Description:
The growth pattern of Bamboo differs from that of most woody shrubs. Once
per year, usually in spring, new growth occurs as a bamboo shoot. The shoot
emerges from the ground and reaches its full height in 6-8 weeks. You can
literally watch some Bamboos grow up to 3 feet in one day! The potential
growth of Bamboo varies depending on genetics and variety. Plant growth can
be accelerated by providing the optimum growing conditions each variety
prefers. Bamboo prefers well-drained fertile soil of neutral pH and high
organic content. Bamboo does not appreciate planting where the soil is wet
for extended periods of time, however, some varieties are shown to tolerate
moist soil. There use extends to hedges and screens as well as specimen
planting.
Running Bamboo
(Phyllostachys)
Running Bamboos spread by sending out roots into the earth to a depth of
about one foot. Some running bamboos are modest growers, while others can
be extremely vigorous and invasive. “Running” can be controlled by cutting
back the ends of the rhizomes with a spade.
Phyllostachys,
or Giant Bamboo, are the tallest of the species and prefer sun or partial
shade.
Clumping Bamboo (Fargesia)
This type of Bamboo is
not invasive.
The new shoots occur on the outside margin of the parent plant.
Fargesia,
the hardiest of all Bamboos, remain evergreen through winter and tolerate
temperatures to –25 degrees. Fargesias are usually used to form a hedge with
a wonderful weeping mass of evergreen foliage. They look great planted near
the edge of a pond where the water will reflect their pendulous silhouette.
Fargesia does best in partial shade.
|
| Common Name: |
Bamboo |
| Botanical
Name: |
Fargesia, Phyllostachys |
| Type: |
Hardy Bamboo |
| Soil
Preference: |
Bamboo prefer well-drained
soil amended with manure and/or compost and peat moss. Some varieties
can tolerate moist soils, see individual descriptions |
| Light
Requirements: |
Sun to part shade |
| Attributes: |
-- |
| Pests: |
not known |
| Diseases: |
not known |
| Care: |
Watering is critical
during the first year of growth. When you water, water deeply! The amount
and frequency of watering depends upon exposure to wind and sun as well as
temperature. Do
not let your plants dry out during their first year.
Leaf curling will indicate plant stress and
need for water. Some yellowing or shedding of leaves in late summer or fall
might occur but will not harm the plant.
Some bamboos will often
die back to the ground, but usually are root-hardy and send out culms in May
or June. Adequate mulching is most important for winter protection of your
plants—a 4-6” layer is recommended. Anti-desiccant spray (Wilt-Pruf)
applied to the foliage is a good way to prevent damage from drying winter
winds. |
| Varieties: |
Click on image to view larger size
|
Fargesia denudata
Clumping Bamboo
zones
|
| Description:
Similar to Fargesia
murielae in form and color, F. denudata has shorter branches and smaller
leaves, which cause the gracefully arching canes to stand out individually.
Grown mainly for its frothy foliage and droopy appearance. As the culms age
they can mature from an olive green to an attractive yellowy-green. Unlike
F. murielae, it does not have leaves that yellow and drop in the fall,
making it a greener plant through the winter. It will tolerate a shady
position and because of its size, would be ideal for the small garden.
|
| Bloom Color: |
n/a |
| Bloom Time: |
n/a |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
10-15' |
| Spread: |
5-6' |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Fargesia dracocephala
Dragon's Head Bamboo
zones
|
| Description: Hardy,
clump-type bamboo. It forms a dense clump with gently weeping branches and
can be used to make an almost solid screen. The culms are solid and make
good small garden stakes. Will stay evergreen all year, but you must
protect them from too much hot afternoon sun, or they may show signs of leaf
burn. Height: 10-15’ x 8-10’ |
| Bloom Color: |
n/a |
| Bloom Time: |
n/a |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
10-15' |
| Spread: |
8-10' |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Fargesia murieliae
Umbrella Bamboo
zones
|
| Description:
This Umbrella Bamboo has a
delicate pea green foliage and a graceful weeping habit. Looks great as a
lone specimen, as part of a mixed planting scheme or as a screen. Prefers
to be out of hot mid-day sun. Would also do well in a spot next to your
water garden. |
| Bloom Color: |
n/a |
| Bloom Time: |
n/a |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
10-15' |
| Spread: |
5-6' |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Fargesia rufa
Clumping Bamboo
zones
|
| Description: This
short clumper makes an elegant, 8 foot tall fountainl Its small stature
makes this a perfect choice for a small garden or courtyard! The orange-red
cane sheaths add interest to this very cold hardy selection. Height: 6-8’,
Spread: 4-6’ |
| Bloom Color: |
n/a |
| Bloom Time: |
n/a |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
6-8' |
| Spread: |
4-6' |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Fargesia rufa 'Green Panda'
Green Panda Clumping Bamboo
zones
|
| Description:
New culms have
attractive rusty reddish sheaths and a non-invasive root system. This
introduction is proving to be one of the most hardy and versatile clumping
bamboo in the landscape. It is a shorter Fargesia, only about 8-10 feet tall
when mature, but a vigorous grower, sending up many new culms each season.
The new culms of this Fargesia leaf out early in the summer, making it an
excellent choice where its rapid growth is desired. Like Fargesia
dracocephala and Fargesia robusta its leaves do not curl in the sun, but it
is hardier than either of these. |
| Bloom Color: |
n/a |
| Bloom Time: |
n/a |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
8-10' |
| Spread: |
5-6' |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Fargesia rufa 'Sunset Glow'
Sunset Glow Clumping Bamboo
zones
|
| Description:
A vigorous clumping
bamboo with orange-red cane sheaths. Leaves do not curl in the sun as with
some bamboos. Growth habit is slightly weeping and very dense. Is cold
hardy, sun and wind tolerant. |
| Bloom Color: |
n/a |
| Bloom Time: |
n/a |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
8' |
| Spread: |
5' |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Phyllostachys atrovaginata
Incense Bamboo
zones
|
 Description:
A very quick
growing Bamboo excellent for landscaping use due to its rapid growth,
relatively large diameter canes in relation to height and straight, upright
culms. Produces a graceful habit with a sharp accents of color provided by
the dark culms and green foliage. The culms have a wax on the surface with a
fragrance somewhat like sandalwood. Adapted for growing in wet soils.
|
| Bloom Color: |
n/a |
| Bloom Time: |
n/a |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
30-35' |
| Spread: |
unknown |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Phyllostachys aureosulcata
Yellow Groove Running Bamboo
zones
|
|
Description:
Yellow Groove has young culms
that are green with a yellow groove. Internodes on young culms are rough to
touch. Culms sometimes have zigzag kinks. Excellent cold hardy screen.
|
| Bloom Color: |
n/a |
| Bloom Time: |
n/a |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
25-30' |
| Spread: |
10-15' |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Phyllostachys bissetii
David Bisset Running Bamboo
zones
|
| Description:
Very vigorous and establishes
quickly. Extremely cold hardy and reliable. Color is dark green. Good for
screening and hedges. |
| Bloom Color: |
n/a |
| Bloom Time: |
n/a |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
15-20' |
| Spread: |
10-15' |
|
Click on image to view larger size |
Phyllostachys nigra 'Black Cane'
Black Cane Running Bamboo
zones
|
 Description:
A graceful habit with a sharp
accent of color provided by the dark culms and green foliage. Mulch in
winter to provide extra protection. |
| Bloom Color: |
n/a |
| Bloom Time: |
n/a |
| Foliage Color: |
Green |
| Height: |
15-20' |
| Spread: |
10-15' |
