37cm area - ok for clumping bamboo?

2 years ago

Hi everyone, we have a 37cm width between our fence & deck that we’d like to plant a privacy screen for the 2 story house being built next door.

1. has anyone had success planting a non-invasive bamboo in such a small space? what variety did you go for? they will have very small windows on that side of the building so we are less concerned with the height the trees will be, mostly that the trees provide a visual distraction from the building. The fence is 1.8m high, we would like to go higher than that with the tree height.

2. anything else we would need to consider if choosing a clumping bamboo? for such a small space should the spacing be considered an important factor so the width doesnt start heading into the fence or deck? would irrigation be required? etc

thanks in advance. pictures attached of the area for planting, the fence as well as the side of our house the plants will run down.

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Comments (3)

uptowngir2
2 years ago
Here in Central Florida clumping bamboo is used to block views. It can not be tamed- quickly becomes overwhelming in a garden. A clump is just that- the roots form like a deep, round, thick scouring pad and are pretty much impossible to ever dig out.

The roots WILL lift a concrete patio edge, deck, clumps will push down a fence.

Worst plant I've ever wrestled with.

Research online for alternatives to consider- your beautiful, designated space is WAY too small for clumping bamboo.

Good Luck!
Toni Walker thanked uptowngir2
41 North (Zone 7a/b, NE, coastal)
2 years ago
We have no idea where the OP is located? Cannot offer any suggestion for hardy species without a location. However, even without this information, I can tell you that in my northern/Zone 7a/b NJ area, species of Fargesia, while clumping, will soon overwhelm that tiny area. Yes, you will get some added vertical privacy, but it will want to spread horizontally as well and take over that small space.
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Toni Walker
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you for your reply Uptowngir2. I thought the difference between clumping & running bamboo varieties meant the roots were shallow & those species did not get away?

I am based in New Zealand in a coastal area.

Some of the species recommended here have the common names ”Slender Weaver/ Fairy Bamboo” and ”Golden Goddess”.

Anyone had experience with these varieties?