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Wanted: Most Cold Hardy Bamboo Zone 3/4

Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 9:41 pm
by stover954rr
Hi Everyone.
I know it is a stretch, but I am looking for some bamboo that can survives -30f. If that is not possible, maybe something that will experience top kill, but will grow back vigorously in the spring. I am looking for something that grows and spreads FAST as well. If you have any ideas please let me know!

I was thinking one of the Phyllostachys species, but am open to other ideas.

Thank you!

FYI I am in NY and would pay the shipping +

Re: Wanted: Most Cold Hardy Bamboo Zone 3/4

Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 4:51 am
by ghmerrill
Your best bet is probably going to be smaller species that will bend over and get covered by the snow. Pleoblastus and Indocalamus are two genus that come to mind.

Re: Wanted: Most Cold Hardy Bamboo Zone 3/4

Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 8:29 pm
by moriphen
Loo
ghmerrill wrote:Your best bet is probably going to be smaller species that will bend over and get covered by the snow. Pleoblastus and Indocalamus are two genus that come to mind.
Can't agree more, you will have better results with ground cover bamboo's that you can mow each spring to remove the dead canes.

M

Re: Wanted: Most Cold Hardy Bamboo Zone 3/4

Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 8:51 pm
by Alan_L
The thing is, when somebody says "I'm looking for bamboo" I'd bet money they want tall species, not the groundcovers or even shrubby ones.

Re: Wanted: Most Cold Hardy Bamboo Zone 3/4

Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 2:27 am
by stover954rr
You are correct Alan. I have some arrow bamboo that I planted at my folks house (zone 6) and I really enjoy the height. I was really hoping for something that was 8'+

Re: Wanted: Most Cold Hardy Bamboo Zone 3/4

Posted: Tue May 24, 2011 3:26 am
by jd.
stover954rr wrote: If that is not possible, maybe something that will experience top kill, but will grow back vigorously in the spring. I am looking for something that grows and spreads FAST as well.
If you're partial to a Phyllostachys species, try Ph. aureosulcata 'Spectabilis'

In a location of inevitable top growth destruction, Ph. aureosulcata recovers most vigorously, sending up dense clusters of new shoots in the spring even from a small plant added the year before. Additionally, multiple growers have reported the 'Spectabilis' form as being the most likely to endure winter among all Phyllostachys species.

Meanwhile, a Phyllostachys bamboo whose tops survive the winter will spread faster and grow much larger. If you live in a snowy zone 4, there's still hope. In late autumn, bend the tops to the ground using weights such as logs or bricks and bury them completely in mulch. When winter comes, pile on the snow. Next April when most of the freezing weather has passed, remove the weights and free the bamboo culms and branches from the mulch. With enough additional snow cover during the winter, even a thinner layer of mulch can preserve green leaves and save the tops.

Re: Wanted: Most Cold Hardy Bamboo Zone 3/4

Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 5:46 am
by ghmerrill
I think that Iowaboo is closest to your zone. Perhaps if he gets a chance to get a tractor shut off for more than 5 minutes to scarf food, he can let you know what has worked best for him. I seem to recall that he has he had some success with aureosulcatas, and he got a parvifolia a couple years ago, so he might be able to tell you you how that one Is doing.

Re: Wanted: Most Cold Hardy Bamboo Zone 3/4

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:41 pm
by BlackThumbNJ
Can't think of anything that will survive -30F.

Do you have a place to keep potted bamboo indoors in the winter, like a garage or something? Mine lived for months with almost no light. They came out healthier than the plants in the ground and I'm in zone 6a.

Not sure if that appeals to you but that is one way to keep it alive.

Re: Wanted: Most Cold Hardy Bamboo Zone 3/4

Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 10:03 pm
by fredgpops
Will have Ph. bissetii, -23 min in early fall. Have -17 min species that will be available in early fall as well. PM me if interested. Rgds