BAMBOO in Idaho?

Does it winter over?
Does it survive our Hot Summers?
YES, YES AND YES!

Who would have thought?...Bamboo is becoming a hot, new garden craze right here in Idaho... It creates a peaceful calming atmosphere, while providing instant shade and privacy! It flutters softly in the wind and remains tall and green year round. Dramatic and exotic, fun, easy to grow and different - that’s bamboo.

Bamboo grows fast. It is the fastest growing plant on the continent, outside of sea kelp. It can even grow more than 6’ a day in certain varieties! There are the Giant Timbers that can reach heights of over 70 feet, with a 5” or more cane diameter and there are dwarf groundcovers that can be planted in lieu of grass and only require an annual mowing!

Sun or shade - there is a bamboo for both. Some require part to full shade, while others thrive in full sun.

Winter hardiness. Most that we carry are hardy to at least zero degrees and some can even handle temperatures down to 25 below. Once established, dipping below the recommended temperatures may only cause leaf fall.

The use of bamboo in the Idaho garden is limited only by the imagination. You can add bamboo with the confidence that it will enhance rather than take over.

Is it invasive?... Yes and No. There are certain varieties that have a clumping root system and are not invasive. We have a large variety of them. They do not grow as tall as the running types, but are equally beautiful and sometimes have a gentle weeping habit. To control the spread of the running types, there are several options. First of all, bamboo is not as invasive in our climate as it is in other less-harsh climates. And it will probably never spread beyond an area of irrigation into dry soil. Under right conditions, however, bamboo can spread rather quickly and be quite aggressive. The installation of a barrier, raised beds or planting in containers will keep it under control and contain it’s area of growth. We would be more than happy to discuss all of these options with you.