Clumping Bamboo or Non-invasive bamboo.
Some species of bamboo produce a lot of underground runners and can become invasive. When planting bamboo it is best to look for non-invasive species suited to your climate and soil type. When asking suppliers about non-invasive bamboo it is essential to refer to your particular soil type, climate and region.
And of course, some clumping bamboo varieties are suited to growing in containers and pots.
Characteristics of Clumping Bamboo
Clumping Bamboo has a growth pattern that creates a clump or tussock.
Clumping bamboo is often referred to as ‘non-invasive’, bamboo’ although it needs to be remembered that the root systems of most bamboos are usually vigorous and need to kept clear of storm water drains and septic tanks etc.
The fibrous roots of clumping bamboo make it useful as a plant to help stabilize soil and help prevent erosion.
Nearly all bamboos should be planted away from buildings or grown in containers.
Root barriers are another useful method of containing both clumping and running bamboos.
Clumping Bamboo Varieties
We have listed some of the best clumping Bamboos and have also added some suggestions as to the best uses of different varieties.
- Bambusa multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’ (Screening, Feature Plant or Windbreak)
- Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’ (Screening, Feature Plant or Windbreak)
- Dendrocalamus oldhami (Oldhams Bamboo – (Screening, Windbreak or Bamboo shoots)
- Bambusa ventricosa (Buddha Belly Bamboo -Screening, Feature Plant or Windbreak)
- Dendrocalamus minor var. Amoenus (Ghost Bamboo – Screening, Feature Plant or Windbreak)
- Dendrocalamus asper var, Hitan (Black Asper – Feature Plant, Timber or Bamboo shoots)
- Bambusa textilis var. Fasca- (Screen, Timber or Windbreak)
- Bambusa Chungi (Blue Bamboo or White Powder Bamboo – Feature Plant)
- Dendrocalamus brandisii (Black Brandisii – Feature Plant, Timber or Bamboo shoots)
- Dendrocalamus latiflorus ( Giant Taiwanese Bamboo – Timber or Bamboo shoots)
When planting any bamboo, consider using a root barrier.
