Clumping Bamboo: How to Grow Clumping Bamboo

Clumping bamboo is a category of bamboo with a root system that forms clumps known as pachymorph or sympodial rhizomes. This compact arrangement makes clumping bamboo easy to control, unlike the other main category of bamboo, running bamboo.

Running bamboo species have fast-spreading runner rhizomes. Runners can spread indefinitely across yards and are invasive species in some areas. Clumping bamboo is much easier to control. The clumping nature of the root system limits its ability to spread aggressively and widely. Stands of clumpers will grow to a certain length, and then—so long as you care for them properly—will not continue to spread outward.

There are several types of clumping bamboo plants available either online or at your local garden center. Cultivars and varieties of bamboo include:

1. 1. 'Alphonse Karr' (Bambusa multiplex 'Alphonse Karr'): This clumping bamboo cultivar features attractive yellow and green striped canes, known as culms.
2. 2. Blue fountain bamboo (Fargesia nitida): Blue fountain bamboo is tolerant of cold climates and can survive temperatures below twenty degrees Fahrenheit. Originally from China, like many species of bamboo, it has attractive culms ranging from blue to deep purple.
3. 3. Buddha belly bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa): This plant gets its common name from its unusual and attractive culms, which have a bulbous shape between the nodes. Both giant and dwarf varieties are available; the giant can grow up to fifty feet tall, while the dwarf varieties can grow in small pots.
4. 4. 'Campbell' (Fargesia robusta 'Campbell'): This bamboo cultivar is cold hardy to USDA hardiness zone six and can grow up to fifteen feet tall. It is a good choice for privacy screens, as it can grow quite thick.
5. 5. Green panda bamboo (Fargesia rufa): This cold-hardy bamboo grows best with partial shade and can reach up to ten feet.
6. 6. Hedge bamboo (Bambusa multiplex): Hedge bamboo is suitable for growing high hedges and can reach up to twenty-five feet in height. It is also probably the most cold-hardy type of subtropical clumping bamboo.
7. 7. Oldham’s bamboo (Bambusa Oldhamii): This bamboo species, also known as giant timber bamboo, can reach up to fifty feet tall in good growing conditions. One of the most popular types of bamboo grown in North America, its root clump will eventually develop into a ten- or fifteen-foot long patch.
8. 8. Seabreeze bamboo (Bambusa malingensis): This type of bamboo forms thick stands, making it a great choice for screens.
9. 9. Weaver’s bamboo (Bambusa textilis): This cold-hardy subtropical species of bamboo is a great choice for privacy screens, as it grows thick and straight.
10. 10. Umbrella bamboo (Fargesia murielae): This evergreen bamboo plant features bluish culms that will grow up to twelve feet tall.

Gardeners worldwide favor clumping bamboo for its simplicity. Growing and caring for clumping bamboo requires little maintenance, but consider the following tips:

1. 1. Pick an appropriate variety for the growing environment. While many varieties of clumping bamboo are tropical and subtropical, there are cold-hardy and evergreen species. It is essential to choose a variety with your climatic conditions in mind.
2. 2. Plant clumping bamboo in well-draining soil. Too much moisture retention can kill the plant, so avoid overwatering or letting the soil become waterlogged.
3. 3. Place the clumping bamboo in the sun. Many bamboo varieties will grow best in partial shade, but some types, like Seabreeze bamboo and Oldham’s bamboo, need full sun to reach their full potential.
4. 4. Protect the bamboo plant from the wind. Clumping bamboo plants do not grow deep roots, and so high winds can damage the plants. When deciding where to plant your bamboo, try to find a spot with protection from wind exposure.
5. 5. Prune your clumping bamboo. Simply pruning some new shoots is enough to keep your clumping bamboo stand in check. Clipping away unhealthy or dry-looking older growth also helps to keep your bamboo healthy.

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