Slender Weaver’s Bamboo Bambusa Textilis Gracilis

Slender Weaver’s Bamboo (Bambusa textilis gracilis)  is commonly called the Weaver’s bamboo. This clumping bamboo is tall, slender, upright, thin-walled; a specimen of non-invasive bamboo. It can grow to 10 metres in height, ideal for garden hedges, privacy screens and large heavy-duty pots.

Bambusa textilis gracilis is a standout bamboo for your garden.

Bamboo textilis ‘Gracilis’ (Weaver’s bamboo) Quick facts

•  Identification: Weaver’s bamboo ‘Gracilis’, Bambusa textilis var. gracilis, Weaver’s bamboo, Graceful weaver’s bamboo.
• Foliage: Evergreen dense foliage.
• Culm: Tall upright slender bamboo.
• Height: 9 – 10m, tall/large bamboo
• Spread: 3 – 4m clump-forming
• Use: Privacy screens, garden hedging, containers, oriental garden, individual plant, landscaping
• Perennial: 20 years.

Bamboo growth requirements

• Site: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: loamy, sand and clay.
• Moisture: Well-drained and moist.
• Hardiness: – 10 to – 4 degrees Celsius, UK H4 hardy.

Varieties of Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’ cultivars

The distinct variations among the Bambusa textilis cultivars make it easy to tell them apart.

However, many bamboo growers have difficulty differentiating between the Slender Weaver’s Bamboo (Bambusa textile) and Bambusa tuldoides because of their similarities – see below for further details.

But first, let’s take a look at the 5 common Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’ cultivars.

Slender Weaver’s Gracilis Bamboo (Bambusa textilis var. gracilis): This is the common Weavers’ Bamboo in the Bambusa gracilis group. Its desirable slender and clump-forming nature make it a preferred choice for tall privacy screens and garden hedging.

Emerald Bamboo (Bambusa textilis ‘mutabilis’): A stunning upright bamboo with a spectacular blueish white appearance, quite a rare bamboo. The name ‘emerald’ is fitting for its light-yellow elongated culms, slim green leaves and graceful foliage.

Bambusa textilis ‘Kanapaha’: Commonly called Wang Chuk meaning Royal Bamboo. This is specimen Timber Bamboo is a giant of the Bambusa textilis group. It can reach a height of 15 – 20 metres at maturity.

Bambusa textilis ‘RG Dwarf’ (Weaver’s Bamboo Dwarf): Do not be fooled by the name, Weaver’s Bamboo Dwarf can grow to 5 metres in height. Compared to the other Dwarf Bamboos the Weaver’s Bamboo is tall.

The Weaver’s Bamboo Dwarf is a Tropical bamboo variety that requires high humidity, fertile soil, high moisture and grows well in confined spaces – an ideal indoor dwarf bamboo plant.

Bambusa textilis ‘Maculata’: slender and erect bamboo, very similar to Gracilis. It is an excellent bamboo for small yards and tight spaces. The culms are slightly further apart at the base, unlike the Slender Weaver’s Bamboo.

Bambusa textile ‘Gracilis’ vs. Bambusa tuldoides

What is the difference between Bambusa textile ‘Gracilis’ and Bambusa tuldoides? Many bamboo growers and homeowners, especially in the US, UK and Australia, who inherited bamboo plants normally have difficulty identifying the two bamboos.

However, there are reliable differences that you can use to identify the Slender Weaver’s Bamboo textilis from the more obvious Bambusa tuloides. You do not have to wait until the bamboos are fully grown to tell them apart.

What are the reliable differences between Bambusa textile ‘Gracilis’ and Bambusa tuldoides?

• Culm length Bamboo: Gracilis had elongated slender culms, whereas Bambusa Tuloides culms are relatively short and rounded around the nodes.
• Culm thickness: This is probably the most reliable difference, one is thinned-walled and the other is thick-walled. If you cut the culms, you’ll see that the cross-section of Bambusa textilis is thin whereas Bambusa tuloides are thick.
• Bud & Branch: Bambusa textilis tends to have buds and branches high up the culms whereas Bambusa Tuloides will often have branches at the first node off the ground.
• Culm sheath/auricle: auricle (the point where a leaf meets the sheath) is a good part of the bamboo plant to identify the young Bambusa textilis from Bambusa tuloides. Though this is quite technical, it can be helpful. The auricle of the Bambusa textilis is asymmetric which simply means that the cross-sections are NOT identical. Whereas the cross-sections of the auricle of a Bambusa textilis is prominently symmetrical.

How to grow slender Weaver’s bamboo textilis

There are several ways to grow bamboo, it depends on how much time you have and what propagation method suit you. Here are the three reliable (and quick) ways to grow large clumping bamboos are:

1. Clump separation or division;
2. Culm cuttings; or
3. Nursery bamboo textilis plants.

Firstly, growing the slender Weaver’s Bamboo from clump separation is probably the quickest way to propagate bamboo. If you have an old bamboo grove, you can take the divisions and plant them straight into the ground.

Secondly, Culm cuttings is another effective way to grow large bamboos such as the Bambusa textiles and Bambusa tuloides varieties. But, you have to propagate the cuttings in the propagating medium before transplanting them into large pots or into the ground.

And thirdly, buying the Slender Weaver’s bamboo is probably the quickest way to grow it. You do not have to worry about the propagation period.

Here are some UK home and garden retailers where you can get your bamboo plants, supplies and accessories from.

Qualities and features of slender Weaver’s bamboo plants

The Slender Weaver’s Bamboo, Bambusa textilis, is clump-forming, hardy, evergreen with slender, green to yellow culms and slightly arching stems. This bamboo produces many canes that are very closely spaced and have dense foliage.

Since the slender Weaver’s Bamboo grows tall, it does not prefer sites where there are strong winds. Plant it in protected sites or away from the wind. For example, it will grow very tall if it grows under tall pines or other deciduous trees.

In an ideal case, plant the slender Weaver’s bamboo to block any tall unsightly features next door.

Uses of slender Weaver’s bamboo

This clump-forming non-invasive bamboo is the best choice for tall and thick garden hedges and privacy screens. In fact, the thick green leaves, arching evergreen foliage and tall (upright dense) culms make this bamboo the best choice for tall covers.

It is also an ideal bamboo for large pots and containers. One reason why it makes a good container plant is its compact (clumping) nature. It adapts well to confined spaces.

Another reason this bamboo is ideal for pots and containers is that it will *not* grow to its full height when planted in pots, however, it will still give admirable stem colourations, slender culms and evergreen foliage.

In addition, if you want to grow a Bambusa textilis in pots and containers, the best option is Bambusa textilis ‘RG Dwarf’ ( the Weaver’s Bamboo Dwarf).

How to care for your slender Weaver’s bamboo?

Although the slender Weaver’s bamboo plants are tolerant to pests and variable soil conditions, there is a number of natural threats growers should be mindful of, such as slugs’ attacks and wind.

Slugs’ attack on bamboo plants is a common occurrence, they adore the new shoots and leaves. Protect the new growth, especially in Spring and Summer when the new growths are prominent, by applying Slug and Snail Killer.

Ominously, the Weaver’s Bamboo is tall. Its new culms will have several internodes before putting out branches and leaves, therefore, the culms are susceptible to wind. Stake the new culms to protect them from swaying and breaking.

General care for bamboo plants

Generally, the running- and clump-forming bamboos love moist soil but do not like too much water.

The newly planted bamboo plants will thrive in well-aerated loam, or sand and loose clay soil. So, make sure that the soil remains well-drained and aerated.

In addition, the older plants will require fertiliser and mulch, at least, once in Spring.

Check to see if they are putting out new shoots, or whether the leaves and soil are in good condition.

For healthy bamboo plants, do these:

• Apply Slug and Snail Killer around your new bamboo.
• Add organic mulch.
• Tie the culms to bamboo sticks/stakes.
• Add NPK fertilizers.
• Trim old culms to promote new growths.

Finally, the Slender Weaver’s Bamboo textilis is a formidable plant for garden hedging and privacy screens. Use the difference between the Slender Weaver’s Bamboo textilis and Bambusa tuldoides to avoid mixing them up.