Planting Bamboo: Choosing Clumping vs. Running Varieties and Controlling Spread

Fast, Beautiful, and Potentially Invasive

Bamboo grows up to 20 ft/season. Hundreds of varieties fall into two camps: clumping (contained, best for pots) and running (aggressive spreaders). Choose wisely.

Planting Steps

1. Prep: Loosen soil, remove weeds. Dig hole, fill with rich loose soil—no fertilizer/manure (burns roots).
2. Plant: Rhizomes 1–2" deep. Container plants at same level. Mulch.
3. Water: Keep moist until established, then allow slight drying between waterings.
4. Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
5. Fertilize: General-purpose monthly for lush growth.
6. Contain runners: Streams, sidewalks, or 24–30" deep root barriers.
7. Protect young plants: Early insect/fungicide treatment prevents losses.

Container Tip

Use large pots for patios/decks. A berm (2× pot diameter, 2–3" high, mulch-filled) directs water to roots.

Bamboo rewards patience—transplanted clumps take 3–4 years to mature. But the payoff: a living screen, a lucky symbol, and panda-worthy foliage.