Choosing a bamboo

As with any plant, a bamboo must first be chosen with your climate in mind. Factor in the amount of sun you have and the lowest temperature your area usually experiences. The plant descriptions gives the hardiness of each bamboo listed.

Then, decide if you want a running (spreading) or a clumping bamboo. Bamboo spreads by extending rhizomes, modified underground stems. Clumping bamboos will spread several inches a year; running bamboos can spread many feet or yards a year. Each bamboo in our catalog specifies if a bamboo is running or clumping.

Both running and clumping bamboos can be used for screens or specimen plants. Running bamboos will fill in much faster, but in some situations and locations, must be controlled. As the spread of running bamboos is rapid, they are ideal for groves or screens in temperate climates. Many are wonderfully handsome specimens, too.

Clumping bamboos, beautiful as specimens or hedges, are (with the exception of the very hardy Fargesias) principally mountain, tropical, or semi-tropical bamboos.

We will be delighted to use our experience to help you choose a bamboo perfect for your location and need. Call, (978) 692-3240 or write bamboo@bamboos.com.