On a recent trip to southern Illinois I couldn’t help but notice an incredibly unique native plant whose evergreen foliage is reminiscent of something from the tropics, making it seem so out of place in the winter landscape of Illinois.
Giant cane (Arundinaria gigantea) is Illinois’ only native species of bamboo and one of only three native to our continent. This woody grass has the characteristic look of bamboo, with tall and spindly green stems that are neatly segmented and hollow. Its long, thin leaves occur in tufts near the top of each cane, while lower stems become bare with age to reveal bamboo-looking shoots.
Since it typically occurs in dense stands, called canebrakes, it is quite noticeable in winter along streambanks or in woodland edges or openings. These canebrakes once covered extensive acres of river bottom in southern Illinois and early land survey records noted large, unbroken stands of giant cane with towering stems and dense foliage.
As agricultural production expanded, the areas cane occupied became important and fertile farmland, pushing giant cane out to its current existence in small, usually isolated patches in the edge of farm fields, along streambanks, or in swampy areas.
Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been getting tons of questions about growing bamboo in Illinois, and lemme tell you – yes, it’s totally possible! As someone who’s been experimenting with bamboo in the Prairie State, I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about making this versatile plant thrive in our challenging climate.
The Short Answer
Yep, bamboo can definitely grow in Illinois! While we’re not exactly a tropical paradise, several bamboo species can handle our weather when properly selected and cared for. In fact, we even have our own native bamboo species – the Giant Cane (Arundinaria gigantea), though it’s becoming pretty rare these days.
Best Bamboo Types for Illinois Gardens
Through trial and error (and some frozen bamboo along the way!) I’ve found these varieties work best in our climate
Cold-Hardy Running Bamboo Species
-
Yellow Groove Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata)
- Survives temps down to -10°F
- Grows up to 30 feet tall
- Pretty yellow grooves on green canes
-
Bissetii Bamboo (Phyllostachys bissetii)
- Super tough – handles down to -10°F
- One of the most cold-resistant options
- Perfect for Illinois winters
-
Chinese Timber Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)
- Tolerates -15°F
- Can get huge – 50+ feet tall
- Thick culms up to 6 inches wide
Well-Behaved Clumping Options
-
Temple Bamboo (Semiarundinaria fastuosa)
- Handles cold and snow like a champ
- Grows to about 20 feet
- Dark green canes with feathery leaves
-
Alphonse Karr Bamboo (Bambusa multiplex)
- Survives brief drops to 0°F
- Usually stays under 20 feet
- Cool yellow-striped green canes
Growing Tips for Illinois Success
After some epic fails and wins, here’s what I’ve learned about growing bamboo in our state:
Location & Planting
- Pick a sunny spot with good drainage
- Plant in spring after last frost
- Dig holes twice as wide as root balls
- Mix in plenty of compost if you’ve got clay soil
Water & Feeding Schedule
- Water 1-2 times weekly until established
- Once mature, weekly watering is usually enough
- Feed with balanced fertilizer:
- Early spring application
- Mid-summer boost
Winter Protection
Let’s be real – Illinois winters can be brutal! Here’s how to keep your bamboo happy:
- Mulch heavily around the base (4-6 inches deep)
- Wrap plants with burlap if exposed to harsh winds
- Consider planting near buildings/walls for extra protection
- Remove snow loads promptly to prevent cane breakage
Controlling Bamboo Spread
OK, here’s the thing about bamboo – some types can get a bit…enthusiastic. But don’t worry! We’ve got options:
For Running Bamboo
- Install root barriers (HDPE or metal) at planting time
- Dig them 24-30 inches deep
- Leave 2-3 inches above ground
- Check barriers annually for escapees
For Clumping Bamboo
- Generally stays put
- Annual division keeps size in check
- Root barriers optional but give peace of mind
Common Problems & Solutions
Even the toughest bamboo can hit some rough patches. Here’s what to watch for:
Winter Damage
- Leaf burn is normal – don’t panic!
- Wait till spring to assess real damage
- Cut back dead canes once new growth starts
Growth Issues
- Yellow leaves = usually needs fertilizer
- Slow growth = check drainage/sunlight
- Thin culms = might need more water/nutrients
Final Thoughts
Growing bamboo in Illinois isn’t always a walk in the park, but with the right variety and care, it’s totally doable! I’ve seen gorgeous bamboo gardens from Chicago to Cairo, proving this awesome plant can handle what our state throws at it.
Remember, success comes down to:
- Choosing cold-hardy varieties
- Providing proper winter protection
- Managing spread responsibly
- Being patient while plants establish
Have you tried growing bamboo in Illinois? I’d love to hear about your experiences! Drop a comment below and let’s chat about your bamboo adventures in the Prairie State.
Pro Tip: Before you grab that bamboo plant, check local regulations – some areas have restrictions on certain species. Better safe than sorry!
Looking for more gardening tips? Check out our other articles on growing amazing plants in Illinois conditions. Happy planting, y’all!
How Giant Cane Grows
Like other bamboo species, giant cane rarely flowers and when it does, the above-ground stems die back to the ground. Many believe this reproductive strategy is meant to open up light for the germinating seeds as they contact soil. While the mature plant’s root system may resprout, new growth from seeds adds to the canebrake or floats off with floodwaters to potentially colonize new areas.
Since cane is wind-pollinated and currently exists as small isolated populations, when it does flower there is rarely enough genetic diversity in pollen floating around to produce viable seeds. As a result, giant cane primarily spreads by rhizomes, or roots that send up shoots. So, many of the cane patches we see today may be one single plant that has gradually spread over time to form a colony with very little or no genetic diversity. Without the ability to spread viable seeds, cane populations have an incredibly difficult time colonizing new areas.
Growing Bamboo | It’s Invasive!!! | Wait..Is it???
FAQ
Is it illegal to grow bamboo in your backyard?
Some bamboo species may even be categorized as noxious weeds, meaning a neighbor could legally force you to remove your bamboo. You could also be liable for the cost of any damage to the neighbors’ property caused by your bamboo, and for the cost of removal from their property.
Can bamboo survive the winter?
Most bamboo once established can weather the winter season without any worries. During the first few years, your bamboo is just starting to establish a full colony of underground rhizomes. As your bamboo accrues more biomass, it will stay better insulated through the winter naturally.
Does it take 7 years for bamboo to grow?
Many species of bamboo mature in four to eight years; once plants reach maturity, they can be sustainably harvested as a perennial crop for 40+ years. Because only the aboveground parts are harvested, there is less soil disturbance, which helps maintain stability.
What is the most cold tolerant bamboo?
Fargesia (Far-gees-ee-uh) are very cold tolerant, shade loving bamboos from the mountainous region of western China.
Where can I find a bamboo hardiness chart?
This is an excellent resource and an essential first step for before growing bamboo. This bamboo hardiness chart has been provided courtesy of the Arbor Day Foundation. Check out their website at www.arborday.org. They provide a vast amount of resources for bamboo growers on their website. What is a Hardiness Zone?
What does bamboo grass look like?
This woody grass has the characteristic look of bamboo, with tall and spindly green stems that are neatly segmented and hollow. Its long, thin leaves occur in tufts near the top of each cane, while lower stems become bare with age to reveal bamboo-looking shoots.
Should you plant bamboo in winter?
Knowing the extremes of winter in your area is a major determining factor when planting bamboo, but keep in mind that it is not the only aspect to consider. Soil, placement, wind, sunlight and other topics will need to be considered before planting.
What is the toughest bamboo?
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.
How big does a bamboo tree grow?
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.
Will Golden Goddess bamboo grow in my garden?
It is also a good idea to use other local plants as an indicator of hardiness. If Golden Goddess bamboo is growing in the garden next door, it is safe to asume that it will grow in your garden as well.