Bamboo In New Brunswick: Possible?

Bamboo can be grown in New Brunswick, Canada, despite the cold climate. While there are no native bamboo species in Canada, there are many varieties of bamboo that can survive and even thrive in the country's cold regions. In New Brunswick, you can grow bamboo as long as you select the right varieties. The Phyllostachys and Fargesia genus of bamboo, for example, include many species that are cold-hardy and can withstand freezing temperatures.

Bamboo species that grow in cold climates

Bamboo is one of the world's fastest-growing and most versatile plants. While most people associate it with tropical climates, there are many bamboo varieties that can withstand cold temperatures. Here are some bamboo species that can grow in cold climates:

Phyllostachys

Phyllostachys is a widespread genus of bamboo, primarily native to China, and includes about 50 distinct species. Most species of Phyllostachys are fast-spreading runners with an aggressive rhizome root system, and many of them are cold-hardy. Some examples include:

• Phyllostachys aureosulcata, also known as Yellow Groove Bamboo, has distinctive yellow stripes on its dark green culms.
• Phyllostachys heteroclada f. solida, commonly known as "solid bamboo" or "water bamboo," is one of the few varieties with a solid stem.
• Phyllostachys bissetii is a very dense-growing species with a thick, bushy canopy.
• Phyllostachys atrovaginata, or "incense bamboo," has a waxy, aromatic coating on its culms.
• Phyllostachys parvifolia, similar to water bamboo, has thick, dark green culms and small leaves.

Fargesia

Fargesia is another major genus of bamboo, indigenous to China and Southeast Asia. Fargesia bamboos are primarily dense-growing clumpers and are known for their extreme cold hardiness. Some popular varieties include:

• Fargesia dracocephala, or "dragon head bamboo," has thick culms and weeping foliage, making it ideal for privacy hedges.
• Fargesia rufa is a compact, thick, and bushy variety that prefers cooler climates and partial shade.
• Fargesia sp. 'Jiuzhaigou' includes several colourful cultivars, such as "red dragon" and "black cherry."

Other Species

In addition to Phyllostachys and Fargesia, there are other bamboo species that can tolerate cold climates:

• Seabreeze Bamboo (Bambusa Malingensis) can survive down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and is often used for privacy screening.
• Giant Timber Bamboo (Bambusa Oldhamii) can withstand temperatures as low as 22 degrees Fahrenheit and can reach heights of up to 55 feet.
• Tropical Blue Bamboo (Bambusa Chungi) has beautiful blue culms with a waxy coating and can tolerate temperatures down to 21 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Graceful Bamboo (Bambusa Textilis Gracilis) has a delicate appearance, a small footprint, and can survive down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

These are just a few examples of bamboo species that can grow in cold climates. When choosing bamboo for a particular location, it is important to consider the specific climate zone and the bamboo's preferred growing conditions.

Bamboo nurseries in Canada

Canada has a wide variety of climates, and while bamboo is hardy in much of the country, the colder regions will struggle to support the plant. Vancouver and the surrounding areas have the mildest climate and therefore the best gardening conditions. British Columbia has the most successful bamboo gardens in Canada.

• Art's Nursery: A full-service nursery in Surrey, British Columbia, with an extensive selection of bamboo plants.
• Bamboo Botanicals: A private collection of rare and ornamental bamboos, conifers and Japanese maples, located in British Columbia, but not open to the public.
• Bamboo Plants of Canada: A strictly online nursery offering many varieties of bamboo, as well as ornamental grasses and flowering shrubs. They deliver their Canadian-grown plants across the country, from mid-April to the end of October.
• Bamboo World: A bamboo farm located in Chilliwack, just outside Vancouver, offering an extensive selection of bamboo varieties, poles and fencing products. They ship bamboo varieties within British Columbia only but can ship other products anywhere in Canada.
• Bamboo Toronto: Offers a variety of bamboo fencing and light construction materials. No live plants.
• Peninsula Flowers Nursery: Located in Sidney, British Columbia, this nursery offers a range of bamboo varieties, including Arundinaria, Borinda, Chimonobambusa, Chusquea, Fargesia, Hibanobambusa, Phyllostachys, Pleioblastus, Pseudosasa, Sasa, Sasasella, Semiarundinaria and Shibataea.

There are also a number of online bamboo nurseries in the US that will ship live plants to Canada.

Bamboo varieties that grow in pots

Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can be grown in pots, but it requires ample space to allow its roots to grow. The ideal container size is at least 10 gallons, with larger pots being preferable. Pots should also have sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

When growing bamboo in pots, it is important to choose the right variety. Clumping bamboos, such as Fargesia, are generally better suited for containers as they have less aggressive roots and rhizomes. Some of the best bamboo varieties to grow in pots include:

• Seabreeze
• Multiplex Hedge
• Fargesia
• Buddha Belly
• Bambusa multiplex or Hedge bamboo
• Drepanostachyum khasianum or Purple jade bamboo
• Hibanobambusa tranquillans “‘Shiroshima’
• Himalayacalamus hookerianus or Himalayan blue bamboo
• Otatea acuminata or Mexican weeping bamboo
• Pleioblastus variegatus or Dwarf whitestripe bamboo
• Phyllostachys aurea or Golden bamboo
• Phyllostachys nigra or Black bamboo
• Pseudosasa japonica or Arrow bamboo
• Sasa veitchii or Kuma-zasa

While bamboo grown in pots will require more care and attention than those in the ground, it is a reliable way to prevent the plant from taking over your garden.

Bamboo growing tips for cold climates

If you're looking to grow bamboo in a cold climate, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, not all bamboo varieties will thrive in cold temperatures, so it's important to choose a cold-hardy species. Running bamboo, such as the genus Phyllostachys, tends to be more suitable for cold climates, but there are also some varieties of clumping bamboo, like the genus Fargesia, that can withstand freezing temperatures.

When selecting a bamboo variety, it's essential to consider your specific climate zone. Most sub-tropical bamboo varieties grow well between zones 8 and 10, but each species has its own preferred growing zone. For example, Seabreeze Bamboo (Bambusa Malingensis) can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F, while Giant Timber Bamboo (Bambusa Oldhamii) can survive down to 22°F.

Once you've chosen the right bamboo variety for your climate, there are several tips to help ensure its success:

• Use a root barrier: If you're planting running bamboo, it's important to use a root barrier to control its spread.
• Provide extra insulation: Bamboo roots can be susceptible to deep freezing in pots or containers, so it's generally better to plant bamboo directly in the ground where the natural earth provides extra insulation. However, if you do choose to keep your bamboo in a pot, you can bring it indoors during the cold winter months.
• Mulch: Adding a layer of protective mulch will help keep the roots warm and insulated during the winter.
• Timing: It's best to propagate bamboo and take rhizome divisions in late winter or early spring, after the coldest period is over but before the new growing season begins.
• Planting tips: Bamboo is a versatile plant and can grow in almost any soil type. However, for the best growth and resilience, plant bamboo in loose, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil.
• Sunlight: Bamboo prefers full sun to partial shade and at least six to eight hours of bright light daily. In very hot areas, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
• Watering: Bamboo prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during hot summer months without rainfall.
• Fertilizer: Use a fertilizer with a higher level of nitrogen to promote healthy growth. You can also use compost or manure.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow bamboo in cold climates and enjoy the beauty and privacy that these versatile plants provide.

Bamboo containment practices

Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can easily spread out of control if not properly maintained. While bamboo is often considered beautiful, it can quickly become a homeowner's worst nightmare. There are two basic types of bamboo: clumping and running. Clumping bamboo grows in large clumps and is relatively slow to spread, while running bamboo spreads aggressively through thick, tough, underground stems called rhizomes. Here are some tips and practices to contain bamboo and prevent it from becoming invasive:

• Root Barriers: Install a root barrier made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, concrete, metal, or pressure-treated wood around the perimeter of the bamboo planting area. The barrier should be at least 24-36 inches deep and protrude about 2 inches above the ground to prevent rhizomes from escaping.
• Trench Method: Dig a trench about 1 foot deep and wide around the bamboo colony. This allows you to easily spot and cut back the running rhizomes. You can leave the trench exposed or fill it with something removable like straw or dry leaves.
• Container Planting: Plant bamboo in large pots or containers to restrict their growth. However, this will require regular watering and the bamboo will eventually become root-bound, requiring repotting.
• Water Restriction: Allow the bamboo to grow only in areas where you want it by restricting water availability in other areas. Rhizomes require moisture to grow, so dry soils can act as a natural barrier.
• Water-Filled Ditch: Create a water-filled stream or ditch around the bamboo as rhizomes cannot tolerate extended periods of saturation.
• Root Pruning: Use a sharp spade to cut and remove rhizomes outside their designated area. Rhizomes are usually shallow-rooted, growing 2-5 inches beneath the surface.
• Mulching: Spread a layer of mulch about 2-5 inches deep over the planting area to encourage rhizomes to spread just below the surface, making them easier to locate and prune.
• Regular Mowing: Bamboo, being a grass, can tolerate occasional mowing. Mowing practices similar to a home lawn can deplete the bamboo rhizomes over time.
• Herbicides: As a last resort, use non-selective herbicides with active ingredients like glyphosate to kill the bamboo. However, be careful not to spray desirable plants accidentally.

Frequently asked questions