Bamboo is a popular and versatile plant that many gardeners in Ohio wonder about growing. I’ve done extensive research into bamboo and whether it can thrive in Ohio’s climate. Here’s a detailed guide with everything you need to know about growing bamboo in the Buckeye State.
Can Bamboo Grow in Ohio?
The short answer is yes! Many bamboo species can grow quite well in Ohio when the right conditions are provided. Bamboo originates in tropical and subtropical climates, but certain “cold-hardy” bamboo types can withstand Ohio’s colder winter temperatures.
The key factors are selecting the right bamboo variety, planting in an ideal location, and providing the proper care. With smart variety selection for hardiness and the creation of good growing conditions, bamboo can flourish in gardens and landscapes across Ohio.
Bamboo Growth Habits
Understanding the two main bamboo growth habits is helpful for success
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Running bamboo – Spreads aggressively by underground rhizomes. More invasive but can be contained. Examples are Phyllostachys and Pseudosasa.
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Clumping bamboo – Forms tight clumps and doesn’t spread far. Easier to control. Examples are Fargesia and Borinda.
Running bamboo like Phyllostachys should be planted where spread can be contained, like in rhizome barriers. Clumping varieties like Fargesia are better for general garden beds.
Best Bamboo Varieties for Ohio
Based on research, these are some of the top bamboos suitable for growing in Ohio:
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Yellow Groove Bamboo – Running type, hardy to -10°F. Fast growing to 40 ft.
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Alphonse Karr Bamboo – Clumping bamboo, hardy to 0°F. Grows 12-15 ft.
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Hedge Bamboo – Clumper, hardy to -10°F. Grows 6-10 ft tall. Dense foliage.
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Sweetshoot Bamboo – Running bamboo hardy to -15°F. Fast grower to 20 ft.
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Umbrella Bamboo – Clumping bamboo hardy to -20°F. Grows 15-20 ft. Graceful arching stems.
These bamboo varieties have proven cold hardiness and are good choices for Ohio’s USDA Hardiness Zones 5-6. Select disease-resistant cultivars when possible.
Growing Conditions for Bamboo in Ohio
Bamboo thrives under these conditions:
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Sun – At least 4 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is ideal.
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Soil – Moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter. Loams amended with compost work well.
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Fertilizer – Moderate fertilization with a balanced organic fertilizer. Don’t over-fertilize.
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Shelter – A location protected from strong winds which can damage stems.
With the right growing conditions, bamboo can flourish in home landscapes and gardens across Ohio. Carefully match the planting site to the bamboo’s preferences.
Planting and Caring for Bamboo in Ohio
Proper planting and care is vital to establish bamboo successfully in Ohio:
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Plant in spring after the last frost.
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Prepare soil by amending with compost before planting.
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Space bamboo plants 10-15 feet apart depending on mature size.
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Water thoroughly after planting and weekly the first year.
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Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
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Fertilize lightly in spring with an organic fertilizer.
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Remove dead stems and unwanted rhizomes promptly.
With attentive irrigation, fertilization, and pruning, bamboo can thrive in Ohio gardens for many years.
Overwintering Bamboo in Ohio
Ohio’s cold winters are a concern when growing bamboos. Use these tips for overwintering success:
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Select only cold hardy bamboo species rated for your zone.
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Plant in a sheltered spot protected from wind.
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Apply heavy mulch in fall to insulate roots from cold.
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Avoid over-watering late in year so plants harden off properly.
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Delay pruning until new spring growth appears.
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Protect with burlap barriers if temperatures drop below -10°F.
With proper selection and care, many bamboo types can survive Ohio’s winter cold.
Containing and Managing Bamboo Spread
The main challenge with bamboo is that running types spread quickly and require containment. Here are some effective techniques:
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Plant in pots or underground barriers 2-3 feet deep.
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Prune back rhizomes growing beyond the desired spread area.
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Promptly dig up and remove any unwanted rhizomes.
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Select less aggressive “clumping” bamboo varieties.
With vigilance, even running bamboo’s spread can be controlled. Clumping bamboo varieties are much easier to manage.
Using Bamboo in the Landscape
There are many excellent uses for bamboo in Ohio gardens:
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Specimen plantings for a tropical effect.
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Hedges, screens, and buffers.
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Borders along fences or slopes.
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Around ponds and water features.
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Container planting on patios.
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Trellises and supports for vines.
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Focal points in garden beds.
Bamboo’s unique forms and architectural beauty make it very versatile in the landscape.
Is Bamboo Right for You?
Bamboo can enhance many gardens with its graceful stems, lush foliage, and exotic appeal. While containment and maintenance are required, the right bamboo species can thrive in Ohio with the proper care.
For gardeners who like bamboo’s look and are willing to manage it responsively, bamboo is a great option to try. With smart planning and care, bamboo can grow successfully to enhance landscapes across Ohio.
Bamboo Owners A bamboo owner is defined as any property owner or resident who has planted and/or grows bamboo, or who maintains bamboo on the property, or who permits bamboo to grow or remain on the property even if the bamboo has spread from an adjoining property. Any property owner or resident at whose property bamboo is found will be considered a bamboo owner, except any property owner or resident who:
- Did not plant or grow or cause bamboo to be planted or grown on his or her property; and
- Has provided satisfactory proof to the City that, within a reasonable period of time after discovering the encroachment of bamboo onto the property from an adjoining or neighboring property, advised the owner of such property, by delivery of a written notice, of an objection to the encroachment of the bamboo and a request for the bamboo to be removed; and
- Has initiated steps for the removal of the bamboo from the property.
Bamboo
- Penalties include a fine of $100 per day for each day that the bamboo remains after the expiration of the 10 day notice period established by the Director of Service and Engineering.
- The City may also exercise the right to remove the bamboo or install a physical barrier system with the cost being charged to the bamboo owner.
Can I Grow Bamboo In Ohio? – The Midwest Guru
FAQ
Is growing bamboo illegal in Ohio?
Invasive Bamboo Plants: Get the Facts The fast-spreading bamboo plant is not outlawed in Ohio. However, it does cause problems between neighbors when it starts where it should not grow, like in someone else’s yard. Anderson is seeing an increase in complaints related to bamboo.
What kind of bamboo can I grow in Ohio?
Clumping bamboos, Fargesia rufa and Fargesia scabrida are much friendlier species for Ohio backyards. Their growth-habit is similar to an ornamental grass, growing thicker each year, but without the pesky underground runners.
How fast does bamboo grow in Ohio?
Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on Earth, to the tune of growing about 35 inches (89 cm) per day or up to 1.5 inches (≈4 cm) per hour for the faster species. That would be about 0.025 inches (0.6 mm) per minute of growth during its initial growth phase.
Can bamboo survive winter?
Yes, many bamboo species can survive winter, even in cold climates. However, the specific varieties and their hardiness vary. Some bamboos are very cold-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -25°F to -30°F.
Can bamboo grow in Ohio?
Some species like Phyllostachys (running bamboo) and Fargesia (clumping bamboo) are good choices for Ohio gardens. With proper site selection and care, bamboo can flourish in the state. Understanding bamboo growth habits is helpful for success. There are two main types: Running bamboo – Spreads by underground rhizomes.
Is bamboo invasive in Ohio?
“The running kind thrives in Ohio’s cold weather,” because it’s from the cold areas of China. The hardy, running-type of bamboo often gets a bad rap because, if left unchecked, it can become invasive. Really invasive. “You have to use deep-root underground bamboo barrier,” says Jerry.
Can Bisset bamboo grow in Ohio?
The groves of bamboo are famous in Japan, and the Bisset bamboo is native to this country but has been moved to Ohio for cultivation purposes. It is very tough to endure the cold of Zone 4 in the USDA Hardiness map. So, Some mild currents of strong winds and frosts in the winter will not hinder its development.
How do you care for a bamboo plant in Ohio?
One concern with bamboos is how they handle Ohio’s cold winters. Here are some tips: Select cold hardy species rated for your zone. Plant in a sheltered spot away from wind. Mulch heavily in fall to insulate roots. Avoid over-watering late in year so plants harden off. Delay pruning until new shoots appear in spring.
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.
Does Wooster bamboo grow in shade?
This bamboo-like grass takes care of the weeds by shading them out and very little can find sun once they are established. I know this plant as Wooster bamboo. The scientific name is Pleioblastus pygmaea var. distichus “Wooster’s Dwarf.” This tiny bamboo has performed well in dense shade and taken serious abuse from drought and cold.