising in our blog.
  • The heading is Feeding your bamboo. You can also now purchase our fertilisers through our webpage.

• Pruning

  • Barbelletta bamboo is relatively low-maintenance and doesn’t require frequent pruning or extensive care. However,  Bamboo adapts well to pruning,  which can help control its size and shape.
  • Regular pruning is done to remove dead or damaged canes.
  • Thinning out overcrowded culms can improve air circulation.
  • Remove any damaged, yellowing, or dead leaves regularly to maintain the bamboo appearance.
  • Trim back any overgrown or wayward stems to maintain the desired shape.
  • This can promote healthier growth. Following these steps, you can keep your bamboo healthy, well-shaped, and aesthetically pleasing.

• Mulching

  • In colder regions, mulching provides winter protection. It helps insulate the roots from freezing temperatures, maintain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and add nutrients.
  • Bamboo is not fussy about which mulch you use. Organic mulches such as bark chips, straws, leaves, or compost are ideal for bamboo.
  • They break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil. Spread a layer of mulch about 10cm thick around the base of the bamboo.
  • Properly mulching your bamboo can help maintain a healthy environment, promoting robust growth and vitality.

All information, sizes, and growth projections are based on mature plants fertilised, watered regularly, and situated in their ideal environment. This information is intended as a guide only, and actual results may vary depending on individual care and environmental conditions.