Low Country Bamboo
843.754.1094
Charleston, SC
About Bamboo
Clumping Bamboo is Non-Invasive!
There are two types of bamboo: running and clumping. The running variety is what typically comes to mind when people talk about how bamboo is invasive and has taken over somebody’s yard. However, clumping bamboo is quite the opposite.
Clumping bamboo provides more steady growth throughout its life. The direction of growth is predictable, as the new shoots expand outward in the radial direction. The diameter of the bamboo base will continue to expand each year. The expansion of clumping bamboo is easily controlled since it grows in a predictable manner.
All bamboo listed on this website is clumping.
Growth Rate
Bamboo is well known for its fast growth rate. While running bamboo is well known for its ability to quickly grow both vertically and horizontally, clumping bamboo provides a steady growth upwards within its designated space. Generally, clumping bamboo will reach its mature height in 3-5 years. This provides a quick solution to create a natural barrier.
Clumping bamboo will show steady growth each year, both above ground and below. Clumping bamboo will send new shoots in late spring / early summer and continue to send shoots until the end of the growing season (October/November). The leaves will grow actively in the beginning of spring and slow down during winter.
The young bamboo (3 gal) will begin with slower growth until the foundation of roots and leaves are established. The bamboo will continue to send taller shoots for a few years until reaching the mature height. As the underground rhizome network expands, the quantity and size of new shoots will similarly increase.
Growth Method
Clumping bamboo will grow in a predictable manner (gradually expanding radially). As such, clumping bamboo does not require an underground barrier and can be readily managed.
The easiest time to control the path of the growth is when the new shoots emerge. New shoots primarily consist of water and soft fiber, so it is easy to step on or pluck the undesirable new shoots. Keep in mind that a healthy bamboo will need to have new growth over time, since culms will eventually die out (~7 years). With more established bamboo, there will be more shoots than what the plant can sustain, so selection of new shoots can be performed without impacting the overall development of the bamboo.
The type of bamboo will determine the level of effort required in maintenance. Smaller varieties will send a larger quantity of small diameter shoots. Larger varieties will send a smaller quantity of larger diameter shoots.
Growth Cycle
After planting a 3 gallon container of clumping bamboo, 1 or 2 shoots will emerge, followed by the branches and leaves. The next shoots might be 2 or 3, then 5 or 6. The clumping bamboo shoot production will take place from May to October/November here in the Charleston area. The growing conditions will directly affect the rate of growth (sunshine, water, soil composition, etc)., with the mature height usually being reached within 3-5 years.
During the months of November thru February, leaves may be shed or turn yellow. New leaf growth will slow down, but may continue if the weather is favorable. Most importantly though, the roots will continue to expand. If purchasing bamboo during these months, it is still beneficial to plant the bamboo quickly to establish the roots.
In March and April, the bamboo will promote new branch and leaf growth, especially for the shoots that emerged late in the growing season and did not fully develop.
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Conditions
Bamboo is a great solution for those searching for a plant that requires minimal attention. Assuming that the bamboo is properly cared for, it will thrive. Bamboo simply requires adequate sunlight and water, soil with nutrients (not pure sand), and adequate drainage to avoid rotting of the rhizome.
Bamboo is a robust landscaping solution that is resilient to disruptive factors. While other plants might be killed by the high nitrogen content of dog waste, the bamboo can withstand it. Damage may occur to delicate new shoots, but branches and leaves will still emerge while other new shoots develop.
No issues have been noted with pests compared to other plants. These would include deer, aphids, and other common pests encountered when gardening. Resources are available online to help identify bamboo issues (primarily by observing spotting of leaves), but these have not been observed in the low country of SC.
Anatomy
Culm ... The “cane” while alive
Cane ... A removed culm that is dried out and can be used for construction
Shoot ...New emerging growth from the rhizome which become culms
Node ... The solid region from which branches extend from the culm
Internode ... The region of the culm between nodes
Branch ... The branches extend from the node bud and develop leaves
Sheath ... The protective cover over the node bud that is shed once branches develop
