Stems flopping all over the place is the main issue, its the first time I have seen a Bamboo set about flowering and although I knew that many then die I had never truly believed that such a rumbustious plant could ever die but I see now its true and the damn thing is going to get the last laugh as it makes me work to sort that area out.
If I can grow any from seed I would seriously consider replacing it (although I may do a better moat!) but I suspect the time scale will be to long before it looks anything like its old self
My Himalayacalamus 'Himalaya Blue' flowered last Autumn and now looks just as dead as yours. I assumed it was the cold we had last spring (don't think that one is very hardy, and its been cut back before).
In thought when they flowered they did it world wide at the same time (for that variety) and their communication method was one fo the great mysteries of the world ... maybe its a myth?
If you are in a hurry for a replacement and want something of reasonable size I have had good plants from Paramount - although you might well be able to get semi-mature in the Trade?
I was lucky to avoid a scene like yours. Having spent ages preparing a space I decided not to plant my Chusquea gigantea a couple of years ago and sold it on instead.
Have you had success in germinating bamboo seeds in the past? I have had no success so when my Fargesia nitida flowered itself to death I didn't bother collecting the seed. Later I found lots of seedlings growing in the gravel close to the old clump, still got a few in 1L pots if you would like one.
Kind offer but I suspect it wont meet the big culm tall criteria Liz is after (the Chusquea was very much her choice!) interesting re the gravel, may be a good way of germinating the seed to just sprinkle it on the paths and wait.
How long was it for the seedlings to become recognizable as Bamboo
charlie wrote:How long was it for the seedlings to become recognizable as Bamboo
I think this one was potted up a little while after it was first potted growing in the gravel. It is just the way the leaves are held horizontally from the tip of the stems that make them look different to grass.
If you are looking for tall bamboo with big culms but not a thug have you considered Semiarundinaria fastuosa? Makes an upright column of growth rather than weeping or arching. Remains a tight clump for the first 15 years or so then sends out an inquisitive rhizome to set up a new clump nearby - easily spotted and dealt with when it starts its wanderlust.
Just looked that up, its sounds right on the money, are you aware of any major difference between straight Semiarundinaria fastuosa and Semiarundinaria fastuosa 'Viridis'?
I will let Liz see the pictures before committing to buy one! but I think crown lifted like the others it will be the closest thing we are like to get our hands on, I am of course skating over the small matter of trying to dig a planting hole!!
I believe it is down to culm colour - there are brown tinges in the plain one. No bad thing. As I recall there is a mahoosive one in Penjerrick, should you be passing.
chusquea gigantea 007 by charliepridham, on Flickr
Chusquea gigantea 004 by charliepridham, on Flickr