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Clumping bamboo recommendations

15 years ago

My neighbor wants to plant bamboo. I am really nervous about it because they're not really passionate gardeners and don't understand things like invasive plants. I know that there are some kinds of bamboo that don't spread; usually called clumping bamboo.

But I've never been interested in bamboo myself and don't know much about it. Any places in the NY area that you can recommend for clumping bamboo that might grow about 6 feet high or so and that won't spread? My neighbors are really nice people and I'd like to help them out anyway, but if I can find them some nice bamboo that won't spread, it will help both of us!

Our area is actually a little bit warmer than the zone 7 rating - it's protected on all sides and so bamboo that might be considered more tender may still grow here.

I have offered them some roses of course.

Thanks.

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Comments (2)

User
15 years ago
Try the genus Fargesia for clumping in zones 6-8. I am seeing the clumpers more frequently in local NJ nurseries (don't know about NYC garden centers).
Fargesia robusta and F. rufa are nice. I also have Borinda angustifolia which took a bit of a hit this past winter (hopefully it'll come back). Definitely stick to the clumpers unless you are willing to be committed to annual root pruning or just don't care if bamboo takes over your little corner of the planet.
rosesinny
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks. I'll look around for it. I'll even buy it for them as long as I don't have to deal with the runners and additional bamboo in my yard.
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