Height: 1.5 to 3 metres

While most bamboos in cultivation come from China and Japan, this fast-growing species is from Chile, and is the most southerly bamboo in the world. Unlike the Asiatic varieties, Chusquea culeou has solid culms, which are stiffly clustered together and densely clothed with fine, blue-green leaves. We think that this arrangement makes it look somewhat like a giant bottle-brush - and a very impressive statement in the garden. The Royal Horticultural Society obviously agree with us because they have honoured it with a prestigious Award of Merit. This highly-regarded South American speciality enjoys moist soil in sun or part-shade. It is generally very hardy, but in colder regions it may suffer during long periods of heavy frost.