Choose Clumping Bamboo

Choose Clumping Bamboo

With over 600 acres in production on Pine Island, Florida, Palmco is one of the largest palm and bamboo plantations in North America.

In addition to about 40 spectacular varieties of tropical and cold-hardy palm trees, we offer 16 wonderful types of non-invasive clumping bamboo that are well-suited to the Florida climate.

Bamboo is a giant woody grass, not a tree, and is the world’s fastest-growing plant.

Some bamboo varieties are known to grow up to two inches per hour in optimal weather! Many people are afraid to use bamboo in their landscapes because they fear that the plant will spread wildly; however, while running bamboos can spread vigorously and need to be constantly managed, the clumping varieties grow very much like shrubs.

Clumping species of bamboos grow gradually outward from the center with new canes growing taller and getting larger in diameter each year. Unlike the running variety, clumping varieties do not spread by sending underground shoots far away from the main plant. They are perfect for use as hedge and screening plants, and can add unique texture and year-round evergreen appeal to any landscape.

At Palmco, we specialize in clumping varieties that are ideal for hot, southern climates yet cold hardy to about +20° F, primarily those of the genus Bambusa and Dendrocalamus.

Three popular Bambusa varieties are:

Golden Hawaiian

Sometimes called Hawaiian Gold Timber Bamboo, Painted Bamboo, or Bambusa vulgaris ‘Vittata’ this beauty is one of the most cultivated ornamental bamboos in the tropical world. It features bright yellow canes with random green stripes that resemble drip marks. Easily propagated, it grows to a typical height of 35 to 50 feet within about three years with a culm diameter of 4 inches.

Although it may experience some frost damage at 27° to 30°, there won’t be any damage to the roots, and the plant will send up thicker and taller canes the following summer. Golden Hawaiian bamboo is ideal for hedges and windbreaks as well as for erosion control on slopes or riverbeds.

Graceful Bamboo

As the name suggests, this Chinese variety, also called Slender Weavers or Bambusa textilis gracilis is the most graceful of all bamboos. It has few lower branches on mature culms, so its attractive 1-inch diameter canes can be easily seen without having to prune the plant. Graceful Bamboos have an upright growth pattern and are very well-behaved.

Growing to a typical height of 25 feet, they are very hardy and will fit nicely in any city or country landscape, including small, narrow yards.

Green Stripe Bamboo

This medium-sized clumping variety is less widely known compared to other varieties, but has beautiful foliage with striking culms. Bambusa dolichomerithalla ‘Green Stripe’ can grow to about 30 feet tall and has 1-1/2 to 2-inch wide yellow-green (aging to orange-green) culms with deep green stripes.  You may also hear this species referred to as Green Stripe Blowgun Bamboo.

Originating in Taiwan, it is popular for craftwork, and its long straight culms which span two feet between internodes were ideal for making blowguns.
 
To find out which clumping bamboo variety may be ideal for your landscaping project, we invite you to tour our plantation in Bokeelia, Florida to see the different varieties for yourself. 

Palmco produces only the healthiest, strongest palms and bamboos for the wholesale market, nurturing each plant in our moderately warm, fertile environment.

Call us today at (239) 283-1329. We look forward to working with you!