Indocalamus tessellatus, Large Leaf Bamboo, is a wonderful ornamental bamboo with enormous foliage. In the right growing conditions its leaves can reach 60cm in length and 10cm across. It has the largest foliage of any hardy bamboo and will create an impressive jungle-effect combined with other cold-hardy exotics.

Indocalamus tessellatus thrives in shade to semi-shade and appreciates a moist, fertile, humus-rich soil. It prefers to be somewhat drier in the winter and growing it on a slope will ensure winter drainage. It has roots that spread and in time will form a large running grove so some thought will need to be given to its final position. It can however, be potted up in a large planter to great effect.

It is a relatively short-growing bamboo, typicallly reaching 1.5m-2m although it time culms can sometimes reach 3m. It usually maintains its foliage right down to the soil so a well-grown colony has a very lush look and can create a useful screen. A fantastic addition to the exotic garden if room and space allow, Indocalamus tessallatus is one of the most dramatic-foliage bamboos there is.