6 Types of Bamboo That Thrive In Georgia

Bamboo is a type of grass that has been used for hundreds of years in many parts of the world. It is known for its strength and versatility, as well as its beauty and resilience. People like to grow bamboo outdoors because it can be grown in many climates, requires minimal maintenance, and provides great privacy with its tall stalks.

Other uses for bamboo include making furniture, paper products, and construction materials such as scaffolding or building poles. Bamboo is used in textiles such as floor mats or cloth and to make musical instruments. Many people love cooking utensils made with bamboo. Cultivating bamboo at home can be a very rewarding experience because it grows so fast. Plus, it’s an environmentally friendly way to live since bamboo grows quickly and doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers.

Can You Grow Bamboo in Georgia?

The state of Georgia offers many different climate zones, from USDA Hardiness zone 6 to 9. This means a wide range of bamboo species is available for growing in the area. For example, some cold-hardy bamboo, such as Phyllostachys vivax and Pleioblastus viridistriatus, can be grown in zone 6b or higher. In addition, many tropical species, including Bambusa multiplex and Dendrocalamus strictus, will thrive in zones 8a or higher. There is truly something for everyone regarding bamboo gardening in Georgia!

6 Types of Bamboo That Thrive in Georgia

Bamboo is a tall, evergreen grass-like plant that can reach up to 15 feet tall. It has long, slender stems and grows rapidly in warm climates. The leaves are usually green but may be yellow or striped, depending on the species. Bamboo is also known for its distinctive “knuckles” at each node, giving it a unique look and texture. Depending on the type of bamboo, the culms (stems) can be smooth and solid or hollow like reeds with distinct nodes along their length. Bamboo comes in many varieties, from clumping types that spread slowly to running varieties that quickly colonize an area, creating dense thickets of bamboo shoots. Here are a few of our favorite varieties of bamboo that grow in Georgia from zones 6 through 9.

1. Wolong Bamboo

Wolong Bamboo – Fargesia robusta ‘Wolong‘ is a very popular clumping bamboo species native to the mountainous regions of China. Its graceful appearance features bright green culms with attractive orange-brown stripes and drooping foliage, making it an ideal addition to any landscape in Georgia. The plant grows quickly and can reach heights up to 18 feet tall when mature, though this is usually only seen in its natural environment as most specimens grown in gardens tend not to get so large.

It prefers moist but well-drained soil, full sun or partial shade, regular watering during dry periods, and protection from cold temperatures below 0°F—so make sure you provide ample shelter if wintering your plants outdoors! Once established, Wolong Bamboo will require little maintenance other than occasional pruning for shaping or thinning out overgrown areas.

2. Giant Leaf Bamboo

Giant Leaf Bamboo (Indocalamus tessellatus) is a perennial dwarf species of bamboo that can be grown in various climates, including Georgia. The giant leaves are up to 4 inches long and grow on shoots that reach only 6 feet tall. It has an attractive yellow-green color with reddish-brown stripes running along the length of each culm. This bamboo spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes and can form dense clumps if left unchecked.

In addition to its ornamental value, Giant Leaf Bamboo makes an effective privacy screen or windbreak due to its height and wide foliage coverage. While this species is relatively tolerant of various soil types, it prefers moist soils rich in organic matter for optimal growth and health. If grown in full sun locations, regular watering may be required depending on your climate zone. This bamboo is hardy down to -15°F.

3. Golden Bamboo

Phyllostachys Aurea is a bamboo species native to East Asia, including China and Japan. It is an evergreen perennial that can grow up to 25 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 2-3 inches. The leaves are long and thin, and the culms have a yellowish hue with green stripes.

This bamboo species makes an excellent addition to any landscape or garden, as it has been used for centuries in Asian gardens for its beauty and resilience. Golden Bamboo is also known for its ability to spread quickly once established, forming large clumps over time, providing windbreaks and erosion control while adding height interest in the landscape. In Georgia, this species does best when planted in well-drained soil that receives plenty of sunlight but can also tolerate some shade. It should be fertilized regularly during the growing season for optimal growth, especially if you want it to reach its full potential size quickly!

4. Temple Bamboo

Temple Bamboo, also known as Semiarundinaria fastuosa, is a species of bamboo native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It is one of the most popular varieties for landscaping in Georgia due to its attractive foliage and pliable stems. The plant grows up to 25 feet tall with a spread of 8-10 feet wide when mature. Its narrow culms have alternating yellow stripes on a green background, giving it an almost zebra-like appearance. Temple bamboo prefers partial sun or shade and moist soil with plenty of organic matter mixed into it. Pruning will help keep the size under control, but root pruning should be done every few years in order to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth. With proper care, this species can make for an excellent addition to any Georgia garden!

5. Henon Giant Gray Bamboo

Phyllostachys nigra ‘Henon,’ commonly referred to as Henon Giant Gray Bamboo, is a species of bamboo native to China and Japan. This type of bamboo can reach heights of up to 40 feet tall with culm diameters reaching 7 inches in diameter. Its leaves are long and narrow with an olive-green color, while the culms have a distinct grayish-black hue that gives it its name. Henon Giant Gray Bamboo prefers slightly acidic soil. It can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. Always protect this bamboo from strong winds if planted outdoors.

The most common method for propagating this kind of bamboo is through division, where divisions taken from established clumps can be replanted elsewhere. In Georgia, Henon Giant Gray Bamboo has been successfully grown as an ornamental plant in gardens or as part of landscaping projects due to its striking visual appeal and fast growth rate. It quickly grows into a gorgeous bamboo forest!

6. Incense Bamboo

Incense bamboo (Phyllostachys atrovaginata) is a beautiful, fast-growing bamboo species found in the southeastern United States. This type of bamboo thrives best in mild climates with plenty of sunshine and moist soils. It can reach heights up to 30 feet tall in Georgia and grows well even in partial shade. It has dark green leaves with white stripes on the underside and creamy yellow culms, usually around 2 inches thick. Incense Bamboo is an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or dense hedges due to its rapid growth rate; however, its spreading rhizomes have been known to become invasive if not properly managed. When planted as part of a garden theme or landscaping design, it also makes a great ornamental plant. It adds texture and contrast while providing beauty all year round!

Summary of 6 Types of Bamboo That Thrive in Georgia

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