Clumping bamboo has a root system that naturally tends to form a clump, rather than run. This is not the type that has given bamboo a bit of bad reputation, and with many varieties available, different sizes and growth rates, you can find a variety to suit most landscaping applications.
What are Clumping Bamboos ?
They are by far the most popular bamboo types in Australia. They are easier to control than their running relatives, less invasive and generally better behaved.
Clumping bamboo behaves differently because of the growth habit of the rhizomes.
They do send out new shoots, but these quickly turn upwards looking for light, and therefore ‘form a clump’ rather than ‘run’ underground and pop up where they may be a problem.
So clumping bamboo will spread to form a larger clump over time, but is less likely to cause the problems associated with its running relatives.
Varieties of Clumping Bamboo
There are a number of varieties or types. The species include those mainly in the following generas:
- Bambusa
Best own for Bambusa textilis gracilis, Bambusa multiplex alphonse karr and Bambusa oldhami (syn Dendrocalamopsis oldhamii), an excellent clumping variety for windbreaks - Chusquea
Ever heard of a ‘clumping’ and ‘climbing’ bamboo try Chusquea coronalis - Dendrocalamus
Dendrocalamus giganteus in probably the tallest clump forming bamboo of all, one for the sub tropical climate. Dendrocalmus asper is another. - Drepanostachyum
Drepanostachyum falcatum is the Himalayan Weeping Bamboo, slow growing and a well behaved. Drepanostachyum khasianum or Khasia Bamboo has wonderful arching canes. - Fargesia
Fargesia nitida, often called ‘Fountain Bamboo’ or ‘Blue Fountain’ excellent blue / purple stems. - Gigantochloa apus or Tabashire Bamboo
- Himalayacalamus porcatus
Himalayacalamus Porcatus is a delicate ornamental bamboo, tight clumpier that prefers cooler climates, light green foliage - Otatea
Otatea Acuminata Aztecorum is the Mexican Weeping Bamboo - Thamnocalamus
If you were in the UK you would be able to buy Thamnocalamus crassinodus ‘Kew Beauty’,s a cold climate bamboo. (not readily available in Australia) - Thyrostachys
Thyrsostachys oliveri is another not readily available - Yushania
Yushania alpina or African alpine bamboo and again not readily available.
Clumping Bamboo Maintenance
- It is always worth considering using a root barrier when planting any form of bamboo just to ensure you not have problems, and remember that over time any clumping plant will need a little care and maintenance to be kept looking at its best.
- Older clumps can be thinned every 3-4 years, any dead canes can be removed at the ground.
- Older canes can also be cut back. If you are looking at ‘the perfect clump’ then as it begins to look a little tired you can lift the whole clump, and then replant the newest shoots.
Clumping Bamboo is available from the following participating suppliers
50 Meadowbrook Way Riddells Creek
Specialising in non-invasive & running bamboo
With over 50 varieties of bamboo planted on our property your sure to pick the right bamboo to suit your needs
www.bamboo-plants.com.au
1360 Bolong Road Coolangatta NSW 2535
A range of Balinese style water features for Sydney the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions. Clumping bamboo privacy screens.
www.bamboosouthcoast.com.au
You may also be interested in