How To Plant Bamboo in Cold Climates
- 1). Determine the temperature zone in your area. The USDA Hardiness Zone Map has eleven distinct areas with expected temperature highs, freezing points and rainfall. Many varieties of bamboo will thrive outdoors in zone 5 or above.
- 2). Select bamboo varieties that are hardy in your zone and will grow to the height and spread desired. Examples that are comfortable in zones 5 or above are:
Pseudosasa japonica, "Arrow Bamboo;" Phyllostachys aureosulcata, "Yellow grove;" Phyllostachys aureosulcata, "Spectabilis;" Phyllostachys bissetii, "Dwarf;" Phyllostachys nuda; and Pleioblastus fortunei (variegatus), "Dwarf white stripe." - 3). Choose a planting site. Plant the tallest varieties in direct sunlight and shorter ones, under 16 feet, in part shade. Ground cover bamboos under 6 feet will do best in shade, out of direct sunlight. Remember to allow room for vast spreading if needed. In fall, plant early enough so the bamboo can become established prior to the harsh winter. Plant any time in spring when the earth is workable.
- 4). Prepare the soil by working in organic materials like compost, grass clippings or leaves. Bamboo is happiest in slightly acidic soil. Dig a hole at least three times the width of the intact root ball and 4 to 6 inches deeper and loosen the soil. The looser the soil, the faster bamboo will grow.
- 5). Remove the bamboo from the container. Do not divide the clump. Fill the bottom of the hole with good topsoil mixed with compost to a level where the root ball will be set and the base of the plant is equal to the ground. Place the root ball in the hole and gently backfill with similar soil. Firm the soil with gloved hands. Leave a depression around the plant for good water accumulation. In all seasons, mulch generously around the base of the plant. Allow the leaves to drop and stay in place. In the winter, increase the mulch thickness to 4 to 6 inches; colder climates need 8 inches.
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