Bamboos are more or less divided into two main types:

An example of a clumping bamboo (Textilis) planted as a screen around a tennis court. You don't have to worry about the plant running outside of the hedge when using a sympodial bamboo. This screen was planted in 1960 on Ocean Drive in Corpus Christi.

Clumping Bamboos

Clumping (sympodial) types have a very short horizontal root structure, are genetically incapable of expanding more than a few inches a year and will generally form discrete clumps. The clumps slowly enlarge as new culms emerge every year and may require anywhere from 2-10 feet in diameter for their planting area, depending on the species.

Clumpers make excellent specimen plants and will form very dense screens when planted in a line. We believe these types are most suitable for suburban yards and gardens and ladscape much like a medium sized tree.

Clumpers mature in height and culm diameter much faster than running bamboos. Some clumpers are very tight and dense (canes pop up right against each other) such as Monastery Bamboo or very open (somewhat spaced apart) as in Painted Bamboo.

The clumping varieties we specialize in are growable in climates that support winter temperatures that generally stay out of the teens (Texas would generally be Waco and South). However, the giant tropical varieties are very tender with some not tolerating any frost at all. We suggest these varieties for more tropical climates (Texas- Corpus Christi and South/Rio Grande Valley).

Running Bamboos

Running (monopodial) types spread vigorously, sending out underground running rhizomes which sometimes emerge far from the parent plant. Runners fill in the spaces between plantings faster making them ideal for filling up an area. Underground rhizomes usually grow at a depth of 2-18 inches under the surface and are very cold-hardy.

This is the type of bamboo that has earned bamboo a rather suspect reputation. When one understands that the growth habits of a monopodial bamboo are to "make it's own forest" you can better mange it with ease and lack of fear. Running bamboos are monoculture plants, they spread and tend to smother out all other plants in its path.

What makes running bamboos quite unique is that it makes it's own forest. Many people stand in awe in the center of a mature bamboo grove. It is quite a stunning experience, and no other plant on our planet quite offers the same effect.

With a little knowledge of this type of bamboo, one can enjoy a running bamboo in a suburban yard and garden without fear. One may contain a runner by planting in containers or using a rhizome barrier (a vertical 30-40 mil thick plastic sheet installed 22-30 inches deep). Running Bamboos come in all sizes from an inch and half ground cover to 70 ft. tall giants.

Experienced gardeners plant running bamboos up against their home or centralize their planting and control their root system. New shoots only appear a couple months a year and are very soft when they appear, making it very easy to either kick them over or mow them down with a common lawn mower.

Running bamboos only become an out of control nightmare when planted in a poor location or after several years of neglect. This type spreads rapidly, but develops height and diameter much slower than the sympodial type. A large planting area with favorable conditions is needed when a grower is wanting to develop a mature plant.

Running bamboos are temperate and are generally withstanding of cold winter temps of 5 degress F to -5, making them very appealing to most of the climates in the United States.

Smaller running bamboos make great ground covers!

Running bamboos are monoculture plants, making their own forest.

Running bamboos make great container plants.Arrow Bamboo pictured.

Given the room to grow, running bamboos can produce an adventurous addition to your landscape!