Bamboo Varieties

Bamboo is a very popular group of plants because of its fast growth, evergreen foliage, Asian-style beauty, and wide variety of styles and colors. Worldwide there are over 1,800 species of bamboo with varieties that thrive in almost every climate. While some species create forests over 70 feet tall, the shortest species grow to only a few feet with every height in between provided by at least one species. Sun is another factor in determining which species is right for you. Various species thrive under both heavy shade and full sun but many prefer one or the other. Bamboo plants also have a large range in cold hardiness, with some species thriving in tropical climates while others are hardy enough to survive -20°F or even colder. When comparing different varieties, be sure to keep the difference between running and clumping in mind. Running species spread underground and can quickly overtake large areas but clumping species are non-invasive and form single stands with many canes growing close together. Find clumping species here.