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Wanted to buy bamboo, which one?

18 years ago

Hi, I live in Grand Rapids, MI, zone 4b or 5a. I am looking to put bamboo in a sunny spot in my yard. I prefer a clumper to a runner. What types are good for zone 4?

I know I will have to order online as no one carries them around here, perhaps I'll ask around to see if I can special order one. But where can I buy my bamboo online?

Thank you!

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Comments (10)

rob_e
18 years ago
No coke just pepsi.
NO clumpers just runners.
Check with local growers,but minimum temp for
most clumpers is well above zone 4 or 5 temps.
I live in texas and we worry about our clumpers
some nignts.
rob_e
18 years ago
chuck
try midatlantic bamboo.
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lkz5ia
18 years ago
Sunny spot
clumper
zone 4,5
searching database.......................
0 entries
try again.
remember, you can't win if you don't play :)
troydz
18 years ago
Are there any vigorous runners in zone 4b, 5a? I have P. Aureosulcata for 4 years now, doing well, but not the crazy growth I had hoped for.
lkz5ia
18 years ago
P. aureosulcata should be vigorous in your zone if the soil is rich and also, if it is irrigated. What is your desired effect? Will top growth be huge and great in south dakota, probably not.
Others to try.
Phyllostachys bissetii
Phyllostachys rubromarginata
Phllostachys aureosulcata 'spectabilis' (resists wind better than yellowgrove, supposedly)
Fori
18 years ago
Chuck, you might be able to keep a runner in check without a ton of extra work. I certainly wouldn't try it myself being unlucky, but some cold climate folks report that some running bamboo is sort of polite and restrained for them. No guarantees, but it might be worth looking into taming a runner....
chuckr30
Original Author
18 years ago
I can always put a runner in a plastic tub in the ground. That should work. Provided the tub doesn't crack in the winter freeze.
lkz5ia
18 years ago
Chuck, you probably don't have to fear running bamboo. Such species as phyllostachys need hot, moist summers to run a distance. Not sure how warm your summers are, but your winters should limit its genetic potential. There are various techniques to control runners, alot of people rhizome prune along the borders in the fall.
chuckr30
Original Author
18 years ago
Our summers in Michigan are hot and very dry, almost no rain during Jun, July and Aug. But I do water the plants.

Fargesia sounds like something I would want. I just want a clump of bamboo, not for a screen, but for a decoration. I don't want it too high, 20' max.
tropicallvr
18 years ago
Chuckr30- Your real problem isn't going to be invasivness. If you could get a runner to spread in your zone you would probally have the greenest thumb in the bamboo world. Good luck, and don't be afraid to try a runner(Fargesias may not like you summers!).
Kyle

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