The affectionate summers and balmy winters found throughout much of North Carolina cater an ideal environment for uprise bamboo . The state fall within USDA hardiness zone 6 to 8 , which is a clime suited to a range of a function of bamboo species . In particular , the eastern half of the state of matter is hospitable to most bamboo varieties .
Bamboo ’s speedy growth rate and low sustenance fear requirements make it an attractive landscape gardening plant to many gardeners . However , some mixture are highly invasive throughout North Carolina , so work out cautiousness when choosing and plant these vigorous growers at home .
Warning
One variety of bamboo that should never be implant in North Carolina is fishpole or golden bamboo ( Phyllostachys aurea , zones 4a to 10b ) , which is listed as an invasive species by the North Carolina Invasive Plant Council .
Choosing the Right Bamboo
Choosing the correct type of bamboo is the first step toward growing it in your home garden . For illustration , * * most bamboo multifariousness are evergreen , but there are also some that are deciduous or semi - deciduous . * *
- Clumping bamboo kind are best for landscaping purposes in North Carolina , * * because they do not spread as smartly as running bamboo types that disperse via underground rhizomes .
Chinese Dwarf Bamboo
Alphonse Karr bamboo ( Bambusa multiplex’Alphonse Karr ' , zones 8 to 10 ) is an ornamental cultivar of Chinese gnome bamboo grown for its gullible and yellow stripy culms , or stubble . This cultivar forms dense clumps that can strain 35 feet in height but it can also be crop to a height of 8 to 10 foot , according toMonrovia .
Golden Goddess ( Bambusa multiplex’Golden Goddess ' ) is an attractive dwarf cultivar grown for its gold lily-livered foliage and tidy increment habit . It grow best in USDA zones 8 to 10 , where it will form a dim clustering that is 6 to 10 feet high with a 6- to 10 - foot width .
Green Panda Bamboo
Another desirable choice for North Carolina is Green Panda stalwart bamboo ( Fargesia rufa’Green Panda ' ) . It grow best in USDA geographical zone 5a to 8b , where it resists moth-eaten , heat and drought damage . Green Panda bamboo reaches a fledged tiptop of 6 to 10 feet and spreads its graceful , arch cane 6 to 10 foot wide .
Native Bamboo Species
Small cane bamboo ( Arundinaria tecta , zones 6a to 9b ) and river cane ( Arundinaria gigantea , zone 5a to 9b ) are two native flora bamboo options for garden in North Carolina . They are not as showy as non - native bamboo diversity , but they provide screening and a valuable food rootage to aboriginal chick and butterfly .
One downside to small cane and river cane bamboo is that * * both species are highly inflammable . * *
Tip
Whenever potential , corrupt plants from a bamboo baby’s room where the nursery staff can provide skilful recommendations and accurately labeled bamboo smorgasbord .
Growing Bamboo in North Carolina
Once you have opt a non - incursive bamboo motley , it is time to take and prepare a growing location .
Environmental Requirements
- Sun Exposure :* * As a general rule , bright luminance will produce more bright foliage color , so most bamboo should be grown in full sun . However , form such as Green Panda need light twelve noon shade , because they are sensible to high heat .
- Soil Type :* * Bamboo is very tolerant of different grime type , as long as the soil is dampish and fast draining . It raise best in soil with a slightly acidic to achromatic pH , which is a in force affair since most of North Carolina has somewhat acidulous filth .
- Wind Shelter :* * clunking bamboo benefits from get a wind - shelter location to keep the culms from bending . A line of trees or a social system 20 to 30 feet away from your bamboo planting will help abbreviate down on fart vulnerability without embarrass out the sun .
Planting Bamboo
Planting a bamboo clump can be done at any time of year , as long as the soil is somewhat ardent . leap is best for cool climates , and autumn exercise in climate with soft , wet winters .
Caring for Bamboo
Bamboo in the main needs very little hand - on care . render 1 to 2 column inch of water each week for the first summer . Do n’t worry about watering established bamboo plant unless prolonged drought status develop . Mulch will aid reduce the need for lachrymation .
Occasional feeding with liquid , general role fertilizer will help encourage strong increment in bamboo plants , but it is not required in average soil . A side - dressing of compost in spring also work and is an organic option .
Bamboo shoot that form near the base of the plant should be cut away throughout the year to maintain a hefty circumference around the clump . Snip off the shoot at soil - stage using sturdy pruners or a pruning saw .
Controlling Bamboo in Your Garden
clunking bamboo distribute less aggressively than running bamboo mixed bag , however , it is still a good idea to create any bamboo landscape plant with a barrier to keep the plants in check .
A concrete terrace or walk around the bed is idealistic , but a plastic root barrier installed around the outer sharpness of the bottom will also do work . apply a root roadblock that fall 24 to 36 in deep .
Sometimes bamboo plants come with inaccurate labeling , so you might not live for certain if the bamboo variety you ’re about to plant is clumping or spreading — when in doubt , keep your bamboo in a pot !
