Variegated Malay Dwarf (Bambusa heterostachya ‘Variegata’)

One of the Best Hedging Bamboos Around

A beautiful, dense ornamental bamboo with cream-striped leaves, Variegated Malay Dwarf is genuinely one of the best hedging bamboos available thanks to its thick, uniform, bushy foliage. Dark green and silver variegated leaves give it real ornamental appeal on top of its practical screening ability.

Great for screening and blocking out neighbours.

Growing Conditions

• Typical height: 3-4m
• Culm diameter: 2cm
• Minimum temperature: -2°C, tolerates light frost
• Climate: best in tropical or subtropical climates, or a warm protected position in temperate climates (e.g. coastal Sydney)
• Light: full sun to part shade
• Growth habit: tight clumping, very bushy and dense
• Soil: moist, well-drained, keep well mulched
• Origin: Malaysia

Easy to Shape, Great in Small Gardens

Malay Dwarf makes an excellent screen or hedge in a short amount of time, and it’s easily pruned to your desired size. For a striking effect in a smaller garden, trim the bottom branches to expose the culms underneath — a lovely way to show off the plant’s form while keeping the screening effect up top. As a relatively small, decorative, tight clumper, it’s genuinely well suited to smaller tropical and subtropical gardens, and grows well in a pot too.

A Genuinely Versatile Bamboo

Beyond screening and hedging, this bamboo works well for erosion and landslip control, dust suppression, and general ornamental planting — suited to full sun through to partial shade, hot or cool climates, and everything from city courtyards to rural properties.