6 Types Of Bamboo That Survive In Alaska

Written by Heather Hall
Updated: June 16, 2023
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Bamboo is a type of grass native to warm tropical regions. It grows quickly and can reach heights of up to 100 feet tall in some cases. Bamboo has an attractive appearance with its long slender stalks and lush green leaves, creating a pleasant backdrop for any outdoor space. People love to grow bamboo as a landscaping plant because it’s low-maintenance and fast-growing, which makes it perfect for creating privacy screens or borders along walkways or driveways. Additionally, bamboo is incredibly strong yet flexible, making it ideal for building structures like arbors and trellises. 

One unique aspect of bamboo is its ability to withstand almost any climate conditions – even cold climates such as Alaska! While many types of bamboo are not hardy enough in Alaska’s typically frigid winter temperatures, some species have adapted over time to survive the colder weather, allowing Alaskans more options when considering what plants they’d like to add to their landscape design.

Can You Grow Bamboo In Alaska?

Lanscape of bamboo tree in tropical rainforest, Malaysia

Gardeners below zone 5 should expect their bamboo to die back to the ground yearly due to the colder temperatures.

©szefei/Shutterstock.com

Alaska gardeners are in USDA hardiness zones 1-8. The gardening climate in Alaska is unique, with cold winters and short summers that can be wet or dry depending on the region. Gardeners below zone 5 should expect their bamboo to die back to the ground each year due to the colder temperatures and shorter growing seasons, but it will regrow again in spring once temperatures rise. It’s important for Alaskan gardeners to use a variety of cold-hardy varieties of bamboo when planting, as some varieties have been cultivated specifically for cold-hardiness. Additionally, winter protection, such as mulch and protective coverings, may be necessary for any type of bamboo grown in Alaska.

6 Types Of Bamboo

If you are in an Alaskan USDA Hardiness Zone 5 or above, you can expect your bamboo to be fully evergreen and grow to its predicted mature height. If you are in zones 3 or 4, many types of bamboo that are hardy to zone 5 will grow fine for you but will die back in the winter. The roots are hardy below zone 5, so the plant will live and produce new foliage come spring. Having the bamboo foliage absent in winter allows more sun to shine through, so it isn’t always a negative aspect. This die-back does make their full height considerably shorter. If you are in zones 1 or 2, you must take your bamboo indoors for the winter.

1. Yellow Groove Bamboo

Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis (Showy Yellow Groove Bamboo) in Rural Devon, England, UK

This species produces small clusters of light green leaflets, which provide dappled shade for areas beneath it.

©Peter Turner Photography/Shutterstock.com

Yellow Groove bamboo (Phyllostachys Aureosulcata) is a species of bamboo native to China, Japan, and Korea. It is an evergreen perennial that can reach heights of up to thirty feet tall with culm diameters of one inch or more. The culms are yellowish-green in color with dark grooves on the surface and have a very straight growth pattern when grown under ideal conditions. This species produces small clusters of light green leaflets, which provide dappled shade for areas beneath it. Its root system is strong enough to survive harsh climates such as those found in Alaska, making it suitable for planting in colder regions that may not be able to support other types of bamboo. Unlike some other varieties of bamboo, Yellow Groove does not require regular pruning and will continue its natural growth pattern without needing any extra attention from gardeners or landscapers. This bamboo is root and foliage hardy to USDA zone 4.

2. Bisset Bamboo

This bamboo species can be planted outdoors as long as you provide adequate protection from the cold temperatures.

©Filostachys, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Bisset bamboo (Phyllostachys Bissetii) is a species of running bamboo that is native to China. It grows in clumps and can reach heights up to 25 feet tall. The culms are usually about an inch thick, with nodes spaced about every 8 inches. The leaves of the Bisset bamboo are lanceolate, dark green in color, and grow up to 7 inches long. It is known for its fast growth rate, making it perfect for creating a privacy screen or quickly adding texture to your landscape! In Alaska, this bamboo species can be planted outdoors if you provide adequate protection from cold temperatures during winter months. When planting this type of bamboo in colder climates like Alaska, make sure you use plenty of organic matter such as compost or manure when planting and also mulch around the plants heavily after they have been established for several years. This will help insulate them from extreme temperatures during the winter season and ensure their survival throughout the year!

3. Bamboo That Survive In Alaska: Incense Bamboo

Bamboo planting in garden

Before planting bamboo, select the type you want to grow and know its soil and watering needs.

©iStock.com/LianeM

Incense Bamboo – Phyllostachys atrovaginata is a bamboo species native to Southeast Asia but can be grown successfully in Alaska. The plant grows in dense clumps and can reach heights of up to 20 feet. Its stems are very strong, making them ideal for use as structural support for buildings or scaffolding. It also produces fragrant yellowish-white flowers, which give off a pleasant incense-like scent when in bloom. Incense Bamboo requires moist soils and plenty of sunlight and makes an excellent addition to any garden or landscape design.

4. Snow Bamboo

Snow Bamboo – Phyllostachys nuda is an evergreen bamboo species that has become quite popular in Alaska due to its hardiness. It is a fast-growing bamboo, with culms reaching up to 30 feet tall and 3 inches in diameter. Its leaves are medium green with white stripes along the midribs and margins, giving it a unique “snowy” appearance.

This species prefers moist conditions but can tolerate some dryness when established. Snow Bamboo does best in full sun but will grow well in part shade as well. Its rhizomes spread aggressively, so it may be necessary to contain this species with barriers or by mowing regularly. Otherwise, it can quickly overtake gardens and yards! With proper care and maintenance, Snow Bamboo is an excellent ornamental plant that adds beauty to any landscape year-round. The upper foliage is hardy to zone 5b, but the roots are hardy down to USDA zone 4.

5. Bamboo That Survive In Alaska: Water Bamboo

Water Bamboo – Phyllostachys heteroclada ‘Purpurata‘ is a species of cold-hardy, aquatic bamboo that grows well in Alaska’s climate. The plant can reach heights of up to 30 feet and has distinctive purple culms with yellow stripes. It is an evergreen perennial that prefers moist soil and full sun exposure. Water bamboo requires frequent watering during the summer months and should be mulched heavily to protect its roots from extreme temperatures. As this bamboo species are clump-forming, it spreads slowly but can become invasive in some areas if not monitored carefully. Pruning may also be necessary to keep the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing as it matures over time.

Also called solid-stem bamboo, this variety is a root-hardy plant that can survive in zones as low as 4. It loses its foliage every winter but will regenerate new shoots in the spring, making it a great choice for creating privacy screens. However, it cannot be grown in containers. This type of bamboo is unique in that it can tolerate wet conditions, unlike most other varieties.

6. Red Margin Bamboo

Red Margin Bamboo also works well for erosion control due to its strong root system.

©Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Red Margin Bamboo (Phyllostachys rubromarginata) is a hardy bamboo that can survive in many climates, including cold areas such as Alaska. It grows quickly and produces distinct red shoots with green stripes when mature. The species has arching culms up to 40 feet tall, making an excellent privacy hedge or windbreak. Red Margin Bamboo also works well for erosion control due to its strong root system. This type of bamboo prefers partial shade and moist soil, but it will tolerate full sun if the soil is consistently wet or irrigated. To ensure healthy growth, fertilize twice yearly with a high-nitrogen fertilizer like fish emulsion or manure tea. In addition, regularly prune to remove dead foliage and encourage new growth.

Summary of 6 Types of Bamboo That Survive in Alaska

RankBamboo NameScientific NameBamboo HeightUSDA Hardiness
1Yellow GroovePhyllostachys aureosulcata30 feet tallZones 4-10
2Bisset BambooPhyllostachys Bissetii25 feet tallZones 4-8
3Incense BambooPhyllostachys atrovaginata20 feet tallZones 5-10
4Snow BambooPhyllostachys nuda30 feet tallZones 5b-9
5Water BambooPhyllostachys heteroclada ‘Purpurata’30 feet tallZones 6-10
6Red Margin BambooPhyllostachys rubromarginata40 feet tallZones 5-11
Summary Table of 6 Types of Bamboo That Survive in Alaska

The photo featured at the top of this post is © szefei/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

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