Hello! Looking for advice regarding clumping bamboo as privacy/shade plant. I'm located in upstate NY (Capitol District central region) in zone 5b. Temperatures can range up to 90+ degrees F in summer to -10 degrees F in winter. Both extremes don't last too long but do occur. The location I want to use is roughly south facing and gets a great deal of sun during the summer, especially during the afternoon. Most websites suggest Fargesia rufa as one of the best varieties that can grow in my region (and the dimensions suit my situation) but the details vary on the sun tolerance ranging from very tolerant to requiring some afternoon shade. I was hoping to get the "real world" opinion of folks out there who have actively grown this variety. Also welcome other variety suggestions. Thanks!
Advice on Clumping Bamboo in my region
- Thread starter CuriousPenguin
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Anniekay
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I'm growing clumping bamboo but in the South. Get the variety that they say is best suited for your area and you won't go wrong so long as you don't plant it close to the house. Put it where it gets plenty of water. It will spread out and get very bushy so, 5' from anything else you're growing and it's best, if your soil isn't a good loam that holds moisture, to put it in a trenchwith plenty of compost so it will collect and hold water. They need plenty of moisture.
Most bamboo only needs 6 or so hours of sun, doesn't matter if the sun is strong so long as it gets enough water.
Most bamboo only needs 6 or so hours of sun, doesn't matter if the sun is strong so long as it gets enough water.
Ah, thank you. Soil is a mix of loam and clay but will have plenty of room to spread. I'll keep the water ready!