A good, beautiful clumping bamboo for a hedge?

Discussion in 'Poaceae' started by Kevinm, Sep 6, 2005.

  1. Kevinm

    Kevinm Member

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    Hi There,

    Does anyone have any suggestions on a good, clumping (or relatively non-agressive running) bamboo that would make a beautiful hedge?

    Ideally, I would love black bamboo. The only variety that seems to fit the bill is Ph. Nigra "Othelo", which is tough to source.

    I would also be open to other bamboo suggestions. It's adjacent to our outdoor patio area so hopefully you can suggest something visually stunning.

    Thanks everyone. I learn a TON from this forum!
     
  2. dghicks

    dghicks Member

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    Much depends on your situation: how tall do you want the hedge to be? Is the site located in sun, part sun, or shade? The clumping varieties that are hardy in Vancouver prefer shade/part shade (depending on species) and the generally speaking, attain to a height of around 15'. Look into the genus Fargesia for the broadest selection: also (again, this depends on the site) check out Yushania anceps (Arundinaria anceps)...very beautiful clumper, 12' tall, hardy to @-18, likes part shade.
     
  3. Kevinm

    Kevinm Member

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    Thanks so much dghicks. I'll check out both of those specimens!

    All the best!
     
  4. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Nigra is running, is not good for hedges because it bends over when wet. Anceps is also semi-running, rather than strictly clumping; it is also slightly tender. Fargesia robusta is fairly sun tolerant. The Miller Botanical Garden has a Chusquea culeou hedge that looks pretty good.
     
  5. dghicks

    dghicks Member

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    Chusquea is another good genus to look into, for sure. Chusquea culeou is nice, but its hardiness varies fairly dramatically, depending on the clone; some are hardy to only -9(ish), others down around -18 (celsius)..if you go this route, be mindful of the source. Yushania anceps leaves can be tender, but will grow back, and while it is indeed a pachymorph that also runs, it spreads slowly.
     
  6. Kevinm

    Kevinm Member

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    Hi Folks,

    Chusquea culeou is quite lovely. I'll take a look more closely.

    Any ideas for sourcing in Vancouver?
     

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