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Bambusa

Common name: Bamboo · Clumping bamboo · Tropical bamboo

Bambusa is a genus of roughly 150 species of tropical and subtropical clumping bamboos native to Asia. Unlike running bamboos, Bambusa species grow from short sympodial rhizomes, so their canes emerge in tight, well-behaved clumps that expand slowly rather than invading the garden. Plants range from modest hedging species to giant timber bamboos with thick-walled canes over 20 m tall. They are grown for timber, edible shoots, fiber, and as fast screens and ornamentals in warm climates.

Care summary

Sun Full sun to partial shade; best growth in full sun
Water Keep evenly moist while establishing; moderately drought-tolerant once mature
Soil Rich, moist, well-drained loam; tolerates clay if not waterlogged
Hardiness Zones 9–12
Mature height 3–25 m (10–80 ft), depending on species
Pet safe Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs
Propagation By clump or rhizome division, or by culm and branch cuttings

Fun facts

  • Bambusa is a clumping (sympodial) genus, so it stays put - unlike running bamboos such as Phyllostachys, it rarely needs root barriers.
  • Bambusa vulgaris, the common bamboo, is one of the most widely planted bamboos in the tropics and is thought to have originated in cultivation.
  • Giant timber species like Bambusa oldhamii can put on several meters of new cane growth in a single growing season.
  • Young shoots of many Bambusa species are edible after cooking, which removes naturally occurring cyanogenic compounds.

The Bambusa Patch

4 on xylery

Transpire Harper Moved closer to the window — seems happier already. Captain Crinkle Neglect-Tolerant Six months together! Dirtbag MM Trimmed and tidied this morning. Gravy Neglect-Tolerant New leaf unfurled this morning! Dirtbag MM Watered and rotated today. Captain Crinkle Neglect-Tolerant Repotted into a bigger home today.
Browse all 4 plants

Common problems

    • Move potted clumps indoors before frost
    • Mulch thickly over the root zone
    • Wrap culms with frost cloth
    • Plant against a warm, sheltered wall
    • Plant in a wind-sheltered spot
    • Water deeply during hot, windy spells
    • Erect a temporary windbreak screen
    • Mist foliage on hot, dry afternoons
    • Hose foliage down regularly
    • Treat with horticultural oil
    • Remove heavily infested leaves
    • Cut out oldest canes at ground level
    • Thin every two to three years
    • Remove weak or crowded canes first
    • Leave young canes to replace old growth