Bamboo In Virginia

Where You Can Find Bamboo in Virginia

Although bamboo is not native to Virginia, since it has been introduced to many parts of North America, you can find it growing throughout the state. In fact, many species of bamboo thrive in Virginia’s climate and soil, despite it not being native to that region of the United States. However, some bamboo species will survive better than others. A good strategy for growing bamboo in Virginia will include research into cold-hardy bamboo species that can withstand the state’s colder winter temperatures. Before planting bamboo, consider asking the advice of a horticulturist or someone at your local plant nursery. Together, you will be able to find the best bamboo varieties for Virginia’s soil and climate conditions. 

Did you know that bamboo is a resilient species that grows very quickly and is adaptable to a broad variety of climates and soils? Typically, bamboo requires very little assistance in order to grow. Because of that, you likely do not need to worry about fertilizer or too much special attention. Rather, bamboo can withstand a wide range of temperatures, soils, and other climate factors. This adaptability contributes to bamboo’s ability to thrive across many regions of the United States. 

In general, bamboo grows best in well-draining soil that is rich with organic material, where it can access ample sunlight. You should water your bamboo regularly. However, it is drought-tolerant and may be able to withstand periods of drought if necessary. 

Challenges of Growing Bamboo in Virginia

Bamboo does grow well in Virginia, though how well it thrives will depend on the species and specific growing conditions. Generally speaking, Virginia does have a climate that is very conducive to growing certain species of bamboo. It is particularly welcoming to species that are cold-hardy and can withstand freezing temperatures. Some of the bamboo species that can grow well in Virginia include Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), Black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra), and Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis).

You may expect to see bamboo in Asian countries or at a zoo in the habitat of animals such as the giant panda. This plant also grows in many American states and around the world on every continent except for Europe and Antarctica. In the United States, bamboo is primarily planted for either ornamental purposes or commercial value. For that reason, you may find it growing in home and business garden landscapes. However, bamboo is also a versatile plant material that can be made into many different products. These include furniture, cooking utensils, and apparel.

However, it is important to remember that bamboo is not native to Virginia. Because of this, some species can spread rapidly and become invasive. Bamboo can get out of control! With that in mind, it is important to choose the right species and manage your bamboo grove carefully to prevent uncontrollable spread. With proper care and management, you can successfully grow bamboo in Virginia.

About Bamboo

Did you know that there are between 1,500 and 2,000 different bamboo species? These are called “bamboo” plants, but these numerous species belong to over 100 genera in the Poaceae family. Poaceae is known as a “grass family” and belongs to the subfamily Bambusoideae. These grass plants typically have the ability to grow quickly and achieve immense height, giving them trunks similar to those of a tree. This causes many people to mistakenly identify bamboo plants as tree species. However, despite the many species in the world, you will likely see just a few species of bamboo in Virginia.

The weather and soil conditions vary across Virginia. Bamboo can generally thrive in parts of the state that offer a fairly temperate climate, moderate amount of rain, and relatively mild winters. The bamboo grown in Virginia may require regular watering, pruning, and fertilization. However, with some care and attention, bamboo can grow well. Choose a clumping species and check on your bamboo groves regularly to ensure that you are containing the bamboo’s spread.

In Virginia, some common varieties of bamboo to grow are the golden bamboo, Phyllostachys aurea, the black bamboo, Phyllostachys nigra, moso bamboo, Phyllostachys edulis, and dwarf bamboo, Sasa veitchii. However, which one you choose to plant will vary based on where in Virginia you live. You will also want to consider the growing conditions of your home garden or landscape. 

Bamboo Arboretums and Gardens in Virginia

If you want to see what it looks like to grow bamboo in Virginia, consider visiting bamboo gardens, arboretums, and conservatories. This can be a fun adventure! It is also a great way to learn more about your city, state, and the natural world. Many public parks in Virginia include bamboo as a beautiful ornamental plant. This list below is a partial roundup of some places in Virginia where you may find bamboo growing. Visiting a bamboo garden or nursery will let you learn more about the different bamboo varieties that can grow in your part of Virginia. You may also learn about native plants too or dive into a different culture.

Always remember that many of these gardens may have seasonal hours. They also may adjust their hours based on special events or constructions. Many also require admission fees, though a few are free. Though you may find brief visitor information below, it is always smart to check online or call before visiting to ensure the information has not changed. 

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, in Richmond, is a community-focused, non-profit garden. The grounds are comprised of 82 acres and more than a dozen different themed garden areas. This garden welcomes nearly half a million guests each year! The hard work of 70 staff members and over 700 volunteers make this possible. With the mission to connect people with plants to improve communities, the garden’s areas are beautifully designed. They also have a children’s garden and a community kitchen garden that provides fresh produce to local food banks. 

Among the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s multiple garden areas is a bamboo grove. In fact, this bamboo was planted before the garden itself was even established. Garden staff say that it is a constant struggle to contain. However, the plentiful bamboo also provides the opportunity for experts to educate visitors on the use of bamboo. You may get to attend an event learning about its cultural history or practical uses. You could also look on the website for information about how to contain it well in a garden environment.

The garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and open later in the summertime. You may visit any day of the week. Admission is $17 for adults, with discounts for seniors, military, youth, and children available. There are also many special initiatives, events, and exhibits. These make the garden and its educational opportunities available to all regardless of price.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, in Vienna, Virginia, is an ornamental and native plant garden with an environmental mission and educational purpose. This beautiful place is a public garden designed to be a “classroom” for visiting students and learners of all ages. It is a place to relax and stroll on landscaped path. Visitors will also find it a resource as center for learning about plants and the environment. In addition to rolling hills, lawns, and forests, the garden grounds include three lakes, Koi ponds, and wildlife habitats for creatures such as frogs and turtles. The garden’s many different habitats and landscaped areas include an herb garden, butterfly garden, conifer forest, historic tree grove, native tree trail, fern garden, and bonsai pavilion. 

Among the garden’s unique displays is also a Korean Bell Garden, which features statues, murals, and other features designed as replicas of ancient Korean monuments. Within it is a plant collection of specimens from northeast Asia, including bamboo.

The visitor center is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from November to March, with the gardens closing at 4 p.m. In April to October, the visitor center is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the gardens closing at 7 p.m. Admission fees are $6 for adults, $3 for children aged 6 to 17 as well as seniors, and free for children aged five and under. 

Glen Burnie Gardens at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

The Glen Burnie Gardens are part of the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, Virginia. The gardens were a special design by the museum’s benefactor and include seven acres of beautiful perennial plants, rose bushes, and boxwoods. At the back of the property is a special feature: the Asian and Water Gardens. There, you can see golden trout swimming in a spring-fed pond and enjoy the ambiance created by the bamboo grove. In addition to this, you can traverse fields, wildflowers, and forest, enjoying the natural landscape of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. You can also enjoy the museum’s many family-friendly indoor and outdoor exhibitions, such as an outdoor display of wildlife and plant sculptures built by using over 800,000 Lego bricks.

The Glen Burnie Gardens are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday with adult tickets $15 each. 

Maymont Garden

Maymont Garden has 100 acres of diverse gardens and landscapes within the City of Richmond. This public garden has an immense array of plants, beautiful architecture, and towering trees. You can visit Maymont’s vast grounds, gardens, farm, and outdoor wildlife habitat every day. Though there is a suggested $5 contribution for admission, the gardens are completely free to visit and can be enjoyed by all. This provides the opportunity for anyone in the public to enjoy Maymont’s diverse grounds, which have everything from dramatic rock outcroppings to streams, lawns, and interesting walkways. There are also specialty gardens and themed gardens, including the Italian Garden, Japanese Garden, and an Arboretum.

At Maymont, the Japanese Garden is the oldest public Japanese Garden on the East Coast of the United States! This naturalistic garden is designed to make visitors feel like they are stepping from one continent to another. This shady, peaceful garden is wooded with trees that provide lots of shade and dampen sound, making the space feel cool, and peaceful. This garden takes elements from classical gardens in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Nara, and includes trees, shrubs, and water features, as well as paths, bridges, and stone lanterns. Visit this garden to watch a peaceful waterfall through the thick clumps of bamboo.

The Maymont Gardens are open every day 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from April to September and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in October through March. As a public garden, admission is completely free to all.

Norfolk Botanical Garden

Norfolk Botanical Garden, in Norfolk, is an acclaimed botanical garden recently voted in the top three botanical gardens in the United States and known as the largest botanical garden in the state of Virginia! This garden is also unique for being powered entirely by renewable energy. With over 175 acres and 60 different gardens, you can explore something different in every season. The gardens display styles and plants from different parts of the world, focus on different types of plants, and provide calming areas great for birdwatching.  

Check the seasonal gardens chart to discover which plants grow and are best seen at different times of the year. The garden’s bloom chart will let you know what you can expect to see in peak glory, depending on which time of year you visit. Among these plants, you can expect to find multiple types of bamboo – and some growing in a thick bamboo forest!

The Norfolk Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with timed tickets required to be purchased in advance. Adult admission is $16, admission for children aged three to 17 is $14,  and children under the age of three are free. There are also discounts for seniors and military service members.

State Arboretum of Virginia

The Virginia State Arboretum is part of the Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, Virginia. This farm has 172 acres of land to wander and enjoy. The State Arboretum is all about enjoying magnificent plants and wildlife in their natural environment. A visitor here will find more than 5,000 trees and shrubs coming from around the world, including unusual tree species not found in many parts of the United States. At the heart of the mission is ecological research, so scientists will feel at home among the many exhibits and educational experiences.

Some of the labeled tree and shrub collections date back to the early 1930s and include specimens from across the world. Visitors may explore the largest conifer collection in the Southeast. You could experience a grove of more than 300 ginkgo trees in vibrant colors during the fall season. The arboretum has towering Virginia State Champion trees and cedars of Lebanon.

Not too far from the State Arboretum of Virginia, you have the chance to explore a less-visited attraction: a bamboo forest! This lesser-known bamboo forest is small in size, but still majestic and enchanting when you explore it from the inside. You can visit this bamboo forest even in the winter.

The Virginia State Arboretum is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year. Entrance is always free of charge, but check the website for instructions on parking!

Other Places to Find Bamboo in Virginia

In addition to the gardens included above, you may see bamboo growing throughout Virginia at private gardens, individual homes, and in plant nurseries throughout the state. To visit these bamboo-growing sites or to learn whether you should try growing bamboo in Virginia, try reaching out to a local botanical garden, connecting with a Master Gardeners club, or consulting a horticultural society.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/weisschr