Bamboo
Bamboo is a woody perennial plant that belongs to the grass family. With about 1,000 different species of Bamboo, there is a wide range of types and sizes of Bamboo. Some species are like ground cover only growing a couple inches tall while others can reach heights of a hundred feet tall. They are found growing native to warm tropical climates to mountainous regions of Asia, but can be grown in cultivation in almost any temperate climate of the globe. These unique plants have an interesting look and texture that can enhance a garden and make a statement, but one must be aware of the invasive and spreading nature of the plant when introducing it to a new location. Here at Great Hill we grow four different types of Bamboo, and have taken measure to contain the plants to the areas we intend.
Golden Bamboo- Phyllostachys aureosulcata
Zone: 4-9
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Soil Preference: Medium, consistently moist soils
Pests and Disease: No serious insect or disease problems, minor leaf spot occasionally
Attributes: A hearty bamboo native to China, that grows 12-18′ tall and about 1.5″ thick in our zone. It has a spreading habit and can form a dense colony over time.
Our Experience: We have had great success growing this bamboo, and while we may loose some stalks over the winter due to snow and ice damage, it always comes back by mid summer. It is beautiful with its golden canes and green foliage.
Zigzag Bamboo- Phyllostachys flexulosa
Zone: 6-10
Light Requirements: Shade to full sun
Soil Preference: Medium, average moisture, but can tolerate a range of most soil types and levels of moisture
Pests and Disease: No serious insect or disease problems, minor leaf spot occasionally
Attributes: An interesting bamboo native to China, that has young green shoots that develop a zigzag pattern between culms. The shoots can reach 10-12′ and will fade to a golden color with age.
Our Experience: We have had success growing this bamboo in the landscape, it has developed well under the Golden Bamboo we also grow as it can provide shade to our smaller varieties.
Kuma Bamboo- Sasa veitchii ‘Kuma-zasa’
Zone: 6-9
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Soil Preference: Medium, consistently moist soils
Pests and Disease: No serious insect or disease problems, minor leaf spot occasionally
Attributes: A beautiful bamboo native to China, that grows 2-5′ tall in our zone. It has a spreading habit and can form a dense colony over time.
Our Experience: We have had good success growing this bamboo, although the foliage tends to bleach out over the winter due to the cold and wind, it always comes back by mid summer. Its green and white streaked foliage adds to the aesthetic value of our garden.