Home and Landscape
Bamboo
- Bambusa, Fargesia, Pleioblastus, Phyllostachys spp.*
- Family Poaceae (Grass family)
Plant Identification
Bamboos are giant evergreen grasses. They are available in many varieties and two growth types: running or clumping. Their heights may range from 1 to 2 feet in the case of dwarf fernleaf bamboo to 55 feet for timber bamboo. Hardiness ranges from -20° to 30° F depending on the species. Canes live for several years but should eventually be removed to maintain a healthy stand. Some running species tend to spread beyond where they are planted and become invasive weeds. Consider planting only clumping bamboo species. Provide a barrier to their spreading rhizomes if running bamboo species are planted.
*Some species of Bambooare invasive weeds. Other types of plants may be better choices when planting.
Optimum conditions for growth
Bamboo generally does best in full sun to part shade. Growth can be restricted by limiting water and fertilizer or encouraged by monthly heavy watering and feeding, particularly during the spring growing season. Once established, bamboo will tolerate periods of drought.
