Winterizing bamboo, especially at its younger stages (1-3 years), is important to facilitate continued growth again in spring. Bamboo should not be allowed to freeze. Keep this plant healthy as possible through winter and you’re likely to come out on the other side with substantial growth in spring.

Tips here refer to cold hardy runners, in the Phyllostachys species. This is likely what you’re growing in an area that has cold winters. Hopefully, you’ve chosen the right bamboo for your zone and one for a lower zone if it is grown in containers.

How to Winterize Bamboo

Bamboo takes the first three years of its life to get established. Once it’s made it through this timeframe, it will be able to better survive the cold season. Bamboo is recommended for planting in USDA Hardiness zones 5a to 10 plus. What steps do we take when protecting bamboo from cold? 

When planting bamboo in an area with freezing temperatures in winter, locate it in a spot away from north winter winds. 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 and the mulch will keep it somewhat warmer still. Mulch also holds in moisture for longer, which may keep the soil a tad warmer.

You can also use plastic to build a temporary hoop house or tent to protect the rhizomes. Anti-desiccant sprays add protection in some instances. Use them in combination with the above methods. Do everything possible to keep your plants healthy before winter arrives.

Protecting Potted Bamboo in Winter

Containerized bamboo plants need more protection than those growing in ground. Above ground containers don’t have the protection of being surrounded by soil, so rhizomes benefit from heat. Add heat by using soil warming cables. 

You may also insulate the container or bury it in the ground for winter. When possible, move the container into a protected area during the coldest times.

Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is not related to bamboo, but it has the same lightly branched, cane-like stems and delicate, fine textured foliage. It is an upright ornamental evergreen shrub with beautiful berries that mature to brilliant red. Are nandina berries poisonous? The answer is yes! The berries contain cyanide and can be toxic berries to birds. In fact, birds eating nandina berries sometimes die.

Are Nandina Berries Poisonous?

Nandina shrubs have many traits that make them appealing to gardeners. These plants have year-round interest with spring flowers, ornamental fruits, and sometimes autumn color. They tolerate drought, shade, and salt and are quite resistant to damage by deer. In addition, they are free of serious pest issues.

However, before planting nandina shrubs, you need to read up on heavenly bamboo berries and birds. One of the most ornamental features of this bush is its shiny red berries, quite similar to holly berries. Unlike holly, however, these can be toxic berries to birds.

Do Nandina Berries Kill Birds?

Nandina berries and foliage can be dangerous for livestock and household pets if eaten. The berries are toxic to birds as well. Thankfully, they are not the first food choice of wild birds but some species, including cedar waxwing, northern mockingbird, and American robin, eat the berries if nothing else is available. Nandina berries kill birds when enough are eaten.

Other factors are believed to be involved as well. Swings in temperatures and lack of sufficient water can cause plant species to produce cyanide in greater concentrations. Combine that type of weather pattern with the voracious eating habits of some migratory birds that gorge themselves on berries. It is no wonder that hundreds can die, especially when the berries are overripe.

Heavenly Bamboo Berries and Birds

Heavenly bamboo berries and birds are also related in another way. One of the downsides of these shrubs is their invasiveness. They propagate readily from the seeds in their berries.

If berries are simply allowed to fall beneath the tree canopy, the gardener can weed out unwanted plants. Heavenly bamboo berries and birds, taken together, can spread the species into wild areas.

If you want to plant nandina while avoiding invasiveness and bird mortality issues, you should plant fruitless cultivars, or at the very least, trim the bush prior to berry production or cut them as soon as they develop.

Many different areas have a variety of challenges when growing certain plants. Most issues (other than temperature) can be overcome by soil manipulation, locating a microclimate, changing watering habits, and a few other types of care and planting. Sometimes, it’s a matter of choosing the proper plant for the area.

So, it goes without saying that growing bamboo in the desert or finding a bamboo for desert climates starts with the right plant selection. With a little extra attention to the type of bamboo you plant in your desert landscape, you may get a good stand of this interesting plant. In fact, you may find that bamboo grows in the desert all too well, outgrowing its designated spot and spreading out of control, though not so much as locating them in more temperate or tropical-like environments.

Finding Bamboo Desert Plants

Bamboo can grow in the desert, as proven by Bamboo Ranch in Tucson, Arizona where 75 large groves grow abundantly. Their groves range from stands of large bamboo plants down to groundcover bamboo. They specialize in what you’re looking for when growing bamboo in the desert.

If it’s feasible, you might want to visit their demonstration groves for ideas or to purchase (by appointment). At least have a look at their site or articles for specific tips for planting bamboo that grows in the desert.

Growing Bamboo in the Desert

Plant desert bamboo varieties near a water source or in a location convenient to a sprinkler, as establishing bamboo in an arid climate takes lots of water. Keep bamboo well-watered for the first three to four years after planting to develop a good root system. However, soil should not remain wet or soggy.

Bamboo roots are shallow, so a small amount of water saturates them quickly. Soil amendments and mulch can help the roots hold proper water. Most recommend watering every other day. A location in partial shade may be helpful, too, if available.

If you’re looking to fill in an area, you may want to plant a running type bamboo, such as golden bamboo. This type can reach more than 10 feet (3 m.) in height, with stems 1 inch (2.5 cm.) in diameter. A running bamboo is known for its spreading, so while you may want it to do so, keep in mind that it could quickly get out of hand. Growing it in the desert is no exception.

Alphonse Karr is a clumping type often chosen for growth in a desert area, and Weaver’s bamboo is a clumping edible type that performs well in these more arid conditions too. Clumping bamboo is not as prone to spread or become a nuisance in the landscape.

Heavenly bamboo can be anything but heavenly in the landscape. A more apropos adjective might be dreadful, as in dreading dealing with heavenly bamboo invasiveness because, yes, Nandina, which is also comically known as sacred bamboo, has a tendency over time to encroach the surrounding area. That’s why many gardeners want to learn about heavenly bamboo management.

Read on for tips on how to get rid of Nandina.

Heavenly Bamboo Invasiveness

Nandina is an evergreen to semi-evergreen, woody shrub that grows to around 6-8 feet (1-2.5 m.) in height. Originally from China and Japan, heavenly bamboo was introduced to the States in 1804 for use as an ornamental due to its attractive foliage and lovely berries.

Unfortunately, Nandina also has the attributes of growing rapidly, reproducing via seed and root fragments. While heavenly bamboo isn’t actually bamboo, it is a member of the grass family and is no doubt a reason for heavenly bamboo invasiveness. Thus, many gardeners saddled with the plant seek methods for controlling heavenly bamboo.

Another reason many gardeners want to learn how to get rid of Nandina is the aforementioned berries. While they are pretty, they not only are a method of propagation for the shrub but are also toxic to birds; they contain cyanide and other alkaloids.

Heavenly Bamboo Management

If you find your Nandina is overtaking the garden and pushing out other species, you’ve probably decided it’s time to get rid of the plants. The problem here is that Nandina produces practically impenetrable thick roots that expand year after year.

Even if you do manage to chisel them out of the soil, every small piece of root that is left behind will reward you by growing anew! Plus, any seeds left in the soil can germinate long after the plant has been removed.

So, the question of how to get rid of bamboo remains. There are no biological or chemical controls recommended for controlling heavenly bamboo. There are, however, mechanical means such as heavy digging or using a backhoe for controlling heavenly bamboo but, again, any bit of root or berry left behind will certainly propagate and the problem will start up all over again.

How to Get Rid of Nandina

If you have an existing thicket, mechanical means will remove it, but then the plant may pop back up again. Try to remove the plants before they have produced seeds and get out as much root as possible.

Continued vigilance on your part will be needed to assure control of heavenly bamboo. Keep an eye on the area and immediately remove any smaller plants that crop up. Dig them up, don’t pull them, and try to get as much of the root as possible.

Otherwise, in the future, plant native or non-invasive shrubs or the new hybrids of Nandina that are shorter, don’t spread, and lack berries. 

Turn any corner and on any residential street and you’ll see Nandina shrubs growing. Sometimes called heavenly bamboo, this easy-to-grow bush is used often in USDA zones 6 to 9 as an ornamental. With late spring blooms, scarlet foliage in autumn and red berries in winter, it has three seasons of interest. It is evergreen or semi-evergreen but is also, unfortunately, an invasive exotic. It is toxic to wildlife, and sometimes fatal to unsuspecting birds.

Heavenly Bamboo Replacement

Nandina domestica can escape cultivation and outgrow native plants in the forest. It was once thought to be a great addition to the landscape, growing in many of your neighbor’s yards. It presents a constant battle with suckers and rhizomes to keep it under control. What are some good alternatives to heavenly bamboo?

There are many Nandina alternatives. Native shrubs have great characteristics and won’t spread out of control. Their edible parts are good for most wildlife too.

What to Plant Instead of Nandina

Here are five plants to consider growing instead of heavenly bamboo.

• Wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) - This popular shrub stands up to many adverse conditions, including sea spray when planted near the beach. Wax myrtle has medicinal uses, as well as use in candle-making. Grow it in full sun to partial shade.
• Florida anise (Illicium floridanum) - This often forgotten native has dark evergreen leaves in an elliptical shape with unusual, reddish star-shaped blooms. With fragrant foliage, this shrub grows in wet and marshy soils. Florida anise is dependable in the shade garden in USDA zones 7 through 10.
• Grape holly (Mahonia spp.) - This interesting shrub grows in various areas. The Oregon grape variety is native to zones 5 to 9. Leaves grow in bundles of five to nine and are glossy spine-tipped leaflets. They emerge in spring with a lovely reddish bronze color, turning green by summer. Fragrant yellow flowers appear in late winter, becoming bluish black grape-like berries by summer that are eaten safely by birds. This flexible bush is an appropriate heavenly bamboo replacement.
• Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) - Growing in zones 7 to 10, the attractive yaupon holly bush can readily replace Nandina. The shrubs don’t get too big and offer a range of cultivars.
• Juniper (Juniperus spp.) - Junipers are available in various sizes, shapes, and shades. They have evergreen foliage and berries that are safe for birds to eat. It is native to many places in the Northern Hemisphere.

Bamboo plants are wonderful plants to grow in pots. Many varieties are invasive when planted in the ground, so growing them in pots is a great solution, but they will grow pretty quickly and can be a challenge to repot.

How to Divide Large Potted Bamboo

Let’s go over how to repot bamboo. Be sure to have the following tools available before you start: a knife, pruning saw, good pair of scissors or pruning shears, and one or more new pots. 

Large bamboo division can be awkward and difficult if done alone, so you may want to have a friend help you out too.

If your potted bamboo needs splitting, here is what you can do:

• First of all, how do you know when to split potted bamboo? Getting the timing correct is important. The best time timeframe for dividing potted bamboo and repotting is late winter. You’ll want to avoid the active growing season, spring and summer, when you can disturb the root ball too much. 
• Give your potted bamboo a good watering to hydrate the root ball. Next, you’ll want to run a knife around the perimeter of the pot in order to help loosen the root ball. Bamboo plants have very vigorous, dense root systems so this step is important!
• Then tip the pot over gently, with the help of a friend, if needed, and remove the plant from the pot. If the bottom of the root ball has thick matted roots, cut off the bottom inch (2.5 cm.) or so with a pruning saw. 
• Next, return the plant to an upright position and use the pruning saw to divide the root ball into two or more pieces. Simply saw right through the root ball into as many divisions as you’d like. As you are doing this, you may want to test if the division can be teased away from the main root ball using your hands. Otherwise, keep sawing until each division breaks loose.
• For each division, be sure to remove any dead, rotten, or severely damaged roots. Remove any soil that is loose. Repot each of the divisions into their new pots. Be sure to give the divisions a good watering and monitor carefully until they become more established. 

What are bamboo mites? Native to Japan, bamboo mites are troublesome little pests that feed on bamboo and a few grasses in the bamboo family. Managing bamboo mites isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Read on to learn more.

Bamboo Mite Information

Bamboo mites are nothing new; experts believe they were accidentally transported from Japan, showing up in the United States as early as 1917. They are especially troublesome in Florida and on the West Coast. Although bamboo plants are also afflicted by the common spider mite, bamboo mites, which pierce the underside of leaves and suck out the juices, are more destructive. A heavy infestation of the pests can cause bamboo to take on a yellow-green appearance as photosynthesis becomes impaired. Bamboo mites are recognized by their webbing, which is usually found in dense mats on the underside of bamboo leaves. The webs, unlike the loose, messy webs created by common spider mites, are large and tightly woven. You can usually see the mites scurrying underneath the webbing.

How to Kill Bamboo Spider Mites

A small infestation of bamboo spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap, a pyrethrin-based spray, or a contact pesticide. However, sprays aren’t usually effective for severe infestations because the plant’s height and clumping nature prevent the substances from reaching the pests. Additionally, it is difficult to reach mites hiding under the dense webbing. A systemic miticide approved for bamboo mites is often more effective for bamboo mite control because it is absorbed throughout the plant and kills the pests as they feed. Repeat applications are usually necessary because miticides don’t kill newly laid eggs. Oil sprays, which kill adults, larva, and eggs, are effective if applied at the right time. Many growers have good luck with predatory mites, and there are several types available in the United States. Usually, bamboo mite control requires an integrated approach. Your local university cooperative extension agent can provide more information about managing bamboo mites. Most importantly, inspect bamboo plants closely before bringing them into your garden. Some garden centers fail to recognize the significance of the problem.

What are the pros of planting bamboo in the garden, and are there any reasons not to grow bamboo? That is what's at question here, and we hope to provide some insight into both sides of this common debate. Read on for information about bamboo benefits vs. bamboo disadvantages so you can decide which choice is best for you - to plant bamboo or not to plant bamboo.

Pros of Planting Bamboo

Mary's viewpoint: There are countless good reasons to grow bamboo, a fast-growing plant that provides many benefits in the home garden and beyond. Let's learn more about the many advantages of planting bamboo.

Versatility. There are more than 1,000 different types of bamboo in a nearly endless range of heights, colors, and growing habits. Some prefer shade and others thrive in bright sunlight. Hardy varieties may tolerate winter chill to -20 F. (-29 C.), while some types can't tolerate a light frost. There's bound to be a perfect bamboo for your particular situation.

Pest resistance. Bamboo is definitely not on top of the food list for deer, which for many gardeners is one of the best reasons to grow bamboo. Rabbits and other mammals also tend to stay away. Bamboo is rarely bothered by insect pests, with the exception of bamboo mites, which may be a problem in dry climates.

Environmental benefits. Bamboo absorbs greenhouse gases and releases oxygen into the atmosphere. It is also a renewable resource that may help save the world's dwindling forests. A hardwood forest isn't replaced for many decades, but bamboo, among the world's fastest-growing plants, can be harvested in one to five years, depending on the species. Because of its extensive root system, prevention of soil erosion is a valuable bamboo benefit in many soil-depleted areas. Aggressiveness. Bamboo has a well-deserved reputation for invasiveness, but not all types are rampant spreaders. If you're worried that it will get out of control, plant clumping bamboo, a well-behaved bamboo that spreads only about an inch (2.5 cm.) per year. Clumping bamboo isn't as gigantic either, topping out at about 6 feet (2 m.).

Easy to grow. Pros of bamboo include the plant's easy growth habits. As long as the climate is right, bamboo grows in nearly any type of reasonably fertile well-drained soil. It requires little maintenance and is relatively drought tolerant, although it performs better with regular irrigation.

Privacy screening. Bamboo is an attractive, inexpensive, fast-growing privacy screen. If invasiveness isn't a concern, running types can grow more than 3 feet (1 m.) per day. Climbing types take a little longer to fill in.

Used around the world. Bamboo is a highly nutritious plant that provides food and medicine for people (and livestock) around the world. The strong fibers are used for building materials and to make necessities ranging from floor mats or paper to fishing poles or musical instruments.

Cons of Planting Bamboo

Shelley's viewpoint: Bamboo may make a very attractive hedge or privacy screen but don't let aesthetics bamboo-zle you into growing it. Read on to discover the downsides of growing bamboo in the garden.

Bamboo is invasive. It is world-renowned for being one of the most invasive plants on the planet. That alone is one of the best reasons not to grow bamboo. Sure, some types are less invasive than others, but do you really want to run the risk of planting the wrong or *gasp* even a mislabeled variety? Bamboo rhizomes can grow underground several feet (upwards of 20 feet/6 meters or more) in just a single season and it is said that some bamboo varieties, under the right conditions, can grow 3-4 feet (1 m) in height in just 24 hours! Wow!

A threat to biodiversity. Like any invasive plant, bamboo is a threat to native plants and will outcompete them for habitat.

A strain on neighborly relations. Let's say you bucked the advice not to plant bamboo and now it has taken over your yard. And now the neighbors are raising pitchforks and giving you the stink-eye because it has taken over their yards as well. That invite you received for the cookout? Consider it revoked. Talk about bamboo disadvantages!

Bamboo wants a relationship, not something casual. Are you one of those gardeners who get bored easily and like to redo their garden layouts, ripping out plants every season to try something new? If so, stay away from bamboo. One of the downsides to growing bamboo is that it is a long-term relationship and, as you will find out, breaking up is hard to do."

Difficult to eradicate. Bamboo is difficult to control when it gets out of hand. Once a running bamboo is established, its thick and tough rhizomes, which are resistant to most herbicides, can stretch out more than 100 feet (30 m) and send out shoots at any point.

Your options are to repeatedly mow down the bamboo to stymie the rhizomes, physically dig up and remove the rhizomes (manually or with power equipment), or try applying many applications of herbicides.

You will probably use a combination of all those options. And, I hope you have a lot of time and energy on your hands, because it will take a few years and a lot of due diligence to totally eradicate. Maybe your neighbor will let you borrow their pitchfork to dig up the bamboo.

Do the Advantages of Planting Bamboo Outweigh the Disadvantages?

While there are many good reasons to grow bamboo, there are also a number of downsides worth considering. If you're thinking about growing bamboo, don't rush into a decision. Take time, and then select the best type for your garden. Bamboo can become a big bamboo boo-boo if you commit to it without carefully considering the cons beforehand. If you value biodiversity, your relationship with your neighbors, and maintaining a casual relationship with your plants, then bamboo is not for you.

If you want a tall easy-care shrub with showy flowers that doesn’t require much water, how about Nandina domestiica? Gardeners are so thrilled with their nandina that they call it “heavenly bamboo.' However, nandina plants can get leggy as they grow taller. Pruning heavenly bamboo plants keeps these foundation shrubs dense and bushy. If you want to learn how to prune nandina, we’ll give you the top tips on cutting back heavenly bamboo.

Nandina Plant Pruning

Despite the common name, nandina plants are not bamboo at all, but they resemble it. These tall shrubs are both stiffly upright and very graceful. Adding them to your garden adds texture and an oriental touch. Although you probably need to prune heavenly bamboo to keep it looking its best, the shrub offers so much in return. It is evergreen and provides ornamental features in every season. In spring and summer, it offers frothy white flowers that turn to bright berries in autumn and winter. Nandina’s leaves turn red in the fall as well, while new foliage grows in bronze. You’ll find that heavenly bamboo comes in different sizes. Dwarf cultivars are available that stay under 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall. Other shrubs can get to 10 feet (3 m.) tall. They have a lovely, natural shape and it is a mistake to try to shear them into shapes. Pruning heavenly bamboo plants to keep them bushy is worth the effort. Nandina plant pruning allows for a fuller plant.

How to Prune Nandina for Density

Keep in mind that pruning heavenly bamboo plants severely is not always necessary. The shrub grows slowly and keeps its shape. An annual pruning in early spring allows taller cultivars to produce new shoots and lacy foliage at lower levels of the trunk. Keep the rule of thirds in mind. Get out the pruners or loppers in winter or early spring and begin. Start by cutting back heavenly bamboo canes. Take out one-third of the total number at ground level, spacing those you remove evenly throughout the bush. Then, prune heavenly bamboo stalks – one-third of those remaining – to reduce their height. Snip them off above a leaf or leaf bud about halfway down the cane. As they sprout new growth, they will fill in the plant. Leave the remainder of the plant unpruned.

Bamboo holds the world record for being the fastest growing plant. This is welcome news for the impatient gardeners among us – or is it?

While bamboo provides the instant gratification of being a fast grower, some varieties of bamboo can become very invasive and grow out of control.

Is black bamboo invasive? Read on for the answer and learn how to care for black bamboo plants in the garden.

Is Black Bamboo Invasive?

There are several varieties of bamboo with black culms (stems) and over 1,200 species of bamboo in general. Phyllostachys nigra, or "black bamboo," has the potential to be very invasive.

This Chinese native is classified as a running bamboo, meaning it spreads quickly by underground rhizomes. However, with some foreknowledge about black bamboo you can learn how to minimize its invasiveness.

How to Care for Black Bamboo Plants

Uses For Black Bamboo

Running bamboo types, such as black bamboo plants, are ideal for creating a dense hedge or privacy screen. Your plants should be placed 3 to 5 feet (1-1.5 m.) apart for this purpose. However, you will probably only want to consider growing black bamboo if you have a very sizable area for it spread out.

If all of this seems too daunting or if you have minimal garden space, then remember this black bamboo information: black bamboo, like other types, can also be enjoyed as a container plant.

Controlling Black Bamboo

There are many strategies you could employ to contain the size of a bamboo grove, such as root pruning or even a root barrier. If you're opting for a root barrier, install the barrier at least 36 inches (91 cm) deep between the bamboo grove and the rest of your property. Use materials in the trench that are impenetrable, such as rolls of fiberglass or 60 mil polypropylene. The barrier itself should protrude 2 inches (5 cm) above the ground to discourage any wayward rhizomes.

How to Grow Black Bamboo

Black bamboo's highly ornamental culms transition from green to ebony black by the third year of growth. Therefore, some patience is required to witness this bamboo in its full black splendor.

Planting Zone Black bamboo is also regarded as being the hardiest of all the bamboo species with a USDA zone rating of 7 to 11. In terms of size, black bamboo is capable of reaching heights of 30 feet (9 m) with the girth of its culms being at least 2 inches (5 cm).

Light The leaves of black bamboo are evergreen, bright green, and lanceolate in shape. Black bamboo can grow under varying light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

Water Black bamboo plantings should be watered regularly until they are established. Consider adding mulch around the base of your bamboo plants to retain moisture.

Soil Black bamboo prefers soil that is characteristically moist and loamy with a soil pH ranging from highly acidic to slightly alkaline.

Fertilizer Fertilizing is not mandatory for growing black bamboo, but you can opt to do so in mid to late spring with a fertilizer high in nitrogen.

Growing bamboo plants in zone 9 provides a tropical feel with rapid growth. These speedy growers may be running or clumping, with runners being the invasive type without management. Clumping bamboo is more suited to warm climates but running types can also thrive in zone 9. There are many bamboo varieties for zone 9. Just be certain you have room for some of the larger types and a barrier strategy if you opt for a running species.

Growing Bamboo Plants in Zone 9

The biggest true grass is the bamboo. This monster of a plant is a tropical to temperate genera, with the biggest concentration found in the Asia Pacific region. However, there are not only warm weather bamboo, but some species found in cold mountain regions. Zone 9 bamboo will rarely experience freezing conditions, but it may suffer if it is grown in an arid area. If you do choose to plant bamboo in zone 9, extra irrigation may be necessary to fuel this grasses' phenomenal growth. Bamboo thrives in warm regions. This plant can grow up to 3 inches (8 cm.) per day or more dependent upon species. Most species of running bamboo are thought of a nuisance, but you can plant them in stout containers or dig around the plant and install a barrier under the soil. These varieties are in the Phyllostachys, Sasa, Shibataea, Pseudosasa, and Pleiboblastus groups. If you choose to use a running variety without a barrier, make sure you have plenty of room for a grove. Clumping plants are easier to manage. They do not spread by rhizomes and stay in a tidy habit. There are species of both bamboo varieties for zone 9.

Running Species of Zone 9 Bamboo

If you are feeling really adventurous, then the running varieties are for you. They do make a spectacular display and are more cold hardy overall than the clumping varieties. Black bamboo is an especially stunning plant. It is more purple than black but very striking and has feathery green leaves. A cousin in the Phyllostachys family is 'Spectabilis.' The new culms are red while mature culms are bright yellow with green joints. Chinese walking stick is a monster of a plant with large joints. Plants in the Sasa and Pleiboblastus groups are smaller and easier to manage with some forms variegated.

Clumping Bamboo for Zone 9

The easiest warm weather bamboo are the clumping varieties. Most of these are in the family Fargesia. Blue fountain is a species with especially appealing culms. These are dark gray and purple with airy plumes of green leaves. A smaller clumper is Golden Goddess with bright yellow mature canes. Silverstripe Hedge has variegated foliage, while Royal bamboo is evergreen and has blue young canes. An interesting ornamental species is Painted bamboo with golden canes that bear "drips" of green. Other great choices for zone 9 include:

• Green Screen
• Green Panda
• Asian Wonder
• Tiny Fern
• Weaver's Bamboo
• Emerald Bamboo
• Rufa

Can you grow bamboo in zone 8? When you think of bamboo, you may think of panda bears in a faraway Chinese forest. However, these days bamboo can grow in graceful stands all over the world. With varieties that are hardy all the way down to zone 4 or up to zone 12, growing bamboo in zone 8 provides many possibilities. Continue reading to learn about bamboo plants for zone 8, as well as proper care for zone 8 bamboo.

Growing Bamboo in Zone 8

There are two main types of bamboo plants: clump forming and runner types. Clump forming bamboo do just as their name implies; they form large clumps of bamboo canes. Runner bamboo types spread by rhizomes and can form a large stand, shoot their runners beneath concrete sidewalks, and form another stand on the other side. Runner types of bamboo can become invasive in some areas. Before growing bamboo in zone 8, check with your local county extension office to make sure they are not considered an invasive species or noxious weed. Clump forming and runner types of bamboo are also broken down into three hardiness categories: tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate. In zone 8, gardeners can grow either sub-tropical or temperate bamboo plants. As stated above, before planting any bamboo, make sure it is not banned in your location. Even clump forming bamboo have been known to travel down waterways and escape the confines of the garden. In time, both clump forming and runner types of bamboo can become overgrown and choke themselves out. Removing old canes every two to four years can help the plant look tidy and nice. To best keep runner bamboo plants in check, grow them in pots.

Bamboo Plants for Zone 8

Below are different types of clump forming and runner zone 8 bamboo plants:

Clump Forming Bamboo

• Green Stripestem
• Alphonse Karr
• Fern leaf
• Golden Goddess
• Silver stripe
• Tiny Fern
• Willowy
• Buddha’s Belly
• Punting Pole
• Tonkin Cane
• Southern Cane
• Simon
• Switch Cane

Runner Bamboo Plants

• Sunset Glow
• Green Panda
• Yellow Groove
• Timber
• Castillion
• Meyer
• Black Bamboo
• Henson
• Bissett

Lucky bamboo plants (Dracaena sanderiana) are common houseplants and are fun and easy to grow. Indoors, they can quickly reach a height of 3 feet (91 cm.) or more, prompting gardeners to ask, “Can you prune lucky bamboo?” Fortunately, the answer to that question is a resounding “yes!”—and it is a cinch to do.

Can You Prune Lucky Bamboo Plants?

Lucky bamboo isn’t really a type of bamboo at all, but rather a plant in a genus of trees and shrubs called Dracaena. Since lucky bamboo grows so fast, it has a tendency to become top-heavy, and the extra weight puts stress on the roots and the rest of the plant. Cutting back a lucky bamboo plant invigorates and refreshes it and encourages new growth. If desired, selective lucky bamboo plant pruning can even change the shape of the plant entirely.

When to Prune a Lucky Bamboo Plant

When to prune a lucky bamboo plant depends on the height of the plant. You don’t have to wait until a certain time of year to do the job. You can prune lucky bamboo whenever it gets too large to manage.

Lucky Bamboo Plant Pruning

Using very sharp, sterile pruning shears, cut back any shoots that are thin, overly long, or growing crookedly. The shoots are the stems that have leaves on them. Trim back shoots to a length of 1 or 2 inches (2.5-5 cm.) from the stalk. This will encourage more shoots to grow from the cut area and will create a denser, bushier look. If you wish to cut back your lucky bamboo more drastically, with the intention to reshape it, you can cut as many shoots as you want flush to the stalk. Usually new shoots will not regrow from the pruned areas due to the close cuts. Alternatively, you can cut the stalk to the desired height. Due to the possibility of infection, this is riskier than simply trimming shoots away. Plan carefully before you prune and be aware that the stalk will not grow any taller than where you make the cut. Only the new shoots will increase in height. If you take a close look at the stalk of your lucky bamboo plant, you will see clearly defined rings, called nodes, on it. Make your pruning cut just above one of the nodes. Your cuts must be clean and smooth to minimize the chance of infection. There is no need to cut either the shoots or the stalk at an angle. With a little planning and a few choice cuts, pruning lucky bamboo plants is an easy task!

Gardeners tend to think of bamboo plants as flourishing in the hottest areas of the tropics, and this is true. Some varieties are cold hardy however and grow in places where it snows in winter. If you live in zone 7, you’ll need to find hardy bamboo plants. Read on for tips on growing bamboo in zone 7.

Hardy Bamboo Plants

Typical bamboo plants are hardy to about 10 degrees F. (-12 C.). Since the temperatures in zone 7 can dip to 0 degrees (-18 C.), you’ll want to grow cold hardy bamboo plants. Two principal kinds of bamboo are clumpers and runners.

• Running bamboo can be invasive since it grows quickly and spreads by underground rhizomes. It is very hard to eliminate once established.
• Clumping bamboos only grow a little every year, about one inch (2.5 cm.) in diameter annually. They are not invasive.

If you want to start growing bamboo in zone 7, you can find cold hardy bamboos that are clumpers and others that are runners. Both zone 7 bamboo varieties are available in commerce.

Zone 7 Bamboo Varieties

If you plan on growing bamboo in zone 7, you’ll need a short list of zone 7 bamboo varieties.

Clumping

If you want clumpers, you might try Fargesia denudata, hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. These are unusual bamboo plants that arch gracefully. This bamboo thrives in icy weather, but also in humid high temperatures. Expect it to grow to between 10 and 15 feet (3-5 m.) tall. For a taller clumping specimen, you could plant Fargesia robusta ‘Pingwu’ Green Screen, a bamboo that stands upright and grows to 18 feet (5.5 m.) tall. It makes an excellent hedge plant and offers lovely persistent culm sheaths. It thrives in zones 6 through 9. Fargesia scabrida ‘Oprins Selection’ Asian Wonders are also hardy bamboo plants that grow happily in USDA zones 5 through 8. This bamboo is colorful, with orange culm sheaths and stems that begin blue gray but mature to a rich olive shade. These clumping varieties of bamboo for zone 7 grow to 16 feet (5 m.).

Runners

Are you are growing bamboo in zone 7 and willing to fight with your cold hardy bamboo plants to keep them where you belong? If so, you might try a unique runner plant called Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Lama Temple.' It grows to 25 feet tall (8 m.) and is hardy to -10 degrees F. (-23 C.). This bamboo is a bright gold hue. The sunward side of the new stems flush cherry red their first spring. Its bright shades seem to light up your garden.

Bamboo is a member of the grass family and a tropical, sub-tropical, or temperate perennial. Luckily, there are hardy bamboo plants that can be grown in areas where snow and severe winter ice occur annually. Even zone 6 residents can successfully grow an elegant and graceful bamboo stand without worrying their plants will succumb to cold temperatures. Many bamboo plants for zone 6 are even hardy into USDA zone 5, making them perfect specimens for northern regions. Learn which species are the most cold hardy so you can plan your zone 6 bamboo garden.

Growing Bamboo in Zone 6

Most bamboo grows in temperate to warm Asia, China, and Japan, but some forms occur in other regions of the world. The most cold tolerant groups are Phyllostachys and Fargesia. These can tolerate temperatures of -15 degrees F. (-26 C.). Zone 6 gardeners can expect temperatures to drop to -10 degrees F. (-23 C.), which means some bamboo species will thrive in the zone. Deciding which hardy bamboo plants to choose from these groups will depend upon what form you require. There are both running and clumping bamboo, each with its own pros and cons. Northern gardeners can harness the exotic, tropical feel of bamboo by choosing winter hardy varieties or providing a microclimate. Microclimates are found in many areas of the garden. Such areas may be in protected hollows of natural or created topography, against the protective walls of the home, or inside a fence or other structure that minimizes cold winds that can dry out plants and enhance the freezing temperatures. Growing bamboo in zone 6 that is less hardy may be done by containerizing plants and moving them indoors or to sheltered areas during the coldest periods of the winter. Choosing the hardiest bamboo plants will also ensure healthy plants that can thrive even when temperatures drop below freezing.

Zone 6 Bamboo Varieties

The Fargesia group are the desired clumping forms that are not as invasive as running types that colonize through vigorous, tough rhizomes. Phyllostachys are runners that can become invasive with no maintenance but can be kept in check by cutting back new shoots or planting inside a barrier. Both have the capacity to survive temperatures below 0 degrees F. (-18 C.), but leaf loss may occur and possibly even shoots will die back. As long as the crowns are protected by mulching or even covering during severe freezes, in most cases, even shoot death is recoverable and new growth will occur in spring. Selecting bamboo plants for zone 6 within these groups that are the most cold tolerant will increase the likelihood that plants will survive freezing winters. The cultivars 'Huangwenzhu,' 'Aureocaulis' and 'Inversa' of Phyllostachys vivax are hardy to -5 degrees F. (-21 C.). Phyllostachys nigra 'Henon' is also reliably hardy in zone 6. Other excellent cultivars to try in zone 6 are:

• Shibataea chinensis
• Shibataea kumasca
• Arundinaria gigantean

Clumping forms like Fargesia sp. 'Scabria' is specific for zone 6. Other options include:

• Indocalamus tessellatus
• Sasa veitchii or oshidensis
• Sasa morpha borealis

If you are concerned about cold pockets or want to use bamboo in exposed areas, choose plants hardy to zone 5 to be on the safe side. These include: Clumping

• Fargesia nitida
• Fargesia murielae
• Fargesia sp. Jiuzhaigou
• Fargesia Green Panda
• Fargesia denudata
• Fargesia dracocephala

Running

• Phyllostachys nuda
• Phyllostachys bissettii
• Phyllostachys Yellow Groove
• Phyllostachys Aureocaulis
• Phyllostachys Spetabilis
• Phyllostachys Incense Bamboo
• Phyllostachys Lama Temple

Bamboo is a great addition to the garden, as long as it’s kept in line. Running varieties can take over an entire yard, but clumping varieties and carefully maintained running ones make great screens and specimens. Finding cold hardy bamboo plants can be a little tricky, however, especially in zone 5. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best bamboo plants for zone 5 landscapes.

Bamboo Plants for Zone 5 Gardens

Here are some cold hardy bamboo plant varieties that will thrive in zone 5. 

Bissetii – One of the toughest bamboos around, it is hardy down to zone 4. It tends to grow to 12 feet (4 m.) in zone 5 and performs well in most soil conditions. 

Giant Leaf – This bamboo has the largest leaves of any bamboo grown in the U.S., with leaves reaching 2 feet (61 cm.) long and half a foot (15 cm.) wide. The shoots themselves are short, reaching 8 to 10 feet (2-3 m.) in height, and are hardy down to zone 5. 

Nuda – Cold hardy to zone 4, this bamboo has very small but lush leaves. It grows to 10 feet (3 m.) in height. 

Red Margin – Hardy down to zone 5, it grows very fast and makes for an excellent natural screen. It tends to reach 18 feet (5.5 m.) in height in zone 5 but will grow taller in warmer climates.

Ruscus – An interesting bamboo with dense, short leaves that give it the appearance of a shrub or hedge. Hardy to zone 5, it reaches 8 to 10 feet (2-3 m.) in height.

Solid Stem – Hardy to zone 4, this bamboo thrives in wet conditions.

Spectabilis – Hardy down to zone 5, it grows to 14 feet (4 m.) in height. Its canes have a very attractive yellow and green striping, and it will stay evergreen even in zone 5.

Yellow Groove – Similar in color to the Spectabilis, it has a yellow and green striping coloration. A certain number of the canes have a natural zig-zag shape. It tends to grow to 14 feet (4 m.) in a very dense pattern that makes for a perfect natural screen.

Bamboo gets a bad rap. Famous for spreading rapidly through underground rhizomes, it’s a plant that a lot of gardeners deem not worth the trouble. And while some varieties of bamboo can take over if not kept in check, there’s one surefire way to prevent those rhizomes from getting all over your yard: growing bamboo in pots. Keep reading to learn more about container grown bamboo and caring for bamboo in pots.

Growing Bamboo in Containers

Bamboo varieties can be split into two main categories: running and clumping. It’s the running ones that spread all over garden if you let them, while clumping varieties stay put and expand at a slow and respectable rate. Growing bamboo in pots is possible for both varieties, though there will be a difference in how quickly you have to repot them. 

Bamboo grows a lot, even the clumping kind, and leaving it in the same pot for too long will make it become root bound and weak, eventually killing it. Since running bamboo puts out so many runners, it’s likely to become root bound much faster.

 Part of caring for bamboo in pots is making sure it has ample room for its roots. Ten gallons (38 L.) is the smallest reasonable container size, and bigger is always better. Big 25- to 30-gallon (95-114 L.) wine barrels are ideal. 

If your container grown bamboo is in a smaller pot, you’ll have to either transplant it or divide it every few years to keep it healthy. Bamboo can be transplanted at any time of year, but division should take place in the autumn or winter.

How to Care for Bamboo in Containers

Other than root space, caring for bamboo in pots is easy. Bamboo needs plenty of water and good drainage. In the winter, the roots are at risk of cold. Protect them by wrapping the pot in burlap or mulching heavily. If you have especially cold winters, it might be safest and easiest to bring your container grown bamboo indoors. Keep the plants at 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit (4-10 C.) and give them plenty of light until outdoor temperatures rise again.

My bamboo is turning brown; is that normal? The answer is – maybe, or maybe not! If you’re noticing your bamboo plant tips are brown, it’s time to do some troubleshooting to determine the cause. Read on to determine possible reasons for a browning bamboo plant.

Causes for a Browning Bamboo Plant

Insect pests are often to blame for a bamboo with brown tips, and the most likely culprits are sap-sucking insects such as mites, mealybugs, scale or aphids.

• Mites – These miniscule pests, which are difficult to see with the naked eye, are especially common during dry weather when bamboo leaves are dusty. If you suspect mites, look for tiny specks and fine webbing on the leaves.
• Aphids – One of the most common sap-sucking pests, tiny aphids can do a lot of damage when left unchecked. Although aphids are usually green, they may also be tan, brown, red, yellow, grey or even black. Aphids excrete generous quantities of honeydew, which attracts hordes of ants. The sticky substance can also invite sooty mold.
• Scale – Scale are tiny, sap-sucking insects recognized by their waxy, brown or tan shell-like covering. Like aphids, many types of scale create honeydew that, in turn, draws ants and sooty mold to the bamboo plant.
• Mealybugs – These common bamboo pests are easy to spot by their whitish, cottony protective covering. Again, ants and sooty mold may result with an infestation of mealybugs.

Most sap-sucking insects are relatively easy to control by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. If the infestation is light, a strong blast of water with a spray nozzle may be enough to knock them off the leaves. Chemical insecticides generally aren’t necessary and tend to do much more harm than good as the toxins kill bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects. Cultural or environmental conditions can also lead to browning on bamboo plants.

• Heat – Too much heat or direct sunlight may be the reason for a browning bamboo plant, as most bamboo varieties prefer shade or partial sunlight.
• Water – Both under- and over-watering can cause a bamboo with brown tips. A new bamboo plant benefits from watering once or twice a week until the plant reaches the three- to six-month mark. After that time, in-ground plants usually require no supplemental irrigation. When it comes to potted bamboo, slightly on the dry side is always preferable to wet, soggy soil. A mature bamboo plant will let you know when it’s thirsty; don’t water the plant until the leaves begin to curl.
• Fertilizer – Be careful about using too much fertilizer, which may be responsible if bamboo plant tips are brown. Even natural fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, may contain salts that can burn bamboo leaves.
• Winter Damage – Most bamboo varieties tolerate winters in climates as far north as USDA planting zone 5. However, chilly weather can burn the leaves of many types of bamboo. Some of the leaves may even drop from the plant, but they’ll soon be replaced by new leaves.

Care of a Browning Bamboo

Once you‘ve resolved the reason for a browning bamboo plant, the plant should rebound nicely. However, it’s a good idea to trim the browned leaves or tips with a clean, sharp pair of scissors. Cut the leaves at an angle to create a more natural appearance. If the leaves are completely brown, just pull them gently from the plant.

Lucky bamboo isn’t actually bamboo at all, although it resembles the kind pandas eat in China. This popular houseplant is a member of the Dracaena family, oftentimes grown in water, and sometimes soil, and is said to bring good fortune to the household. Rotting lucky bamboo plants seem a decided sign of ill fortune. But preventing rot in lucky bamboo is not too difficult if you are attentive to the plant and act quickly when you see a problem with the plant’s roots. Read on to learn how to keep a lucky bamboo from rotting, especially when it’s grown in water.

Rotting Lucky Bamboo Plants

The lucky bamboo is a little green plant with one or more slender stems that grow roots on the lower end and leaves on the upper end. These are the plants sold in clear vases filled with water and pretty rocks, so that you can watch the roots grow. The key to keeping a lucky bamboo from rotting is to provide enough water, but not too much. All the plant’s roots should be below the lip of the glass container and in water. Most of the stems and all of the leaves should be above the lip and out of water. If you fill up a tall glass of water and plunk in the lucky bamboo plant, the stem is likely to rot and turn yellow. Likewise, if the roots outgrow the glass and you don’t prune them, the roots are likely to turn gray or black and rot.

How to Keep a Lucky Bamboo from Rotting

Good lucky bamboo plant care will go a long way toward keeping a lucky bamboo from rotting. If the plant currently lives in water, not soil, it is essential that you change the water at least every three weeks. Use bottled water, not tap water. Lucky bamboo plant care also involves careful placement. These plants require sun, but not too much. Lucky bamboo likes indirect light but not direct sun, so position it on a west-facing window sill for best results. If you see roots that are slimy or dark, snip them off with a nail scissor. If the roots grow mushy, cut off the plant stem above the roots. Treat the plant as a cutting and leave it in water to propagate another plant.

Bamboo has a reputation for being invasive and hard to control, and because of this, gardeners tend to shy away from it. This reputation isn’t unfounded, and you shouldn’t plant bamboo without first doing some research. If you plan accordingly and pay attention to what variety you’re planting, however, bamboo can be a great addition to your garden. Keep reading to learn about different varieties of bamboo.

Bamboo Plant Types

Bamboo can be split into two general types: running and clumping.

Clumping bamboo grows just as the name suggests – in a big clump of grass that mainly grows up and stays put where you’ve planted it. This is the recommended type if you want a well-behaved bamboo stand in your garden that you don’t have to worry about spreading.

Running bamboo, on the other hand, will spread like crazy if not kept in check. It propagates by sending out underground runners, called rhizomes, which send up new shoots elsewhere. These rhizomes can travel more than 100 feet (30 m.) before sprouting, meaning your new bamboo patch may suddenly become your neighbor’s new bamboo patch as well; and then their neighbor’s. It is because of this, you should not plant running bamboo unless you know how to contain it and are willing to keep an eye on it.

You can achieve a containing effect underground by surrounding the bamboo with metal sheeting, concrete, or a store-bought root barrier, buried a minimum of 2 feet (61 cm) below ground and extending a minimum of 4 inches (10 cm) above ground.

Bamboo roots are surprisingly shallow, and this should stop any runners. You should still check on the bamboo regularly, though, to make sure no rhizomes have escaped. Planting your bamboo in a large above-ground container that does not rest on soil is a more foolproof option.

Common Bamboo Varieties

Bamboo is an evergreen grass that has different cold tolerances for different types of bamboo. The varieties of bamboo you can plant outdoors will be dictated by the coldest temperature your area reaches in winter.

Cold-hardy types

Three running bamboo varieties that are very cold hardy include:

• Golden Grove
• Black bamboo
• Kuma bamboo

Two cold hardy clumping bamboo plant types are:

• Chinese Mountain
• Umbrella bamboo

The warmer your climate, the more your options you have for different types of bamboo.

Warm climate types

Clumping bamboo varieties:

• Chinese Goddess
• Hedge bamboo
• Fernleaf
• Silverstripe

Running types include:

• Black bamboo
• Red Margin
• Golden Golden
• Giant Japanese Timber

There are over one thousand species of bamboo. Some are majestic giants soaring to over 100 feet (31 m.) in the air. Others are shrub-like, growing only 3 feet (1 m.) tall. Bamboo plants belong to the grass family. They are more closely related to turf grass than they are to a tree. Most bamboos hail from the tropics, but there are also many temperate bamboos. A few can even survive freezing mountain temperatures. While these plants are generally hardy, when bamboo leaves are yellow, this could signal an issue. Read on to learn more.

Yellowing Bamboo Leaves

Bamboo is a popular ornamental and edible plant. Many homeowners and gardeners plant bamboo because it can screen out unwanted views or create a private space. Bamboo is fast growing and spreads quickly. Like all ornamental plants, bamboo has certain requirements to stay healthy. True bamboo has hollow stems and bright green leaves. If your bamboo leaves are yellow, this could be a sign that your plant is failing.

How to Treat Yellow Bamboo Leaves

Bamboo is an evergreen plant. All evergreen plants lose their leaves, but they don’t lose them all at once like their deciduous friends. Some yellowing bamboo leaves and dropping bamboo leaves are normal processes throughout the year. There will be a bit more leaf loss in the spring. So if just a few of your bamboo stems and leaves are turning yellow, this is probably normal attrition. If large parts or all of your bamboo is turning yellow, however, then you most likely have a problem. Problematic yellowing bamboo leaves can be due to low soil nutrients, boggy soil or overwatering, lack of water, or stressful growing situations. If you want help for yellow bamboo leaves, check the soil regularly. Bamboo needs good drainage. If the soil is mucky and boggy, then you are overwatering or the bamboo is planted in the wrong spot. Reduce irrigation. If your soil is really dry, then you need to increase your irrigation run time and/or frequency. Bamboo likes a lot of water and is not a drought tolerant plant. Remember that bamboo plants spread wider and wider each year. You will need to adapt your irrigation set-up as the bamboo grows. Allow the bamboo leaf litter to stay on the ground rather than rake it up. This helps hold moisture in the soil. Bamboo plants like acidic, rich, loamy soil. Bamboo will benefit from regular, yearly applications of organic compost. Organic compost provides a variety of soil nutrients at a modest rate. It also helps hold soil nutrients for your bamboo plants to use and opens up heavy clay soil that doesn’t drain well. Stressful growing situations for your bamboo plants could mean the site is too windy, too hot, too dry, or too polluted. If you have one of these situations, you may need to mitigate it by growing a windbreak, adding more irrigation water, or reducing nearby applications of chemical pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Growing bamboo is fun and easy. One of the most exciting aspects of growing bamboo is to witness how quickly it grows. If your bamboo stems and leaves are turning yellow, try some of these suggestions to get your bamboo back on track.

A healthy stand of bamboo is surprisingly resistant to pests and diseases. Even so, you may occasionally notice spots and discolorations that indicate problems. This article has the answer to common bamboo plant problems.

Preventing Bamboo Diseases

It’s easier to prevent bamboo plant diseases than to cure them once they take hold. Good growing conditions promote healthy plants that resist diseases. Here’s what a bamboo plant needs to thrive:

• Good water management is essential. The plants need a steady supply of moisture, but at the same time, the soil should drain well so that it doesn’t stay soggy for long. Organically rich soils help regulate moisture.
• A location with plenty of bright sunlight promotes good health and vigor.
• Proper nutrition helps keep plants green and growing. A bamboo fertilizer is best, but not always available. Palm fertilizers also work well, and in a pinch you can use a lawn fertilizer. Be careful that you don’t use a weed and feed product that contains herbicides.

Some diseases in bamboo plants are spread primarily through nurseries that sell diseased plants. Make sure you buy your plants from a reputable nursery, and ask if the plants have been tested for disease.

Treating Bamboo Problems

Before you can treat bamboo diseases, you have to identify the problem. Fortunately, there aren’t many diseases that affect bamboo, and they are easily distinguished. If the bamboo disease treatment calls for pruning, disinfect the pruning shears between cuts by flaming the blades so that you don’t spread the disease.

• Fungal spots – Fungal spots, like rust, sometimes appear on older plants. The spots are round and mostly cosmetic. They appear most often in humid climates. You can treat the disease with a copper-based fungicide, but since the plants that have spots are old, consider culling them to make room for younger, more vigorous plants.
• Bamboo Mosaic Virus – this virus is usually acquired in a nursery setting where it is transmitted on the blades of pruning tools. The first symptom is a mosaic discoloration pattern on the leaves. You will eventually see dieback beginning at the top of the plant. There is no cure for the disease, but you may be able to keep the plants alive for a while with aggressive pruning. Remember to sterilize pruners between cuts.
• Sooty mold – Sooty mold is caused by small, sucking insects such as mealybugs, aphids and scale insects. As these insects feed, they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. The honeydew quickly becomes infested with the sooty mold fungus, causing unsightly black spots. You can wash it off the plant, but as long as you have an insect infestation, it returns repeatedly. Get rid of the insects with frequent applications of insecticidal soaps or oils. Follow the label instructions, and apply as often as the instructions allow until the insects are gone. With oils, it is important to follow the timing guidelines on the label.
• Rot issues – Root rots and heart rots also affect bamboo. Heart rot is a fungus living inside the stems and can occur in any part of the stem. Root rot affects the roots and lower part of the stem. Either type of rot may be accompanied by mushrooms growing on the bamboo or on the soil at the base of the plant. These diseases can’t be cured and will eventually kill the plant. Remove the plants, taking care to remove all of the roots to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.

When I think of bamboo, I recall the forests of bamboo on a Hawaiian vacation. Obviously, the weather there is consistently mild and, thus, the cold tolerance of bamboo plants is nil. Since most of us don't live in such a paradise, growing cold hardy bamboo plants is a necessity. What are some cold weather bamboo varieties suitable for the colder USDA zones? Read on to find out.

About Cold Hardy Bamboo Varieties

Bamboo, in general, is a fast-growing evergreen. They are two ilks: Leptomorph and Pachymorph.

• Leptomorph bamboos have monopodial running rhizomes and spread vigorously. They need to be managed and, if not, are known to grow rampantly and willfully.
• Pachymorph refers to those bamboos that have sympodial clumping roots. The genus Fargesia is an example of a pachymorph or clumping variety that is also a cold tolerant bamboo variety.

The hardy bamboo varieties of Fargesia are native understory plants found in the mountains of China under pines and along streams. Until recently, only a couple of species of Fargesia have been available. F. nitida and F. murieliae, both of which flowered and subsequently died within a five year period.

Cold Hardy Bamboo Plant Options

Today, there are a number of hardy bamboo varieties in the genus Fargesia that have the highest cold tolerance for bamboo plant cultivars. These cold tolerant bamboos create gorgeous evergreen hedges in shade to partial shaded locations. Fargesia bamboos grow to a height of 8 to 16 feet (2-5 m.) tall, depending upon the variety and are all clumping bamboos that do no spread more that 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) per year. They will grow almost anywhere in the United States, including the southern to southeast climactic zones where it is very hot and humid.

• F. denudate is an example of these cold weather bamboos that has an arching habit and is not only cold tolerant but tolerates heat and humidity as well. It is suitable to USDA zone 5 through 9.
• F. robusta (or ‘Pingwu') is an upright bamboo with a clumping habit and, like the previous bamboo, handles the heat and humidity of the southeastern United States. ‘Pingwu' will do well in USDA zones 6 through 9.
• F. rufa ‘Oprins Selection' (or Green Panda), is another clumping, cold hardy and heat tolerant bamboo. It grows to 10 feet (3 m.) and is hardy to USDA zones 5 through 9. This is the bamboo that is the favorite food of the giant panda and will grow well in most any environment.
• A newer varietal, F. scabrida (or Asian Wonder) has narrow leaves with orange culm sheaths and steel-blue stems when young that mature to an olive green. A good selection for USDA zones 5 through 8.

With these new varieties of cold hardy bamboos, everyone can bring a little piece of paradise into their home garden.

For many of us, the only source of crunchy bamboo shoots is the small cans found in the grocery store. However, you can grow your own nutrient rich source of this versatile food while also adding dimension and drama to your garden. So if you are a bamboo shoot fan, read on for more information on how to grow bamboo shoots for eating.

What are Bamboo Shoots?

Bamboo is in the grass family of plants and grows fairly easily and rapidly in a variety of zones. The canes are a traditional source of food, fiber, building material, and medicinal use. What are bamboo shoots? They are simply the newly sprouted canes that form just under the soil and have a firm, crisp texture. Bamboo grows from rhizomes, which are underground stems carrying the genetic material necessary for growth and featuring growth nodes which are sprouting points on the stem. You may have a clumping or running variety of bamboo, but each will still start from rhizomes.

Are Bamboo Shoots Edible?

Are bamboo shoots edible? Bamboo shoots are edible in most varieties and provide a nice crunch in stir fries and other recipes. In many Asian countries, bamboo shoots as vegetables are harvested as a national crop. The shoots are classic ingredients in Chinese and other Asian foods, but result from the sprouts of new growth on a mature bamboo plant. Not only are bamboo shoots edible but they are low in fat and calories, easy to grow and harvest, as well as containing loads of fiber and potassium. They have a very mild taste but they accept the flavors of other foods easily and can blend into almost any cuisine. Bamboo shoots need to be peeled before using in cooking, as the culm has a thick, almost woody, exterior that is hard to chew. Inside the peel is a softer texture with a slightly sweet but benign flavor. Culms or shoots are harvested at two weeks or when just about the size of a mature ear of sweet corn. The sprouting season for harvesting bamboo shoots is in spring and lasts only about three to four weeks. The best tasting sprouts are very young and harvested prior to emerging from the soil, but you can mound dirt over any that have surfaced to keep the sprout tender and allow it to grow larger.

How to Grow Bamboo Shoots for Eating

Any gardener with a stand of bamboo can easily harvest and enjoy their own shoots. The tender growths are best when harvested before showing their tips above the soil. Excavate around the base of the main plant to find the shoots and excise them with a sharp knife. You can grow them larger by covering the tips with a heap of soil to prevent the shoot from meeting the light, which will harden the sheath. Harvesting bamboo shoots early provides the highest nutrient density and best texture and flavor. The new shoots have crispness similar to young asparagus but must be peeled and cooked for 20 minutes prior to ingestion to remove the woody exterior and any bitterness in the shoot. Growing bamboo shoots as vegetables will increase the diversity of your family's diet and add dimension to your recipes.

Heavenly bamboo plants have many uses in the landscape. The leaves change colors from a delicate green in spring to deep maroon in fall through winter. Growing heavenly bamboo is not complicated. Heavenly bamboo is the common name of this plant; it is not related to plants in the invasive bamboo family. Heavenly bamboo care is simple and straightforward. Once you've learned the basics of caring for heavenly bamboo, you can enjoy this attractive plant in your landscape during all seasons.

About Heavenly Bamboo Plants

If you're thinking of growing heavenly bamboo, choose a location with full sun. Heavenly bamboo plants are attractive as part of a shrub border, in groupings, or even as a standalone focal point. Small, white flowers appear in late spring to summer in USDA garden zones 6 through 9 where it is hardy. Standard heavenly bamboo plants, Nandina domestica, can grow to 8 feet (2 m.) in maturity with a spread as wide. Most vibrant foliage color results from growing in full sun. Shorter cultivars of heavenly bamboo plants, such as Wood's Dwarf and Harbour Dwarf, usually reach about 18 inches (45.5 cm.). These more compact types of heavenly bamboo plants work well as edging plants around large beds. The cultivar Firecracker is a dwarf with brilliant, red fall foliage. Whether short or tall, Nandina plants are prized for their deep maroon color in fall and winter. Clusters of red berries abound and are useful for indoor holiday arrangements. Berries should be removed before the birds get to them, however, as a responsible part of caring for heavenly bamboo. Seeds spread by birds tend to easily sprout among native vegetation, giving heavenly bamboo plants the reputation of being invasive.

Heavenly Bamboo Care

When choosing the location for growing heavenly bamboo, make sure the soil is well-draining. Amend the soil with well-composted materials to improve drainage, if needed. Rich soil is preferable for growing this plant. Remember, a full sun location makes leaf color more vibrant. Feed and water Nandina plants as you care for surrounding specimens. If the leaves of the Nandina plant begin to yellow, treat them with nitrogen-based fertilizer. The multiple stems of this plant are called canes. A fun task when growing heavenly bamboo is the pruning of heavenly bamboo canes. When pruning heavenly bamboo, take the canes to different levels. This will encourage a fuller appearance and keep the shrub from looking skimpy at the bottom. Nandina plants are best allowed to grow in their natural form, however, never sheared or clipped as a formal hedge.

Did you know that most bamboo plants only flower once every 50 years? You probably don't have the time to wait around for your bamboo to produce seeds, so you're going to have to divide your existing clumps and transplant them when you want to propagate your plants. 

Bamboo will grow and spread quickly, but there is no real way to direct it into far corners of the garden. Take a portion of an established clump, however, and you can create a new stand of bamboo in one season. Let's learn more about transplanting bamboo.

When to Relocate Bamboos

Bamboo plants can be a bit finicky when it comes to transplanting, yet if you treat them right, they'll spread all over the new area in very little time. Never transplant your bamboo when new shoots are forming; early in the spring or late in the fall are the best times. The roots are very sensitive to lack of moisture and to sunlight, so choose a cloudy, misty day for the absolute best results.

How to Transplant Bamboo

The roots of the bamboo plant are amazingly tough. You'll need a sharp shovel or axe to cut the root bunches for bamboo plant moving. The easiest way is to use a chainsaw. Wear protective clothing and eye covering to prevent thrown rocks or splinters. 

Cut down through the earth about a foot away from the clump of stems. Make a complete circle through the dirt, slicing down about 12 inches (30+ cm.). Slide a shovel underneath the clump and rock it up out of the ground. Plunge the root clump into a bucket of water immediately. Lean the stand of bamboo against a shed or fence, as this plant doesn't do well if you lay it down on the ground. Have a moist hole already dug for the bamboo's new home. 

Carry the bucket to the hole and transfer the clump of bamboo from the water to the soil. Cover the roots and water the plant very well. Cover the base of the plant with organic mulch such as dried leaves or grass clippings. Bamboo loves water, especially when it's stressed, and mulch will shade the soil and help keep in as much moisture as possible. 

Set up some shade for the new bamboo plants by stretching cheesecloth or other light fabric over poles to create a sort of light tent. This will give the new bamboo clump some added protection while it establishes itself. Once you see fresh new shoots coming up, you can remove the shade fabric, but keep the soil moist throughout the year.

Bamboo Palm: Ultimate Plant Care And Growing Guide

If you want to bring a bit of the tropics into your home, try growing a bamboo palm. The bamboo palm plant is named for its resemblance to bamboo but is not a member of the same genus. 

Growing a bamboo palm tree is a terrific way to get the look of a palm but with a restrained size and low light requirement. While this variety of palm can be grown in USDA zones 10-11 but is more common to see a bamboo palm indoors, grown as a houseplant. Keep reading to learn how to grow and care for a bamboo palm. 

Quick Facts:

Botanical name: Chamaedorea seifrizii

Height: 6.5 feet (2 m)

Spread: 3-6 feet (1-2 m)

Sun exposure: Partial shade

Soil requirements: Rich, moist, well-draining

Hardiness zones: USDA 10-11

When to plant: Spring

Bamboo Palm Care

Native to Mexico and Central America where it can be found growing as an understory plant, bamboo palm trees require similar conditions to thrive. That said, however, this palm is as easy-care as they come. 

Light

Bamboo palm plants are fairly unfussy regarding their light. They thrive equally in low to medium light conditions. They will even tolerate bright light as long as it isn't hot sun, which will burn the delicate fronds. 

Water

Ideally, keep the soil consistently moist; neither too wet or dry. Allow the top of the soil to dry between waterings. 

Temperature & Humidity

Like other palms, bamboo palms enjoy warm temperatures and medium relative humidity. The average house temperature is probably fine, however, you may need to supplement humidity by placing the plant near a humidifier, misting the leaves daily or placing the container atop a sauce filled with pebbles. 

Soil

Rich, well-draining soil is recommended for the bamboo palm. A standard potting mix amended with peat moss, orchid bark and perlite is ideal for this palm. 

Fertilizer

Use a granular, time release fertilizer during the palm’s growing season of spring and summer. Discontinue fertilizing during the fall and winter. 

Problems, Pests & Diseases

Bamboo palms are fairly pest resistant although they may still be afflicted with aphids, white flies, fungus gnats, mealybugs, and scale, 

Otherwise this palm is fairly resistant to pests and diseases. It can get fungal disease if the roots are allowed to stay wet and may be prone to stem blight, stem rot and root rot.

How to Plant a Bamboo Palm

Plant your bamboo palm in rich, well-draining soil in a container with sufficient drainage holes. Place the plant in a warm area with good relative humidity in medium to low light. 

Pruning

For the most part, there is no reason to prune a bamboo palm. The only time it’s really necessary is if you see dead or yellowing foliage. In this case, use a sharp, sterile pruning shear to remove the offending frond.

Propagation

Bamboo palms can be propagated using their offshoots. Remove the offshoots using a sterile knife, separating them from the parent plant. Be sure each offshoot has its own root supply and then repot them into containers of loamy, well-draining soil. Keep the newly potted plants in a warm, humid area for a couple of months while they establish. 

Repotting

Although bamboo palms are slow growing, they will grow into the size pot they’re provided. If this seems to be the case, you may either continue to retard the size of the palm or repot it into a larger container.

Overwintering

If you are growing a bamboo palm indoors as a houseplant, ease off the water and stop fertilizing altogether during the winter months. 

Outdoor bamboo palms dislike cold and wet conditions and will not survive. If you are growing them in containers outside, move them indoors to overwinter them. 

There is a more hardy bamboo palm, Chamaedorea microspadix, which can survive freezing temps below 23 F (-5 C). 

Bamboo Palm Varieties

Most bamboo palm varieties have green pinnate leaves (leaves on either side of the stem) but a few have smaller or fused leaflets that may be blue or metallic green. The one thing they all have in common is a tall central trunk that looks much like bamboo. 

The bamboo palm genus has more than 100 species including Chamaedprea elegans and C. microspadix. The most common, perfect for use as a houseplant is C. seifrizii. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Bamboo Palms Last?

Outside, bamboo palms can live for up to 100 years, but indoors, their life is reduced to about 10 years. 

Are Bamboo Palms Toxic to Cats and Dogs?

Good news! Bamboo palms are non-toxic to cats and dogs, although Fluffy, the cat, will no doubt nibble and play with the fronds just to be sure. 

See our Complete Guide to Houseplants

Usually, when people ask about growing bamboo indoors, what they are really asking about is lucky bamboo care. Lucky bamboo is not a bamboo at all, but rather a type of Dracaena. Regardless of the mistaken identity, the proper care of a lucky bamboo plant (Dracaena sanderiana) is important to the long-term health of indoor bamboo. Keep reading to learn a little about the care of a lucky bamboo plant.

Lucky Bamboo Indoor Plant Care

Often, you will see people growing lucky bamboo indoors in their offices or low light parts of their homes. This is because lucky bamboo needs very little light. It grows best in low, indirect light. That being said, when you grow lucky bamboo inside, it does need some light. It will not grow well in near darkness. Most people growing lucky bamboo indoors will also have their lucky bamboo growing in water. If your lucky bamboo is growing in water, make sure to change the water every two to four weeks. The lucky bamboo plant will need at least 1 to 3 inches (2.5-8 cm.) of water before it has grown roots. Once it has grown roots, you will need to make sure that the roots are covered by the water. As your lucky bamboo grows, you can increase the amount of water it grows in. The higher up the stalk the water goes, the higher up the stalk the roots will grow. The more roots the lucky bamboo has, the more lush the top foliage will grow. In addition, try adding a small drop of liquid fertilizer when changing the water to help the lucky bamboo grow. When you grow lucky bamboo inside, you can also choose to transplant it into soil. Make sure that the container you will be growing the lucky bamboo in has good drainage. Water the plant frequently, but do not allow it to become waterlogged. Growing lucky bamboo indoors is easy with just a little lucky bamboo care. You can grow lucky bamboo inside and help get your Feng Shui a boost in your home or office.

A homeowner who has had bamboo thrust upon them by a careless neighbor or a previous homeowner knows that trying to get rid of bamboo can be a nightmare. Eliminating bamboo plants is one of the toughest things you can do in the garden, but it can be done. 

With diligence and perseverance, you can control the bamboo spread and even kill bamboo plants that have invaded unwanted places. Keep reading to learn more about how to eliminate bamboo plants in your garden.

How to Get Rid of Bamboo

Eliminating bamboo plants starts with a shovel. The creeping rhizomes and roots of bamboo are virtually immune to the herbicides people normally use on unwanted plants. In order to start to get rid of bamboo, you must physically dig up the offending clump. 

Make sure you remove as many of the roots as possible. After this, you are NOT done in your efforts to control bamboo spread. This is just the beginning. Even if you think you remove all of the bamboo roots and rhizomes, it will return. From here you have two options in how to eliminate bamboo. 

You can either diligently kill bamboo plants as the plants reemerge or you can get rid of the bamboo by mowing it down frequently. If you opt to get rid of bamboo with chemical controls, as soon as you see new bamboo shoots emerge, spray them with the strongest herbicide you can buy. 

Eliminating bamboo plants with this method requires that you be very diligent. If you allow a bamboo shoot to grow for too long without treating it, you will have to start over in your control bamboo spread. If you would like an organic method of eliminating bamboo plants and shoots as they emerge, you can also use boiling water on the shoots.

As with the chemical method, you must treat any bamboo shoots as soon as they appear. If you decide to get rid of bamboo with the mowing method, mow over the area where the bamboo was as frequently as you do your lawn. Use the lowest deck setting on your mower.

Regardless of the method you use to kill bamboo plants, expect that it will take you two to three years of treating the infested area before you will completely control bamboo spread.

How to Control Bamboo Spread from Neighboring Properties

If you find your efforts to kill bamboo plants thwarted by spread from a neighbor, you will need to build a barrier to keep the bamboo from spreading to your yard. The barrier can be made of concrete or metal. 

Wood can also be used, but be aware that it will eventually decompose and the bamboo will push through again. The barrier will need to go down 2 feet (0.5 m.) deep and should come up at least 6 inches (15 cm.). Inspect the barrier every few months to make sure that no bamboo has crept over the barrier.

Once considered an exotic plant in the garden, many gardeners have discovered that bamboo is a versatile and robust addition to the home garden. Bamboo growth is fast and thick, and can quickly add a lovely and lush feature to the garden in no time. Caring for bamboo plants is easy and simple. Here are a few tips on bamboo plant care to help you.

Choosing a Location for Bamboo Plants

Bamboo (Bambusa spp.) is a versatile plant and most species can survive in many conditions. But bamboo growing in full sun will grow the fastest. Bamboo plants also like to have fertile, slightly acidic, well drained but moist soil. Remember, these are simply the best conditions under which to get the best bamboo growth. As long as you provide a few of these conditions, most bamboos will still be happy.

Planting Bamboo Plants

Once you have chosen a place to start your bamboo growing, you can plant your bamboo. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the rootball on your bamboo. Set the bamboo in the hole and spread the roots out some in the hole. Gently backfill the hole, tamping down the soil some as you go. Water the hole thoroughly to help fill in any air pockets. 

Planting the bamboo this way allows the bamboo to establish faster, as the soil around it will be loose and the roots and rhizomes will be able to grow in it more quickly. Water weekly until the bamboo plants are established. If possible, provide some shade to the newly planted bamboo for the first two weeks after planting.

Caring for Bamboo Plants

Bamboo plant care after the plants are established is pretty straightforward. Bamboo does best if it gets at least 1 inch (2.5 cm..) of water a week, either from rainfall or manual watering. Water bamboo deeply to encourage deep roots, which will help protect your bamboo from drought. If possible, do not rake up bamboo leaves from the bamboo roots. 

The leaves will help keep the roots protected and moist. They will also return essential nutrients to the soil as they decompose, which will encourage bamboo growth. Adding a layer of mulch to bamboo roots will also keep your bamboo growing strong. Proper bamboo plant care recommends that a layer of compost or balanced fertilizer be added in the spring.

Controlling Bamboo Growth

Sometimes bamboo growing in your yard will grow too much. It is important to find out how aggressive your variety of bamboo plants are. If you have a vigorous growing bamboo, such as the running type, you will want to consider planting it in a barrier or installing a barrier if the clump is already established. 

The barrier should go down at least 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm.) underground, if not more, and be 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm.) above ground. The barrier should surround the bamboo completely. Once the barrier is installed, check the top of the barrier at least once a year. Cut back any bamboo growing over the top of the barrier to prevent it from escaping. Caring for bamboo plants is almost care free, especially if growing the clumping variety vs. the running, more invasive type. 

Also, check with your local extension office beforehand to see if planting the running bamboo varieties is allowed, as in some areas it may be banned, though the clumping bamboo is typically fine. Enjoy the tropical and Asian flair that having bamboo growing in your garden is sure to add.