As the name suggests, Giant Bamboo is a total showstopper in the garden. Thanks to its impressive stature, it makes for a fantastic natural privacy screen, and those thick, sturdy canes are perfect for all sorts of DIY garden projects and decor.
How big does Giant Bamboo actually get?
Originally hailing from Asia—specifically China and Indonesia—this hardy Giant Bamboo can reach heights of nearly 100 feet in its native habitat. While it won’t get quite that massive here in the States, it still puts on quite a show, reaching a respectable 50 to 65 feet.
The culms (or canes) can grow to a circumference of 8 to 14 inches. You’ll also want to keep its footprint in mind; this plant likes its personal space, so plan for at least 160 square feet at the planting site. With a lifespan of up to 40 years, it’s a long-term investment that works beautifully as a living fence.
Does Giant Bamboo grow fast?
Once you’ve planted it in your backyard, you can practically watch it grow before your eyes. In a home garden, it can shoot up about 15 inches a day (though in Asia, it’s been known to hit a staggering 40 inches in 24 hours!). It doesn’t just grow fast vertically, though—it spreads quickly underground, too. I highly recommend installing a root barrier (rhizome barrier) to keep it from taking over your entire lawn.
Can you speed up the growth?
If you want your bamboo to reach its full potential, give it plenty of sun. The more sunlight it gets, the faster it gains height and girth. You’ll also need to keep it well-watered year-round; since it’s an evergreen, it’s a thirsty plant! Just be careful not to let it sit in waterlogged soil, as it doesn’t like “wet feet.”
On those hot summer days, you might need to water it twice—once in the morning and once in the evening to minimize evaporation. During the winter, scale back the watering and only give it a drink on days when the ground isn’t frozen.
When it comes to feeding, Giant Bamboo isn’t too picky. You don’t necessarily need fancy fertilizers; mixing a little compost or aged manure into the soil when planting (and occasionally in the following years) is plenty. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually hurt the plant and turn the leaves yellow. And remember: give the fertilizer a rest during the winter months!
