TYPES OF BAMBOO
What kind of bamboo should I use for my living wall or yard?
Since there are some 2,000-plus species of bamboo, you will want to familiarize yourself with the benefits of a few core varieties. Do you need bamboo that is tall, say greater than 20’ in height? Do you want something short, perhaps, 15’ or shorter? Do you want bamboo that has large massive canes, or are you looking for something that provides more privacy than aesthetics?
Our clients often would like a couple of different types of bamboo. One area of the yard might need privacy from a neighbor's second-story window, while another part of the yard is looking to screen pedestrians and animals.
Oldhamii Bamboo – Oldham’s – Ryoku-Chiku - Giant Timber Bamboo – ‘Bambusa Oldhamii’
Attributes: Straight & erect culms wide leaves tight clumps.
Height: 55-60 feet tall with a culm diameter of 4+ inches.
Exposure: Full to partial sun
Cold Hardy: As low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
Type: Oldhamii Bamboo – Oldham’s – Giant Timber Bamboo – Bambusa Oldhamii is known as a clumping or non-invasive bamboo that grows well in central Florida.
About: Contrary to many posts online, we feel that due to a lack of plant density when compared to other bamboo species, it does not make as good a privacy screen especially when we compare it to graceful.
Precautions: The plant fibers can cause itchiness and skin irritation similar to fiberglass insulation.
Fast grower: Once established you will notice this bamboo grow right before your eyes.
OLDHAMII BAMBOO – OLDHAM’S – RYOKU-CHIKU - GIANT TIMBER BAMBOO – ‘BAMBUSA OLDHAMII’
Golden Hawaiian Bambusa Vulgaris ‘Vittata’
Type: Clumping, non-running which is always recommended.
Also known as: Bambusa Vulgaris Vittata
Height: Grows up to 60’ in height. Culm Diameter 4-5”
About: While it is one of the most beautiful bamboo species, we feel that due to a lack of plant density when compared to other bamboo species, it does not make as good a privacy screen especially when we compare it to graceful. Consider using this in conjunction with other bamboo to provide a better screen.
GRACEFUL - ‘BAMBUSA TEXTILIS GRACILIS’ AKA THE RICH MAN'S BAMBOO
Attributes: This bamboo is known as Slender Weaver. Graceful bamboo is a noninvasive tight-clumping bamboo. As its name implies, graceful bamboo has a very graceful appearance, with the culms of the bamboo upright and the peaks of the foliage slightly nodding or drooping over. This bamboo is an excellent choice for a living or green wall.
Height: 25 feet tall with a culm diameter of 1 inches +/-.
Exposure: Full to partial sun
Cold Hardy: As low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Type: Graceful Bamboo – Bambusa Textilis Gracilis is known as a clumping or non-invasive bamboo that grows well in central Florida.
EMERALD - ‘TEXTILIS MUTABILIS’
Attributes: Due to its diameter, this bamboo will grow tall and upright. It's a perfect alternative to oldhamii because it can screen at the base level right after being planted.
Height: 30-40 feet tall with a culm diameter of 2+ inches.
Exposure: Full to partial sun
Cold Hardy: *As low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Attributes: Emerald, a relative of the ‘Bambusa Textilis Gracilis’ aka graceful, is known as a clumping or non-invasive bamboo that also grows well in central Florida. Think of this as a taller more upright alternative to graceful. You will see this variety at many theme parks where height is needed as a screen without sacrificing fullness and the lush green backdrop it provides. emerald - ‘textilis mutabilis’
DWARF BUDDHA BELLY ‘BAMBUSA VULGARIS’ – ‘WAMIN’
Attributes: While it is our opinion any bamboo can be a focal point, none fits this class of aesthetically interesting bamboo quite like the Dwarf Buddha Belly. The species is characterized by unique culms and striking green foliage. The lower half of the Dwarf Buddha Belly has few if any branches and is known by its pear shaped inflated internodes.
Height: 15-20 feet tall with a culm diameter of 4 inches.
Exposure: Full to partial sun
Moderately Cold Hardy: As low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Type: Dwarf Buddha Belly – Bambusa vulgaris ‘Wamin’ is known as a clumping or non-invasive bamboo that grows well in central Florida.
dwarf buddha belly
BLACK BAMBOO – ‘BAMBUSA LAKO’
Attributes: Not as cold hardy as Asian Lemon, Graceful, Oldhamii, or Tropical Blue, Black bamboo is best known for its shiny black culms and feathery green leaves. In the best conditions, Black Bamboo can grow to 35 feet in height with culms over 3 inches in diameter. 25 feet is its average height in most climates. But this bamboo can top out at a recorded 45 feet in height. Black Bamboo makes a very nice ornamental bamboo and can be used as a blind for equipment and pumps, it makes a great privacy screen in both commercial and residential applications. This bamboo variety adds elegance and provenance to any space. Because of its striking beauty and relative ease of care, Black Bamboo is appropriate for commercial light, industrial, and residential applications.
Height: 40’+ feet tall with a culm diameter of 3 inches.
Exposure: Full to partial sun
Semi-Cold Hardy: As low as 25-30 degrees Fahrenheit
Spacing: 8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
Type: Timor Black Bamboo – ‘Bambusa lako’ is known as a clumping or non-invasive bamboo that grows well in central Florida.
TROPICAL BLUE BAMBOO – ‘BAMBUSA CHUNGII’
Attributes: Culms are bluish-white with pronounced light green leaves. Strikingly handsome bamboo is categorized by spectacular white wax on its nicely spaced culms. No low branching
Height: 35 feet tall with a culm diameter of 3 inches.
Exposure: Full to partial sun
Cold Hardy: As low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Type: Tropical Blue Bamboo—Bambusa Chungii is a clumping or non-invasive bamboo that grows well in central Florida.
ASIAN LEMON BAMBOO – BAMBUSA EUTULDOIDES ‘VIRIDI-VITTATA’
Attributes: Asian Lemon Bamboo will grow to heights in upwards of 25 feet. The Asian Lemon Bamboo is a great choice for privacy screening. When established this species is characterized by its striking color, yellow striped culms and beautiful dark green leaves.
Height: 25 feet tall with a culm diameter of 1 inch.
Exposure: Full sun Asian Lemon Bamboo – BAMBUSA EUTULDOIDES ‘VIRIDI-VITTATA’
Cold Hardy: As low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
pH: 5.6 to 6.0 (acidic) – 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) – 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Watering Requirements: Asian Lemon Bamboo requires a consistent moist soil with no dry periods between waterings.
Spacing: no restrictions – generally 12″-24″ grows in fairly erect tight clumps.
Leaves: Small yellow & green striped appearance.
Origin: Southern China
Uses: Privacy screening, limited noise attenuation, specimen
Type: Asian Lemon Bamboo – Bambusa eutuldoides ‘Viridi-Vittata’ is known as a clumping or non-invasive bamboo that grows well in central Florida.
bambusa eutuldoides ‘viridi-vittata’
BONNIE BAMBOO ‘BAMBUSA BONIOPSIS’
Attributes: This bamboo with its lower relative height to other bamboo is known as great alternative to Podocarpus. Characterized with a small leaf size with delicate appearance the bonnie leaves droop when young. Makes a fantastic privacy screen!
Height: 15-20 feet tall with a culm diameter of 1-1.2 inches.
Exposure: Full to partial sun
Cold Hardy: As low as 27 degrees Fahrenheit.
Type: Bambusa boniopsis – Bonnie Bamboo is known as a clumping or non-invasive bamboo that grows well in central Florida.
MALAY DWARF BAMBOO – ‘BAMBUSA HETEROSTACHYA’
Attributes: Cold Hardy drought tolerant. Frost Tolerant once established and makes a very nice thick hedge – you may trim to your size and preference. Known to arch due to its thick heavy foliage.
Height: 12-15 feet tall with a culm diameter .5 - 1.5 inches.
Exposure: Full to partial sun
Cold Hardy: As low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Type: Malay Dwarf Bamboo – Bambusa Heterostachya is known as a clumping or non-invasive bamboo that grows well in central Florida.
FERN LEAF BAMBOO FOR SALE – ‘BAMBUSA MULTIPLEX’
7 Gallon – Call or text for availability
15 Gallon – Call or text for availability
25 Gallon – Call or text for availability
Attributes: While this bamboo can reach 20’ its a top choice for those looking for a hedgwall. The reason is, just like boniopsis this bamboo is fairly easy to clip back and shape to fit both the couture and height requirements many homeowners have.
Attributes: Smaller leaf size generally 10-20 2 ranked leaves.
Height: 15-20 feet tall** with a culm diameter of 1-1.2 inches.
Exposure: Full to partial sun
Cold Hardy: As low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit.
Type: Fernleaf Bamboo ‘Bambusa multiplex’ is known as a clumping or non-invasive bamboo that grows well in central Florida.