Bambusa dolichomerithalla cv. Blue, commonly known as Blue Bamboo or Doli Blue Bamboo, is native to Taiwan and adapted to the island’s subtropical climates and varying elevations. It thrives in the region’s specific environmental conditions, including soil types, humidity, and temperature variations.

Although not a naturally occurring species in the wild, Doli Blue is a cultivar within the Bambusa genus distinguished by its unique blue culms (stems). Taiwan’s diverse climate and terrain offer an ideal habitat for bamboo species with unique characteristics, such as this cultivar’s blue-hued culms.

Doli Blue Bamboo is highly versatile, serving various purposes, from enhancing landscapes to applications in construction and crafting. Its culms are used in various projects, including furniture, fencing, and other structural applications.

Table of Contents

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

Appearance of Doli Blue Bamboo

Bambusa dolichomerithalla cv. Blue, or Doli Blue Bamboo, is renowned for its striking blue-grey bloom on young culms.

As the culms mature, they often turn to a standard green or yellow-green. Under optimal conditions, Doli Blue can reach up to 8 meters in height, with culms measuring 5-7 centimetres in diameter.

The leaves are lanceolate, medium to dark green, and arranged alternately along the branches. At Riddells Creek, Vic, Doli Blue stands out as our most exquisite tropical bamboo. It forms dense clusters with distinctive white powdery culms and lush foliage cascading gracefully.

This bamboo serves as a captivating garden focal point, ideal for privacy screens and noise reduction. Its flexible pruning allows it to be shaped to any height, adding versatility to landscaping. Doli Blue’s resilience ensures it retains its vibrant hues throughout winter, providing a year-round tropical ambience. Its timeless allure makes it a cherished favourite among our offerings.

Growth Habits and Care of Bambusa dolichomerithalla

Like other Bambusa species, Doli Blue is a clumping bamboo that grows in tight clusters without spreading aggressively.

It is a fast-growing species, quickly attaining significant height and girth within a few growing seasons.

Doli Blue can be pruned to any height and looks striking when pleached—where lower leaves are removed to reveal the bare canes.

This contrast between the bare canes and the upper green foliage adds depth and visual interest to your garden.

Doli Blue’s clumping habit allows it to be planted close to other plants or structures without the risk of overcrowding, making it ideal for controlled garden environments.

Suitability for Australian Landscapes

Bambusa dolichomerithalla cv. Blue, also known as Doli Blue Bamboo, is a stunning and versatile variety celebrated for its striking blue-grey culms. The young culms boast a captivating blue hue, which matures to a more standard green or yellow-green over time.

This bamboo’s rapid growth and dense clumping habit make it perfect for privacy screens, windbreaks, or as an ornamental feature in your garden. Its unique appearance and robust nature add a touch of exotic beauty to any landscape.

Doli Blue Bamboo will thrive and maintain its visual appeal with proper care, enhancing your garden’s distinctive charm.

Eighteen years ago, we were initially sceptical about Doli Blue’s ability to withstand our harsh, frosty conditions. To our delight, this tropical species endured and thrived on our farm in Riddells Creek, Victoria. Its exceptional frost tolerance has made Doli Blue one of our favourite bamboo varieties.

Doli Blue should be planted in large pots for best results, as it is unsuitable for small containers or planter boxes.

Bambusa Dolichomerithalla cv. Blue is a versatile and visually appealing bamboo variety, prized for its unique blue culms.

This variety is known for its unique blue-grey bloom that covers the young culms, giving them a striking blue appearance.

As the culms (stems) age, they often become more standard green or yellow-green.

Its fast growth and dense habit make it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens, windbreaks or as an Ornamental.

Proper care and maintenance can ensure a healthy and attractive bamboo clump that adds a unique aesthetic to any garden or landscape.

Care instructions for Doli Blue Bamboo

• Light requirements

  • Doli blue has specific light requirements to thrive like many bamboo species.
  • It thrives in partial to full sun conditions. It prefers at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and to maintain its vibrant colours and healthy foliage.
  • While it can tolerate some shade, prolonged low-light conditions may result in slower growth and less vigorous plants.
  • Therefore, for best results, provide a sunny location in your garden or landscape for Doli Blue bamboo to flourish.

• Watering

  • Like other bamboo varieties, Bambusa dolichomerithalla, or Doli Blue, requires minimal maintenance once established and is relatively drought-tolerant. However, it still needs proper care to thrive.
  • Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods and when the plant is newly planted. Doli Blue prefers consistently moist soil, so make sure the soil is always slightly damp but not waterlogged.
  • Bamboo’s growing seasons are spring and summer, during which it is most active and uses water more frequently. In contrast, growth slows in autumn, and the bamboo becomes dormant in winter. During these cooler months, reduce watering, but do not let the soil dry out completely.
  • Deep watering benefits bamboo, as it ensures 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.
  • Check the soil regularly, and water when the top inch feels dry. Maintaining a proper watering schedule ensures that your Doli Blue Bamboo remains healthy and vibrant throughout the year.

• Soil

  • Ensure the plant is in well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging and potential root rot.
  • Bamboo thrives in soil that retains moisture yet drains effectively. Incorporating garden soil, compost, organic material, sand, or perlite can improve drainage and provide essential nutrients.
  • Doli Blue prefers well-drained, fertile soils but can adapt to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, with a mixture of clay breaker compost and organic material.
  • Also, Organic matter from fallen leaves and culm debris enriches soil fertility and promotes diverse plant communities.

• Temperature and humidity

  • Bambusa Dolichomerithalla cv. blue. Like many bamboo species, Doli blue has specific temperature and humidity preferences for optimal growth.
  • Doli Blue Bamboo thrives in warm climates typical of tropical to subtropical regions. However, being a tropical variety, it can face challenges in colder regions.
  • However, with proper care, it can still thrive in colder climates.
  • Doli Blue Bamboo can tolerate temperatures down to -6°C but can survive occasional dips below this minimum temperature.
  • It will need some protection in its first cold winter when it is planted.
  • 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

  • Bambusa dolichomerithalla/ Doli blue 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

  • Once established, Bambusa dolichomerithalla/ Doli blue 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.