
Can I propagate my bamboo in Canada?
Our plants are propagated in Canada, and we only ship within the country. As a rule of thumb the Fargesia are hardier than the Phyllostachys, but Phyllostachys bissetii, Phyllostachys nigra ‘Henon’ and Phyllostachys atrovaginata are pretty tough, too. Bamboo is a very versatile plant and can grow in almost any soil type.
Where does bamboo grow in the US?
Where Bamboo Grows. The woody grass known as bamboo is generally thought to be a plant more associated with growing in places like Southeast Asia. But truthfully, bamboo can grow just about anywhere. Depending on what species of bamboo is trying to sprout, it can grow only in sub-tropic areas or in places as cold as Iowa.
Can I plant bamboo on Vancouver Island?
When the order arrived on Vancouver Island the plants were hedious. We contacted Bamboo World who told us to plant the bamboo as they would grow as healthy plants and contact them in the spring if there were issues with the bamboo. The alternative was to pay $100 and ship them back.
Is bamboo Hardy in Canada?
Bamboo is very hardy in much of Canada, and we have gathered together a collection of elegant and enchanting varieties of hardy bamboo for your gardens. Canada is a big country with a wide variety of climates.

Is bamboo invasive in Canada?
Bamboo is not listed as an invasive species by the Invasive Species Council of B.C. or the Coastal Invasive Species Committee.
Does bamboo grow well in Ontario?
In Ontario, bamboo is evergreen during a mild winter. During a more severe winter, the leaves will turn brown, but will be replaced with new ones in the spring. Here are three of the most popular varieties which grow in Zone 5 and 6. Fargesia murieliae or umbrella bamboo is the best clumping bamboo for cold hardiness.
Can bamboo survive in the cold?
To grow bamboo plants in northern climates, you need to find one of the cold-hardy bamboo plants. Some kinds will survive winter as far north as USDA cold-hardiness zone 5.
Does bamboo survive Canadian winters?
Yes, of course you can grow bamboo in Canada In fact, there are many varieties of bamboo that will thrive in the cold and in the snow.
How far north can bamboo grow?
To grow bamboo plants in cold climates, you need to find cold-hardy bamboo plants. Some will survive winter as far north as USDA cold-hardiness zone 5 and a few very rare species can grow even in zone 4.
Does bamboo Come back after freezing?
It becomes more severe when the ground freezes. As long as the roots have life in them, your bamboo plants will revive in spring.
Can bamboo grow where it freezes?
Generally, most running bamboos are more cold-hardy and can easily survive prolonged freezes and temperatures well below 0º F. Most clumping bamboos, however, tend to be tropical or subtropical, and far more susceptible to frost damage.
How do you winterize a bamboo plant?
Shelter it with a building or row of trees, if possible. This is a means of providing bamboo winter care ahead of time. Heavy mulch covering the growing area keeps soil temperatures warmer around the rhizomes from which it grows. Soil temperatures are not usually as cold as air temps.
How long does bamboo take to grow?
How does a bamboo plant grow? Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, with some species can reach full maturity in just 90 days, and most taking just a couple of years. One bamboo species can grow a massive 35 inches per day (or 1.5 inches per hour).
What is the best time to plant bamboo?
SpringSpring and Summer is therefore the ideal time to plant. Planting during winter is also possible, but you just have to be a bit more patient - the bamboo plants will still be growing roots and getting established but visible above-ground growth will be quite minimal.
Is bamboo easy to grow?
Bamboo is quite easy to grow both indoors and outside. These plants prefer a slightly acidic, loose soil and frequent light watering. At least 4-6 hours of bright light is required for optimum growth. A slow-release fertilizer may be applied twice per year to encourage continued growth.
Will clumping bamboo spread?
Clumping bamboos are sympodial and have shorter rhizomes that stay closer to their point of origin and do not spread so rapidly. While clumping bamboos tend to grow outward from a central plant, running types quickly extend across a lawn or garden and pop up where you may not want them.
Which country has the best bamboo garden?
For confirmation of this fact, you’ll want to visit the spectacular Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. It should be no surprise then that British Columbia has the most successful Canadian bamboo gardens.
How tall can a bamboo pole grow?
One-inch poles can get to about 15 feet tall, and thrive in temperatures as low as -20º F. Fargesia dracocephala: “Dragon head bamboo” has think culms growing to about 10 feet, with a thick, weeping leaf canopy that can provide a good privacy hedge.
How tall do fountain bamboos get?
Thin shoots will get about 12 feet tall, and it’s hardy down to -20º F. Fargesia nitida: “Blue fountain bamboo” earned its name from the dark purple, bluish culms and the thick, cascading canopy of foliage. One-inch poles can get to about 15 feet tall, and thrive in temperatures as low as -20º F.
What is the color of the bamboo?
Clumping bamboo for the cold. Fargesia murielae: Commonly known as “umbrella bamboo”, many consider this to be among the most beautiful varieties for cultivation. New shoots have a light blue hue, turning dark green and yellow with age. Growing this bamboo in a shady area will help preserve the rich blue shade.
What is the yellow stripe on bamboo?
Running bamboo in the cold. Phyllostachys aureosulcata: The “yellow groove bamboo” is easily recognizable for the yellow stripe that’s visible on the dark green culms. A subspecies known as “crookstem bamboo” has shoots that sometimes grow in a zig-zag manner.
Is bamboo cold hardy?
The fact is, there are dozens of varieties of cold hardy bamboo to consider. Most of them belong to either the Phyllostachys or the Fargesia genus of bamboo. Phyllostachys is one of the most prevalent genera of bamboo, primarily native to China and including about 50 distinct species.
Can bamboo grow in Canada?
Many species of bamboo are native to tropical and subtropical habitats, but there are far more cold hardy varieties of bamboo than most people realize. Many of these varieties can survive and even thrive in Canada. Even so, it’s not easy finding a bamboo specialist nursery north of the border.
How much does bamboo cost?
They are more difficult to propagate and therefore a little more expensive. Bamboos aren't cheap. They can cost from about $60 upward into the hundreds for the rarest forms of clumpers. But in the right spot, it's worth the price.
What is bamboo used for?
It 's being used for everything from sustainable flooring to sculptural décor elements to the handles of chic handbags. But how many Canadians realize it can be grown in their gardens?
What is the best bamboo for Phyllostachys nigra?
In Europe, black bamboo is the designer choice. Phyllostachys nigra will need protection even in Zone 6 (heavily mulched), but the black culms are stunning. Also striking is Pyllostachys bambusoides "Castillon," which has a bright yellow stalk with a lime-green stripe, and is hardy to minus 18.
What are the two types of bamboo?
There are two types of bamboo: clumpers and spreaders. If you have acres of space, choose a spreader. But this can be very invasive, and Lounsbery suggests that you contain it. A Rubbermaid garbage can sunk into the ground is effective in Ontario, but in British Columbia a one-metre barrier of concrete is more like it.
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Can bamboo stand in water?
But bamboos can't stand in water -- they'll either drown or their growth will be inhibited. Know the Latin name if you have a special bamboo in mind, and acquire a minimum of lingo. For instance, you should know that a culm -- as in "My bamboo has black culms" -- is the jointed stem that makes bamboo look like bamboo.
Can Canadians grow bamboo?
Yes, Canadians can grow bamboo. This article was published more than 10 years ago. Some information in it may no longer be current. Bamboo is a hot commodity in today's design world. It 's being used for everything from sustainable flooring to sculptural décor elements to the handles of chic handbags.
How does bamboo grow above ground?
How bamboo behaves above ground depends on how it behaves below ground. The Fargesia varieties “clump” due to the nature of their root system; their rhizome buds immediately turn upward and become stems. Fargesias will expand at a pace that is familiar to gardeners who have grown a variety of perennials. The rhizomes of the Phyllostachys run underground laterally, with a smaller percentage turning upwards to become stems. In this way the plant spreads more quickly. These “running” bamboo are native to climates more moderate than most of Canada, and in general spread less quickly here. Their spread can be controlled with hard pruning (just run your lawnmower over or clip new unwanted canes). If you are concerned with spread direction, you can use a rhizome barrier to control it. We also sell some varieties of “slow-running” bamboo, such as Pleioblastus fortunei, which is a great ground cover; and Sasa kurilensis ‘Shimofuri’, which makes a beautiful low hedge with its finely striped green and cream coloured leaves.
What type of soil does bamboo grow in?
However, you will get the best growth and resilience in loose, well-draining, and slightly acidic (a pH of 5.5 to 7, in general) soil.
How does bamboo help the environment?
Bamboo groves absorb carbon dioxide and release 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere than an equivalent stand of hardwood trees , without the generations of growth needed to achieve a hardwood stand. In contrast to hardwood forests, bamboo grows quickly and fits into the urban yard.
Where to find hardiness zone for bamboo?
If you don’t know what zone you live in, check the hardiness zone map on the left column of the Bamboo or any of the plant pages, then check the hardiness information of the bamboo you are interested in. There are areas in most regions that have warmer microclimates.
Do bamboos need winter cover?
There can be a difference of a zone or two between them, with rhizomes being the hardier. If you love a bamboo that may require a more moderate climate for its stems, protect its foliage with a winter cover.
Is bamboo a racer?
We consider the slow running and running bamboo more as “amblers” than racers in most regions of Canada.
Can you grow bamboo in a grove?
Although many of our customers use bamboo to make screens and hedges, please consider creating a grove or small forest. It is possible to plant a grove in the smallest urban yard. All over the world Bamboo groves are places of peaceful contemplation, natural play spaces for children, and homes to happy chickens. Bamboo groves absorb carbon dioxide and release 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere than an equivalent stand of hardwood trees, without the generations of growth needed to achieve a hardwood stand. In contrast to hardwood forests, bamboo grows quickly and fits into the urban yard. The impact of even a small grove can be quite amazing. The way the arching branches of bamboo sway in the breeze and rustle its fine leaves has a wonderful effect on the surrounding landscape. We learn something about the nature of life and growth through all the plants we tend, and there is much to learn from growing bamboo. Japanese and Chinese scholars regard the qualities of bamboo as those to be emulated: from its ability to bend when under duress, while also holding its ground; move softly in peaceful times; thrive in many conditions; be resilient; and useful.
What is Bamboo?from fast-growing-trees.com
Bamboo is a fast-growing type of woody grass that is often mistaken for a tree. It is the largest member of the grass family and has hollow shoots that grow straight upwards and produce leaves. It’s considered to be one of the fastest growing plants in the world, with some bamboo species growing at a rate of 36 inches a day. Bamboo is often the go-to plant for something that is low-maintenance and fuss-free. They are perfect for beginners - indoors or outdoors. Bamboo stalks also act as great accent piece to add an explosion of color to any landscape.
How many different types of bamboo are there?from fast-growing-trees.com
Different Types of Bamboo. There are over 1,000 different types. Bamboo comes in a variety of different colors, with stalks ranging from blacks and goldens to light and dark greens. A few varieties, like Muliplex Bamboo, have a growth rate of 10 or more feet per year and with the ability to spring up as a privacy fence in the blink of an eye.
Is Bamboo Invasive?from fast-growing-trees.com
Bamboo is associated with being an invasive plant that can quickly take over an area. But not all types of bamboo are invasive. It’s actually extremely easy to care for and grows very well in containers as the perfect houseplant.
How tall can a bamboo pole grow?from bambubatu.com
One-inch poles can get to about 15 feet tall, and thrive in temperatures as low as -20º F. Fargesia dracocephala: “Dragon head bamboo” has think culms growing to about 10 feet, with a thick, weeping leaf canopy that can provide a good privacy hedge. Not recommended for hot, humid climates, but cold hardy down to -10º F.
How tall do fountain bamboos get?from bambubatu.com
Thin shoots will get about 12 feet tall, and it’s hardy down to -20º F. Fargesia nitida: “Blue fountain bamboo” earned its name from the dark purple, bluish culms and the thick, cascading canopy of foliage. One-inch poles can get to about 15 feet tall, and thrive in temperatures as low as -20º F.
What is the color of the bamboo?from bambubatu.com
Clumping bamboo for the cold. Fargesia murielae: Commonly known as “umbrella bamboo”, many consider this to be among the most beautiful varieties for cultivation. New shoots have a light blue hue, turning dark green and yellow with age. Growing this bamboo in a shady area will help preserve the rich blue shade.
How to stop bamboo from running?from fast-growing-trees.com
The rhizomes stay close to the surface and can be found about 10 to 12 inches below the soil line. One way to stop running Bamboo is to get a clumping variety. Clumping Bamboo doesn’t send out rhizome roots.
Where does bamboo grow?
Where Bamboo. Grows. The woody grass known as bamboo is generally thought to be a plant more associated with growing in places like Southeast Asia. But truthfully, bamboo can grow just about anywhere. Depending on what species of bamboo is trying to sprout, it can grow only in sub-tropic areas or in places as cold as Iowa.
Why do people like bamboo?
Many gardeners like bamboo because it reaches its full potential in the spring before many other types of plants have even budded and bamboo returns every year until its life cycle ends, which is different for each type of bamboo.
How many acres of land were once covered in bamboo?
Over five million acres of land in the American Southeast were once covered in native bamboo called Cane Break. It wasn't until the migration movements of the early 19th century by settlers that any of the bamboo that was growing was destroyed because it grew in the good soil that was then turned into farms.
Can bamboo survive winter?
There are species of bamboo that can survive winter weather up to -20° F and still grow again in the spring during the normal germination periods. Most commonly, bamboo is found in places that qualify as tropical, sub-tropical, or temperate zones.
Can you remove bamboo rhizomes?
The rhizomes are also difficult to remove, generally requiring the digging up of the rhizomes and then cutting them apart with an axe or other such gardening tool. Bamboo has a wide range of growing areas which is seen by the massive amounts of bamboo forests still standing in Southeast Asia.
Is bamboo a plant?
We are dedicated to the promotion and use of bamboo throughout the world . Bamboo is a plant that offers limitless potential for the future. It offers us strength, sustainability, versatility, and a green alternative.
Can bamboo grow indoors?
Some species of bamboo have been known to grow well indoors in less temperate parts of the world. These species should be hardier types, such as those which can grown in areas that are considered temperate, or zones 4 through 8 in gardening terms.