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Bamboo is a member of the grass family Poaceae.
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Bamboo is the fastest growing plant. The large timber
types, in their native growing conditions, can grow
several feet a day. You can almost watch them grow!
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Bamboo is evergreen if grown in its recommended climate zones. It may
loose its leaves if grown outside its recommended zones, or if it is a new
planting without established root systems. New leaves will return in the
spring. Canes may also be damaged by cold weather, but the roots, and
therefore the plant itself, can survive larger temperature extremes and
new shoots will emerge when temperatures warm. See the Arborday.org
hardiness zone map below to find your weather zone.
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Bamboo, like most grasses, spreads by rhizomes. Bamboo is separated
primarily into two groups: Clumping and Running (spreading). Clumping
bamboo have short rhizomes and will grow (or spread) just a few inches
each growing season. Clumping bamboo will eventually cover about
the same space as a large lilac bush, depending on the variety selected.
Running bamboo have long rhizomes and can grow (or spread) several
feet each growing season. Running bamboo can form dense forests as
seen in the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
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When a bamboo shoot emerges from the soil, it is as large in diameter
as it will ever be, unlike trees which develop larger trunks with age.
When a young bamboo plant grows, it produces canes (culms) that are
larger in diameter and taller in height each year -- if growing conditions
are adequate. It will continue to develop bigger canes until it reaches its
mature size.
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Bamboo shoots will grow to their maximum height within 2-4 months. If
you cut a bamboo cane, it will not grow back. For example: you cut a
bamboo cane to 6 feet high. It will not grow back at the point where it
was cut, but it will develop more side branches and leaves below the cut.
*Once a cane has matured, it will not grow taller or wider.
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Side branches and leaves develop after the shoot has nearly reached its
final height. The side branches appear at the nodes, the swollen points
along the length of the cane (or culm).
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Bamboo is primarily propagated by division. Bamboo sets seeds
(flowers) every 20 - 120 years, depending on the variety. When
flowering occurs, it is possible to grow the species from seed, but the
mother plant usually dies. Cuttings and tissue culture are other forms of
propagation.
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For more information on the planting and care of Bamboo, click here.
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