How to Grow Jumbo Bamboo

Fargesia murieliae

Fargesia murieliae jumbo is the most popular type of jumbo bamboo. It grows up to a height of 25 feet (timber bamboo can grow up to 40 feet). Jumbo bamboo works well as a hedge, as it is a clumping bamboo; clumping bamboos grow tall enough to provide privacy--without spreading into neighboring yards. Growing jumbo bamboo is fairly easy if you have the right conditions.

Things You'll Need

• Jumbo bamboo plants
• Shovel
• Organic mulch

Instructions

1. Choose the right species of jumbo bamboo. If you live in a humid climate, consider getting black bamboo, which grows tall very quickly but does spread. Fargesia murieliae jumbo tolerates cooler temperatures and does not spread underground.

2. Choose a good location. Don't plant bamboo in any kind of depression. A gentle slope is best. Make sure your bamboo will get at least 4 to 6 hours of sun per day. If you live in a very hot climate, reduce the amount of sun or find a way to diffuse it, as a lot of exposure to bright sunlight can scorch a bamboo's leaves.

3. Prepare your soil. If you have hard, clay-like soil, break it up and mix in organic mulch to a depth of about 6 inches. Make sure the soil will drain well.

4. Shelter your bamboo. Jumbo bamboo grows tall, and is therefor less sturdy than shorter species of bamboo. A strong wind or heavy rainstorm may bend the bamboo. Consider building a fence behind your jumbo bamboo, or planting it behind a building or against a wall.

5. Water your bamboo once or twice a week during dry, hot spells. Do not let your bamboo stand in water. Jumbo bamboo does well in moist, but not soggy, soil.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your local garden center to recommend a species of jumbo bamboo that is right for your growing zone.

Resources

• Where to Purchase Jumbo Bamboo