Plant Patent #5,656. 'Gulfstream' is one of the best compact shrubs for year-round foliage interest. This rather dense, evergreen plant flaunts a variety of leaf colors -- its new growth is bronze with orange tints while the older leaves range from blue-green to gold and red. Its highly recommended for its great red- and orange-toned winter color.Compact Heavenly Bamboo differs from its parent cultivar, 'Compacta', in its ascending growth which gives an upward-reaching appearance. The branchlets and foliage of 'Gulfstream' are also much more dense, rising freely from basal and lateral buds to give it a full round, erect shape.
This durable plant is tolerant of urban conditions and makes a fine selection for informal hedges or foundation plantings as well as large containers and mixed borders. It has a moderate to slow rate of growth, ultimately reaching 2 ½ to 3 ½ feet high and 3 feet wide. 'Gulfstream' will grow in shade, but the leaf color will be somewhat muted and mostly green. Its best color comes out when grown in part or full sun. It is drought tolerant once established but looks better with occasional summer watering. Zones 6-9.
