Bamboo is an intriguing plant that many gardeners in Ohio marvel about growing . I ’ve done some research into bamboo and whether it can thrive in Ohio ’s climate . Here ’s what I ’ve learned about growing bamboo in the Buckeye State .
Can Bamboo Grow in Ohio?
The short resolution is yes ! Many bamboo species can grow quite well in Ohio . Bamboo originates in tropical and subtropical climates , but certain “ cold-blooded - stalwart ” bamboo type can withstand Ohio ’s cold winter temperatures .
The key is select the right bamboo variety . Some mintage like Phyllostachys ( running bamboo ) and Fargesia ( clumping bamboo ) are serious choice for Ohio gardens . With proper site survival and tending , bamboo can flourish in the state .
Bamboo Growth Habits
Understanding bamboo emergence habits is helpful for success . There are two master types :
Running bamboo – Spreads by underground rootstock . More aggressive spreaders but can be contained .
clop bamboo – conformation tight cluster and does n’t circulate far . well-fixed to ascertain .

Running bamboo like Phyllostachys should be imbed where spread can be contain , like in pots . clippety-clop variety like Fargesia are better for general garden beds .
Best Bamboo for Ohio
free-base on my inquiry , these are some of the top bamboos to grow in Ohio :
Yellow Groove Bamboo ( Phyllostachys aureosulcata ) – Running case , hardy to -10 ° F . Fast develop to 40 ft .
Alphonse Karr Bamboo ( Bambusa multiplex ‘ Alphonse Karr ’ ) – Clumping bamboo , hardy to 0 ° F . Grows 12 - 15 ft .
Hedge Bamboo ( Fargesia nitida ) – Clumper , hardy to -10 ° F . Grows 6 - 10 ft magniloquent . Dense foliage .
Sweetshoot Bamboo ( Phyllostachys dulcis ) – ladder bamboo hardy to -15 ° F degenerate grower to 20 foot
Umbrella Bamboo ( Fargesia robusta ) – Clumping bamboo intrepid to -20 ° F Grows 15 - 20 ft . Graceful arching stems .
These bamboo type have test to be stale intrepid and suitable for Ohio ’s USDA Hardiness Zones 5 - 6 . Be sure to choose disease - resistant varieties as well .
Growing Conditions for Bamboo in Ohio
Bamboo prosper in the abide by condition :
Full sun to part specter – At least 4 60 minutes of unmediated sun daily . Morning sun is best .
Moist , well - enfeeble ground – Loam or sandy loam grime amend with compost . Avoid soggy sites .
Moderate fertilization – Use a balanced plant food or compost . Do n’t over - fertilize .
Sheltered fix – Protect from strong winds which can damage stems .
With the right growing conditions , bamboo can flourish in home landscapes and gardens throughout Ohio .
Planting and Caring for Bamboo
Proper planting and care is key to establish bamboo in Ohio :
Plant in spring after last rime .
develop soil well with compost before planting .
Space plant 10 - 15 feet apart depending on mature sizing .
H2O thoroughly after planting and weekly the first yr .
Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds .
Fertilize lightly in spring with an organic fertilizer .
bump off stagnant shank and perverse rhizomes as need .
With paying attention lacrimation , fertilization , and pruning , bamboo can thrive in Ohio gardens for many years .
Overwintering Bamboo in Ohio
One concern with bamboos is how they handle Ohio ’s moth-eaten winter . Here are some tip :
quality moth-eaten hardy species rated for your zona .
Plant in a sheltered spot away from wind .
Mulch to a great extent in evenfall to insulate roots .
Avoid over - watering late in year so plants indurate off .
Delay pruning until new shoots look in spring .
Protect with gunny if temperatures drop below -10 ° degree Fahrenheit .
With proper selection and attention , many bamboo varieties can survive Ohio ’s wintertime cold .
Containing and Managing Bamboo Spread
The chief caveat with bamboo is that running types can spread quickly and need containment . Here are some tips if planting running bamboo :
flora in pots or barriers buried 2 - 3 feet abstruse .
edit out back rhizome outside desire spread area .
prod up and off undesirable rhizome quickly .
Select less fast-growing spread out mixed bag like “ clumping ” bamboos .
With vigilance , the spread of campaign bamboo can be control . Or opt for clop bamboo which disseminate minimally .
Bamboo Uses in the Landscape
There are many great the States for bamboo in Ohio gardens :
Specimen planting for tropical effect
Hedges , projection screen and polisher
edge along fence or slopes
Around ponds and water feature of speech
Container planting on patios
trellis and support for vine
Intriguing focal point in garden beds
Bamboo ’s unique form and architectural presence make believe it a various option for Ohio landscapes .
Is Bamboo Right for You?
Bamboo can enhance many gardens with its tall elegant stems , lush foliage , and exotic vibration . While some upkeep and containment is demand , the right bamboo species can uprise beautifully in Ohio .
With smart mixture choice , ideal growing conditions , and attentive care , bamboo can boom within landscape painting across the state . If you like bamboo ’s look and are willing to care it , give it a attempt in your own Ohio garden .
Growing Bamboo | It’s Invasive!!! | Wait..Is it???
Can bamboo acquire in Ohio ?
Bamboo is widely known as a firm and resilient tree diagram , yet it can persist the harsh atmospheric condition conditions in Ohio , United States . This clause will unknot this mystery by answer the doubt :
Can bamboo produce in Florida ?
In the United States , Floria is the large bamboo cultivation and processing operation . That ’s why bamboos are turn more in Florida than other states . Can bamboo grow in Ohio ? Yes , some varieties of bamboo , peculiarly the 6 popular categories of bamboo award above , can thrive well in Ohio by suffer coarse weather and temperatures .
Can Bisset bamboo grow in Ohio ?
The woodlet of bamboo are famous in Japan , and the Bisset bamboo is aboriginal to this country but has been moved to Ohio for cultivation purposes . It is very tough to endure the cold of Zone 4 in the USDA Hardiness function . So , Some mild currents of strong winds and Frost in the wintertime will not stymie its development .
Can you get a whole bamboo garden ?
That ’s why many the great unwashed grow a whole bamboo garden to heighten the landscape intention . The Red Margin bamboo is put into the family of elephantine bamboo . It is 40 infantry tall with an 8 - inch width . But when you plant in Zone 4 or 5 , where the temperatures are much colder , its height is only 20 feet .