Bamboo has been gaining in popularity as a decorative way to create a hedgerow or simply allowed to grow in clumps. They are often used to accent water gardens or as a backdrop for bed gardens. Until recently most assumed that this type of grass plant could not survive harsh windows but there are several species of bamboo, including Phyllostachys Aurea, that can withstand temperature below freezing.
The main problem with adding bamboo to a landscape is not that it is difficult to grow, but just the opposite. Bamboo can be very invasive if left unchecked and has a habit of travelling underground so those in the area will have no warning until it pops up in their yard. However, some species are easier to control than others and all can kept where they belong if the owner is responsible and does not allow it to get out of hand. Here are five examples of hardy bamboo.
Phyllostachys Aurea, also known as Golden Bamboo, has stems that start out green but then become golden yellow if allowed enough sunlight. They reach about 5 meters in height and are evergreen, keeping their leaves through the winter months. They are underground runners so they can spread unpredictably and can be difficult to eradicate once they have established.
Phyllostachys Aureosulcata Aureocaulis is also evergreen. It has bright green leaves on stalks that are yellow with occasional striking green stripes. Older stems can turn a vibrant red on the side that receives the most sunlight. They can grow to a height of 6 meters and are incredibly hardy, down to a temperature of -25C.
Phyllostachys Aureosulcata Spectabilis is a quite unique and striking bamboo. The stems are yellow but each has one or more bright green grooved stripes running down that matches the bright green of the leaves. Over time the stems zig zag at the nodes making for a distinctive appearance. It grows quickly reaching a full height of 6 meters.
Phyllostachys Nigra is a shorter species, only about 3 meters when full grown. The stems are shiny black which makes a very attractive contrast to the green of the leaves. They are one of the few bamboos not known to be invasive and can be planted quite safely almost anywhere without fear that the neighbors will complain. Because of their size they are often planted in containers.
Phyllostachys Bissetii is an excellent choice for a privacy hedge because it is tall and the stems grow very close together creating a dense thicket in a very short period of time. It grows to a height of about 6 meters and is considered one of the most temperature hardy of the bamboos.
There are many types of bamboo, like Phyllostachys Aurea, that are hardy enough to grow in areas where the temperature goes below freezing in the colder months. Useful as privacy borders and attractive in clumps scattered around the landscape they are easy to grow. Their only downside is their tendency to be invasive so planting them means agreeing to keep up with their control.