What is the best bamboo for what I want?

Question

I want a bamboo forest (about 50 feet in diameter). I want something that is going to grow fast and that is relatively cheap. Any suggestions? Should I purchase seeds? What about the running kind of bamboo? How difficult is that to keep under control (this will be at the bottome of my property - just land, not pavement or anything) Any sites with recommendations? I live in North Georgia - zone 7 I think - hard to tell these days since it's always warm now it seems. Thanks!!!!

Answer 1

I have running bamboos. They've been in place for about 20 years and they haven't spread all that much; the larges is a triangle about 20x20x20 ft. It's about 25 ft. tall. Phyllostachys nuda is the nicest one I have.

The clump type bamboos are nice, but the hardy ones are rather expensive and you have to plant quite a few of them for what you describe.

Answer 2

I wouldn't use running bamboo even if you have 50ft of space at the moment. Bamboo is very quick growing and running bamboo given the right conditions is very invasive. Stick to clumping bamboo it will still fill your area but will stay in the area. Running bamboo will fill the area and just keep going and is a real problem to kill later.

Answer 3

Bamboo, what a wonderful plant. All you need to know and where to get it is displayed by entering the word bamboo in Google Search for example.

Try http://www.lewisbamboo.com/
for starters as this nursery is located in Alabama.

Answer 4

I would seriously suggest not planting bamboo. It is nearly impossible to keep under control.

Answer 5

A good clumping bamboo is "Alphonse Karr". It grows fast and can reach a height of 15ft. 5 gallon plants will run you about 25.00, but they can be divided into smaller clumps.