7 Types of Bamboo to Grow in Rhode Island

Bamboo is a type of grass-like plant that grows in many parts of the world, including Rhode Island. It typically has long, thin stems with nodes at regular intervals and green leaves at the top. In landscaping, bamboo can be used for a variety of purposes, including privacy screens or hedges to block views from one area to another, windbreaks to protect other plants from strong winds and gusts, erosion control due to its dense root system, which helps hold soil in place on slopes and hillsides, as well as an attractive ornamental element. Bamboo also provides habitats for wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, who use its hollow stems for nesting or feeding grounds.

Can You Grow Bamboo in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 5a to 6b. This means that most plants native to Rhode Island can only survive temperatures between -20°F and 0°F in Zone 5a, while those in Zone 6b are able to withstand temperatures up to 10°F. The gardening climate of the state is relatively mild overall, with hot summers and cold winters moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic coast. In addition, Rhode Island has a humid continental climate with ample precipitation throughout the year, making it an excellent place for growing bamboo due to its ability to tolerate wet conditions and high rainfall amounts.

7 Types of Bamboo

Many types of bamboo can tolerate the colder climates of USDA zone 5a in Rhode Island. We will go over them in detail below.

1. Blue Fountain Bamboo

Blue Fountain Bamboo – Fargesia nitida is a type of bamboo native to China that has become popular for landscaping in Rhode Island. It is known for its elegant, fountain-like appearance when planted in clusters and can reach heights of up to 15 feet. Growing quickly and establishing strong roots, this species requires little maintenance and thrives in both sunny and shady areas. The clumping habit keeps it from becoming invasive like other types of bamboo. Its arching foliage provides an attractive backdrop or screen against outside noise, making it the perfect choice for privacy hedges or windbreaks. The deep green leaves are also ideal for providing color contrast to any garden setting.

2. Bamboo to Grow in Rhode Island: Umbrella Bamboo

Umbrella Bamboo – Fargesia murielae is a species of clumping bamboo native to the mountainous regions of China. It has become widely popular in Rhode Island for its ability to withstand cold temperatures and low light conditions. The plant itself grows up to 15 feet tall with slender culms that arch gracefully outward like an umbrella. Its foliage comprises thin-bladed leaves that are slightly scabrous on the surfaces and form graceful rosettes at the end of each stem. The foliage retains a deep green color year-round, making it an attractive addition to any landscape design. In addition, Umbrella Bamboo – Fargesia murielae requires minimal maintenance as it does not require pruning or staking; however, it should be kept away from areas where high winds could damage its delicate structure. This beautiful bamboo can thrive in Rhode Island landscapes for many years with proper care!

3. Panda Clumping Bamboo

Panda Clumping Bamboo – Fargesia rufa ‘Green Panda’ is a type of bamboo that grows well in Rhode Island. This bamboo species is known for its rapid growth and long, graceful canes that reach 10 feet tall. It has an upright clump-forming habit, meaning it grows in neat, organized clusters rather than sprawling outwards like other varieties of bamboo. The canes are green when young but turn tan or yellow as they age.

Panda Clumping Bamboo – Fargesia Green Panda produces small white flowers in the springtime, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden. Its thick foliage provides a nice backdrop to any landscape and also helps create shade during hot summer days. It’s easy to care for. Simply give it plenty of sunlight and water regularly, occasionally fertilize with a high-nitrogen fertilizer, prune away dead shoots if needed, and mulch around the base to help retain moisture in the soil. This type of bamboo can live up to 15 years with proper maintenance!

4. Bamboo to Grow in Rhode Island: Lama Temple Bamboo

Lama Temple Bamboo, or Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Lama Temple,‘ is a species of bamboo native to the Eastern and Central region of China. It is an evergreen perennial with dense, upright culms and relatively small leaves that are lightly serrated along their edges. The culms have distinctive yellowish-green stripes running down them, giving them a distinct look from other bamboo species. This species can sometimes reach heights of up to 30 feet and can be grown as either a clump or grove form, depending on preference. Its hardiness makes it suitable for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. It may require some winter protection if temperatures drop below -20°F. Regarding care, Lama Temple Bamboo requires regular watering during dry periods but otherwise demands very little maintenance once established.

5. Snow Bamboo

Snow Bamboo, Phyllostachys nuda, is a species of bamboo native to China and Taiwan. It grows very quickly in temperate climates, reaching heights of up to 30 feet with thick culms that measure 1-3 inches in diameter. The light yellowish green culms are covered in white wax, which gives them their name ‘snow’ bamboo. This hardy and drought-tolerant species makes it well-suited for Rhode Island gardens. However, Snow Bamboo prefers moist, well-drained soils and should not be planted in areas subject to flooding or waterlogging as this will cause root rot. In addition to its ornamental appeal, this type of bamboo can also serve as a living fence or privacy barrier due to its rapid growth rate and dense foliage.

6. Bamboo to Grow in Rhode Island: Dragon Head Bamboo

Dragon Head Bamboo (Fargesia dracocephala) is a clumping bamboo native to the Himalayan mountain range. It has long, slender shoots with an arching habit that gives it its name – Dragon Head Bamboo. The leaves of this species are slightly narrower than other Fargesias and have a blue-green coloration when young. This type of bamboo does well in Rhode Island’s climate and grows best in partial shade with moist but not wet soil conditions. Planting in full sun will require more frequent watering to keep the foliage lush and green throughout the summer. If you’re looking for a hardy plant that can add height (16 feet) and texture to your landscape, then Dragon Head Bamboo could be just what you need!

7. Chinese Timber Bamboo

Chinese Timber Bamboo, also known as Phyllostachys vivax, is a species of bamboo native to China and Taiwan. It has been introduced in Rhode Island and other parts of North America for its fast-growing properties. This bamboo species can reach heights up to 45 feet with an average diameter of 4 inches at the base. The culms are usually green or yellowish-green but may turn brown when exposed to direct sunlight over long periods.

Its leaves are elliptically shaped and deep green in color, reaching lengths up to 10 inches long and widths up to 3 inches wide with serrated margins. Chinese Timber Bamboo is highly invasive if not contained properly, as it spreads through underground rhizomes that can spread outwards several feet each year from its origin. Therefore, it’s important to control unwanted growth by cutting off any new shoots emerging from the ground before they can mature into full-size culms or keeping the plant in a container.

Summary of 7 Types of Bamboo to Grow in Rhode Island

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