ANGEL MIST BAMBOO

Angel Mist Bamboo (Dendrocalamus minor ‘Amoenus’), also known as Ghost Bamboo, is a rare and highly ornamental clumping bamboo that thrives in Florida’s warm climate. Here’s a detailed overview:

✅ Appearance & Characteristics

Culms (Canes): Young culms emerge with a misty blue hue due to a waxy white powder, then mature into olive-yellow with dark green stripes and polished surfaces.
Diameter: About 2–3 inches.
Leaves: Medium-sized, dark green; wind-tolerant.
Growth Habit: Tight clumping, non-invasive; lower culms have few branches, giving a clean look.
Visual Appeal: Striking ornamental bamboo that appears to “glow” under moonlight—hence the name Ghost Bamboo.

✅ Size & Growth

Height: Typically 30–40 ft, sometimes up to 35 ft in Florida landscapes.
Spread: About 8–10 ft per clump.
Growth Rate: Fast-growing; reaches maturity in 2–3 years.
USDA Zones: 9A–11 (ideal for Central and South Florida).
Cold Tolerance: Down to 25°F; frost may damage culms but roots survive.

✅ Care & Maintenance

Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Adaptable to most soils; prefers well-drained, gritty soil; alkaline tolerant.
Water: Likes consistently moist soil; low drought tolerance when young, but improves once established.
Fertilizer: Benefits from mulch and composted manure; feed during growing season.
Pruning: Minimal—lower culms are naturally branchless.

✅ Salt & Drought Tolerance

Salt Tolerance: Unknown or low—avoid direct beachfront planting.
Drought Tolerance: Low initially; moderate once established.

✅ Landscape Uses

Privacy Screen or Hedge: Dense clumping habit makes it excellent for screening.
Specimen Plant: Stunning focal point for tropical gardens.
Windbreak: Strong culms and flexible structure withstand wind.
Container Planting: Works well in large pots for patios or decks.
Avenue Planting: Creates dramatic, elegant rows.

⚠️ Things to Watch

Cold Sensitivity: Protect young plants during freezes.
Space Requirements: Allow 8–10 ft per clump.
Maintenance: Regular watering and occasional fertilization for best growth.