Bamboo in Indiana

Where to Find Bamboo in Indiana

Although bamboo is not native to Indiana and is a tropical plant most often associated with countries in Asia, some species of bamboo can grow in Indiana when given the right conditions. Not all species of bamboo can thrive in Indiana’s climate, soil, and other environmental conditions. However, some varieties of bamboo can grow well in Indiana, particularly in the southern part of the state where the climate is milder than in the north where winters can be more extreme.  

This article will review a few of the factors you can consider before deciding to grow bamboo in Indiana. From there, you will discover several places in Indiana to visit and see bamboo growing in real life. These might also be great places to discuss your bamboo-growing plans with experts and gain their advice on which species to grow and how to create a supportive environment for bamboo in your home garden or landscape. Let’s start by talking about the basics of bamboo before learning about the challenges and benefits of these unique grass plants. 

What is Bamboo?

More than 1,000 and possibly as many as 2,000 grass plants grow across the world. These are collectively known as “bamboo” plants. Many bamboo species originate within the Asian continent, though many other species of grass plants grow on continents like North and South America and Africa. There are over 100 different genera in the Poaceae family and the Bambusoideae subfamily that contain bamboo species. These plants vary greatly in characteristics, coming in many different colors, staying small or reaching immense heights, grow well in different climates, and differ in other ways.

People cultivate some bamboo species to eat, while other people grow bamboo plants to use in construction, the production of home goods, or purely as ornamental plants. Each of these uses could be relevant for growing bamboo in Indiana and your goal use will determine your choice of species to grow. But before you decide to plant your own bamboo grove, let’s talk about some of the challenges of growing bamboo in Indiana.

Challenges of Growing Bamboo in Indiana

A few bamboo plant species that grow in Indiana include yellow groove bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata), Bissett’s bamboo (Phyllostachys bissetii), and clumping bamboo (Fargesia robusta). Each of these plants grows in USDA hardiness zones 5 and 6, which is where Indiana is located.

Indiana’s climate varies depending on the region of the state. In general, Indiana is a humid state that experiences four seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. Summers may be marked by rainstorms, high humidity, and temperatures into the 90s. The winters are cold, with common snowfall, particularly in the northern part of the state that is closer to the Great Lakes Region of the Midwestern United States. The range in temperatures over the four distinct seasons means that cultivating bamboo in Indiana is not impossible, but may be difficult depending on the species you choose. If you hope to cultivate a bamboo grove in Indiana, you should be aware that you may encounter a few challenges. Let’s review some of them now.

Cold Weather

First, the cold winters in Indiana, especially in the northern part of the state, can threaten your bamboo’s growth or even kill the plants entirely. Since snow is common during Indiana’s winter months, you may need to protect or insulate your bamboo plants so that they are not damaged by snow, ice, and cold winter temperatures. You will also want to select a very cold-hardy bamboo species that will be resilient in cold temperatures. You may also choose to plant your bamboo in pots that can be brought indoors during the winter.

Soil Challenges

Second, bamboo typically thrives most when planted in moist, well-draining soil that is nutrient-rich. Certain regions of Indiana have soil more suited to growing bamboo. The state’s diverse geology includes many different soil types, but soil can vary even within a small geographic region based on the topography, drainage, human construction work, and other factors. Before you plant bamboo, conduct a soil test and talk with local agricultural extensions or plant nurseries to get information about the soil and gain recommendations for how to modify your land’s soil to be hospitable for bamboo.

Hydration

Third, bamboo can be susceptible to root rot when water-logged or die in the face of drought. Bamboo thrives best with consistent levels of moisture. During periods without rain as well as in hot, humid summers, you will need to monitor your bamboo plants to ensure that they do not succumb to root rot in wet, humid seasons or wither from dehydration during dry months. 

Other Considerations for Growing Bamboo in Indiana

Despite these challenges, bamboo certainly may be able to grow and even thrive in Indiana. However, a responsible gardener will consider the impact that your bamboo may have as an invasive plant. Bamboo has been known to cause damage to surrounding ecosystems where it is planted and not native. Certain species of bamboo are considered invasive. They can grow rapidly, sending out numerous underground shoots and spreading quickly and causing bamboo shoots to grow up and choke native plants from thriving. This makes sense when you consider that bamboo species are grass plants. Like other grasses, bamboo can be very resilient, making it difficult to control.

A few ways you can help mitigate any damage to local Indiana plants is by choosing a non-invasive bamboo species, planting clumping varieties, using physical barriers in the ground, and pruning the plants regularly. With these precautions in place, bamboo can be beneficial for you and local animal life.

With that in mind, here are some tips for successfully cultivating bamboo in Indiana.

How to Grow Bamboo in Indiana

Since you have so many different types of bamboo to choose from, you likely can find a species that fits your unique soil and climate conditions in Indiana. Whether it’s one of the species named above or a different variety, talk to experts to get customized recommendations for your needs.

In general, bamboo plants grow best in areas with plenty of sun, well-draining soil, and protection from strong wind. Since bamboo can be invasive and threaten to choke out native plant life, you may also want to plant physical barriers to prevent your bamboo from sending out shoots and spreading beyond control. Prune regularly, ensure the plants have consistent moisture, and put measures in place to protect your bamboo from the coldest winter storms.  

If you choose to plant your bamboo in a container in order to bring it inside during the winter, be careful to avoid shocking the plants! You can give them a smooth transition by acclimating the plant slowly. First, take your potted bamboo plant into a shady, sheltered place outdoors where it still gets light. After it has been there for several weeks, take it inside to your garage, shed, or home. Make sure that throughout the winter, your bamboo still has access to sunlight. Reverse this process in the spring as the weather gets warmer.

Benefits of Growing Bamboo in Indiana

Growing bamboo in Indiana can certainly bring many benefits to your home landscape and the broader ecosystem! Bamboo stalks are beautiful and can bring shade from the sun, protection from the wind, privacy from busy roads, and a tranquil atmosphere. Bamboo roots can help to stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and provide structure to a hill or yard. These plants are a great natural alternative to a fence or wall, and one that provides a new habitat for animals, insects, and birds to build their homes. Additionally, bamboo plants can have positive environmental impacts by removing carbon dioxide from the air. 

You may also find that bamboo is beneficial because of its rapid growth and ease of maintenance. One reason that people love to plant bamboo is because of its rapid growth rate. In fact, some bamboo species can grow dramatically over the course of hours. This means that you may be able to plant bamboo and quickly experience its benefits.

Additionally, some gardeners love bamboo because once the plants become established, they are generally low-maintenance. Because bamboo requires less care and attention, is relatively drought-tolerant and pest-resistant, and does not require mowing or pruning reducing, gardeners love the time and effort saved.

Bamboo Arboretums and Gardens in Indiana

Before you plant bamboo in Indiana, it is a good idea to observe strategies and species chosen by plant experts to cultivate and manage bamboo groves. One way you can do this is by speaking with someone from a local agricultural extension, Master Gardener club, or another horticulturist. One way you can meet these people is by visiting botanical gardens and arboretums, which are often open to the public and provide access to agricultural research. Many of them have experts on staff who can offer you advice and share their experience with plants like bamboo in Indiana. To help connect you with these opportunities for learning and observation, this article provides you with a brief list of places in Indiana where you might look to find bamboo growing and gain expert advice about cultivating these beautiful plants yourself. 

Botanical Gardens and Arboretums

One of the best ways to see bamboo and other plants growing in a natural environment is by visiting botanical gardens and arboretums. Throughout the United States, these places often have bamboo exhibits and events focused on cultivating bamboo and other plants. In Indiana, there are several botanical gardens and arboretums, as well as other locations that include plant displays. These include the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Wellfield Botanic Gardens, and the Gabis Arboretum.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne has varying hours depending on the day of the week. Admission costs $7 for adults, $5 for youth aged 3 to 17, and is free for children aged 2 and under. On Thursdays, the conservatory offers $1 admission from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory consists of 25,000 square feet of unique and beautiful indoor gardens. Visitors may see three unique garden areas, which include a tropical garden, a desert garden, and a showcase garden that offers revolving displays of seasonal and themed exhibits. You may also participate in a variety of special events and educational opportunities. 

Wellfield Botanical Gardens

The Wellfield Botanical Gardens in Elkhart is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 1 to October 31. Admission costs $10 for visitors aged 13 and up, $5 for children aged 3 to 12, and is free for children under the age of 3. This 36-acre garden has a broad diversity of plants and has themed gardens. These include a Japanese garden, a children’s garden, and a waterfall garden. 

Purdue University Northwest Gabis Arboretum

The Purdue University Northwest Gabis Arboretum in Valparaiso is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Daily admission costs $10 per car, with special pricing available for Purdue students and tours. The Gabis Arboretum has 300 acres of landscapes, including display gardens, wetlands, woodlands, and prairie. The arboretum also offers special events, educational programs, and musical affairs.

Zoos with Garden Displays

Another way you may see bamboo in Indiana is through zoos, some of which have plant displays and others which have dedicated garden areas. In Indiana, these include the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo and the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens.

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and remains open until 6 p.m. during the summer from May through July. Admission costs $18 for those aged 13 and up, $14 for children aged 2 to 12, and is free for babies aged 1 and under. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo includes a botanical conservatory. This conservatory has an indoor garden filled with exotic plants, a waterfall, and numerous butterflies. This botanical conservatory allows visitors to see unique tropical plants and learn all about rare and beautiful species.

Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens

The Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens in Indianapolis have varying hours depending on the season. Tickets cost $24.75 for adults, $20.75 for children, and $22.75 for seniors. The Indianapolis Zoo allows visitors to engage with a variety of animals and exhibits. The White River Gardens is 3.3-acre botanical garden. Visitors may see diverse plants, unique ornamental gardens, beautiful water features, and special seasonal displays.

Nurseries and Garden Centers

In addition to the zoos, gardens, and arboretums included above, you may also find that there are nurseries and garden centers that carry bamboo in Indiana. Going to a plant nursery not only allows you to see and purchase bamboo, but may allow you to talk to someone who can advise on the best type of bamboo to plant for your area and purposes. 

Other Places to Find Bamboo in Indiana

In addition to the places listed here, you can also look into private homes and gardens throughout Indiana to see how individual gardeners and landscapers incorporate bamboo into their designs. Private estates can be wonderful places to see bamboo growing as a garden focal point or part of a bigger landscape design. They can be a great source of inspiration and learning.

To find opportunities to visit a private home or garden, research local garden clubs or associations in your area. These groups often facilitate special tours or host events at individual estates. One example of this includes the North American Japanese Garden Association. This group showcases online individual gardeners who cultivate thriving gardens, many of which include bamboo groves as part of a cohesive Japanese-inspired garden. 

You may also choose to connect with a local Master Gardener club through the state university agricultural extension. These passionate plant lovers are often willing to share their experiences and may have advice about where to buy bamboo plants and how to grow bamboo in Indiana.