Can Bamboo Grow in Cold Weather?

Cold-Hardy Bamboo

• Most bamboos, both native to the United States and imported, do well in U.S. Department of Agriculture temperate zones, from 5 to 7. These zones experience cool winters that occasionally dip into freezing digits. Tropical bamboos, like Bambusa emeiensis, are capable of surviving temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but will not grow in these temperatures. Hardy bamboos like Fargesia rufa and F. murieliae will overwinter through 20 degrees below zero. They will not grow while these temperatures persist but they will grow when temperatures rise.

Seasonal Growth

• Bamboo grows more rapidly during certain times than it does during others. During a bamboo stalk's average five-year life span it will experience new growth in the spring, when temperatures warm, and new shoot growth in early summer. In early summer older stalks die back allowing new shoot growth to occur. In the fall, bamboo grass prepares for dormancy by growing thicker roots where the plants store needed carbohydrates. Bamboo is an evergreen plant. Although growth ceases during winter, the plant stays green.

Overwintering

• Bamboo is capable of overwintering, but its root system must remain viable. To prevent root systems from freezing, place loose mulch at the base of your bamboo plants before the first frost. Containerized bamboo should be moved indoors, if possible. If it is not possible to move containerized bamboo indoors, insulate the container -- including the pot's bottom -- with bubble wrap or newspaper. Leaves and stalks must also be protected. Site your plants near a building or other structure to block wind. Keep plants away from winter sun as the sun will dry and wilt the leaves. If it is not possible to shield your bamboo from sun and wind, then maintain the plant's root system. Even if foliage and stalks die back, a healthy root system will grow new shoots in spring.

Considerations

• Bamboo plants are used for privacy screens because they reach heights up to 25 feet and grow rapidly. This rapid growth can be problematic in warm climates where bamboo never goes dormant. In these growing situations rhizomatous bamboo should be planted within containers or other underground barriers to prevent its spread. In cold climates this problem is less dire.