Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Alphonse Karr Bamboo brings color and structure in one neat clump, with golden-yellow culms etched in soft green stripes and fresh shoots that often flush pink at the tips. The upright canes and fine foliage create a tailored, tropical look that works as a living fence, a courtyard accent, or a statement container by the patio.
A naturally clumping, non-invasive selection (Bambusa multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’), it builds density quickly without wandering. Use it to screen neighboring views, quiet a breezeway, or frame an entry with striped stems that read beautifully against stucco, stone, and modern hardscape.
Alphonse Karr Bamboo Care
Plant in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil (loam or sandy mixes are ideal). Water regularly the first growing season to establish; afterwards, provide deep, occasional soakings during hot, dry spells. Top-dress with compost and feed in spring with a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer to support new shoots.
Mulch 2–3 inches to conserve moisture, keeping mulch a few inches off the culms. Maintain by thinning the oldest canes at ground level for fresh color and tip-trimming to your target height; avoid cutting mid-culm to prevent splits.
Wind-tolerant and fairly drought-tough once established. Generally hardy in USDA Zones 8–11; protect from hard freezes and drying winter winds.
Alphonse Karr Bamboo Spacing
Expect about 15–25 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide in the landscape (shorter with routine tip-pruning and in containers). For a dense privacy screen, plant 3–4 ft on center. For a softer, airier row, space 5–6 ft apart.
As a single specimen, allow a 6–8 ft circle for the clump to mature. In large containers, choose a sturdy 18–24"+ diameter pot with excellent drainage; place planters 2–3 ft apart to form a continuous green wall.
Why Grow Alphonse Karr Bamboo?
-
Striped golden culms with pink-blushing new shoots—color and interest in every season
-
Clumping, non-invasive habit for tidy, predictable growth
-
Fast, upright coverage for privacy, wind-softening, and sound buffering
-
Easy care: seasonal thinning, light tip-trims, and spring feeding
-
Performs in sun or part shade; great in large containers or as a refined hedge
A standout screen or specimen with striking, striped canes—plant Alphonse Karr to add color, height, and year-round calm without the headache of spreading bamboo.
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AZ, OR, FL, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!