The Pink Bamboo Plant, most commonly identified as Bambusa multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’, is a highly prized ornamental clumping bamboo. This tropical grass is celebrated for its striking visual texture, featuring culms—or canes—that are predominantly golden-yellow with random vertical green stripes. The plant earns its “pink” moniker from the new shoots that emerge in spring, displaying a vibrant blush of pink or orange-red before maturing to the distinctive yellow-and-green coloration. Its dense, upright growth habit and non-invasive nature make it an excellent choice for privacy screening or as a specimen plant in a garden setting.
Site Selection and Initial Planting Needs
Bambusa multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’ flourishes in locations that receive full sun (six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily). While it tolerates partial shade, increased sun exposure intensifies the pink and orange-red hues on new culms and enhances the mature golden-yellow striping.
The plant is cold-hardy down to about 15°F, placing it reliably in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a through 11. Optimal growth requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Poor drainage must be avoided to prevent standing water and root issues.
As a clumping bamboo, its rhizomes grow outward in a tight cluster rather than spreading aggressively, eliminating the need for a root barrier. When planting multiple specimens for screening, space them three to five feet apart to allow the clumps to merge. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil, and dig the hole twice as wide as the root mass.
Watering and Feeding Requirements
Consistent moisture is necessary, especially during the first two years as the root system establishes itself. Regular, deep watering during this period encourages an extensive, healthy root structure. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, as soggy conditions can suffocate the roots.
Once established (typically after two years), the bamboo gains moderate drought tolerance but still requires supplemental water during extended dry periods. Applying organic mulch around the base helps regulate soil temperature and reduces water evaporation. Fallen leaves and culm debris can be left in place to naturally enrich the soil.
This bamboo is a heavy feeder and responds well to regular fertilization throughout the active growing season (early spring through summer). Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a balanced 10-10-10 or a formulation designed for turf. Applying a slow-release granular fertilizer three times a year, or a general-purpose fertilizer once in early spring, is standard practice. Disperse the fertilizer evenly away from the base of the plant to prevent concentrated salts from burning the rhizomes and roots.
Pruning and Color Maintenance
The signature pink coloration is temporary, appearing only on new culms that emerge in spring. These shoots rapidly grow to full height, displaying the pink or orange-red tint before the color fades to the mature golden-yellow and green stripes. Maintaining a steady supply of new growth is the primary goal for maximizing the pink display.
Renewal pruning stimulates the plant to produce new shoots. Cut the oldest culms, recognizable by their duller color or spindly appearance, back to ground level using clean tools. Annual thinning also improves air circulation and light penetration into the center of the plant, contributing to overall health and reducing the risk of pests.
The height of the bamboo can be managed by topping, where the upper portion of a culm is cut back to a node at the desired final height. Pruning the lower branches off the culms, known as “legging up,” exposes the attractive canes, giving the plant a more open appearance. Perform this pruning in late winter or early spring before the main growth flush begins.