25 Different Types of Bamboo Plants for Landscaping (With Pictures)

Last Updated on April 19, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford

Looking for an interesting houseplant to add some life to your home décor? Check out bamboo! There are many different types of bamboo plants, each with its own unique look and personality.

In this blog post, we will explore 25 different types of bamboo plants that you can grow in your home. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each type, as well as how to care for them. So whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, read on for some inspiration!

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How many types of bamboo plants are there?

The answer may surprise you – there are actually over 1200 different species of bamboo! Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that is native to many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and South America.

Bamboo plants come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny miniature varieties to towering giants that can reach up to 100 feet tall! The different types of bamboo can be divided into two main categories: running bamboo and clumping bamboo.

Running bamboo is a type of bamboo that spreads rapidly through underground runners, or rhizomes. This type of bamboo can be very difficult to control, as the rhizomes can spread rapidly and invade other areas of your garden. Clumping bamboo, on the other hand, grows in tight clusters and is much easier to control.

Types of bamboo plants

Bamboo plants come in many different shapes and sizes. There are over 1200 species of bamboo plants, and they can be found all over the world. Bamboo plants can be as small as six inches tall or as tall as 100 feet. Some bamboo plants have leaves that are two feet long!

1. Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra)

Black Bamboo is a species of bamboo. The plant is native to China, where it has been used for centuries as a food and material source. The black bamboo grows to a height of 30-40 feet (91-122 cm).

It has black stems and leaves, which give the plant its name. The plant’s culms are hollow and can be used as pipes or tubes. The black bamboo is a fast-growing plant and can produce up to 30 new shoots per season.

The plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine and is believed to have medicinal properties. It is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.

The black bamboo has a number of uses. It can be used as a food source, material source, or ornamental plant. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The black bamboo is a fast-growing plant and can produce up to 30 new shoots per season.

2. Buddha Belly Bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa)

Buddha Belly Bamboo is a species of flowering plant in the family Poaceae, native to China.

The plant is widely cultivated in Asia for its timber and edible shoots, and is also used in traditional medicine.

Bambusa ventricosa is a fast-growing evergreen perennial that can reach up to 15 m (49 ft) in height.

3. Chilean Bamboo (Chusquea culeou)

Chilean Bamboo, also known as “Culeu” is the largest and most widely distributed species of bamboo in Chile. It is an evergreen perennial plant that can grow to a height of 30 m (98 ft) with culms up to 12 cm (47 in) in diameter.

The leaves are long and narrow, up to 25 cm (98 in) long and 0.75 cm (0.30 in) wide. The flowers are small and green, borne on short inflorescences that emerge from the nodes of the culms. The fruit is a small black berry, up to 0.75 cm (0.30 in) in diameter, containing two seeds.

4. Chinese Fountain Bamboo (Fargesia nitida)

Chinese Fountain Bamboo is a species of bamboo native to China. The plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine and as an ornamental plant.

The leaves of the Chinese Fountain Bamboo are dark green and glossy, with a purple tinge on the underside. The culms (stems) are green when young, but turn yellow-brown with age. The plant flowers infrequently, and when it does, the flowers are small and white.

The Chinese Fountain Bamboo is a popular ornamental plant, due to its attractive foliage and graceful growth habit. The plant is also used in traditional Chinese medicine, where the leaves are boiled in water to make a tea.

5. Chinese Mountain Bamboo (Bashania fargesii)

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Chinese Mountain Bamboo (Bashania fargesii)) is a beautiful species of bamboo that is native to the mountains of China. It grows to be about 30 feet tall and has culms that are about an inch in diameter.

The leaves of this bamboo are very large, up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide. Bashania fargesii is a very hardy bamboo and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

This bamboo is very popular in landscaping and is often used as a privacy screen or hedge. Chinese Mountain Bamboo is a beautiful, hardy, and versatile bamboo that is perfect for any landscape!

6. Dragon Head Bamboo (Fargesia rufa)

Dragon Head Bamboo is a species of flowering plant in the family Poaceae, native to central China. Growing to 15 m (49 ft) tall by 0.45 m (18 in) broad, it is an evergreen perennial with culms that arch slightly and roots that can form clumps up to several meters wide.

The leaves are lanceolate, 20–30 cm (12 in) long and 0.75–15 cm (0.50–0.59 in) broad, with a pointed tip. The flowers are produced in panicles 15–35 cm (16 in) long, each flower bisexual and yellowish-green; they are borne on the lower nodes of the culm. The fruit is a caryopsis.

Fargesia rufa is frost-tolerant to USDA hardiness zone and prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils. It can be propagated by division in spring or early summer.

7. Dwarf Green Stripe Bamboo (Pleioblastus viridistriatus ‘Dwarf Greenstripe’)

Dwarf Green Stripe Bamboo is a type of bamboo that is native to China. It is a popular plant in the landscape due to its small size and striking green and yellow stripes. This bamboo grows to a height of about 15 feet (45 cm) and a width of about 12 feet (36 cm).

The leaves are about two inches (five cm) wide and have a green and yellow striped pattern. The culms (stems) are also striped and have a diameter of about one inch (two cm).

Dwarf Green Stripe Bamboo is not cold hardy and should be planted in an area that does not receive frost. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

This bamboo can be propagated by rhizome cuttings or seed. It is a fast grower and can become invasive if not properly managed. Dwarf Green Stripe Bamboo is a popular plant for use in landscaping and as a container plant.

8. Edible Bamboo Plant (Dendrocalamus strictus)

Edible Bamboo Plant is a species of bamboo native to Southeast Asia, where it is widely cultivated. The plant is also known by the common names “Chinese Bamboo”, “Malaysian Bamboo” and “Thai Bamboo”. It is a member of the subfamily Bambusoideae and the tribe Bambuseae.

The plant grows to a height of 20-30 m and a diameter of 0.60-0.90 m. The culms are straight and cylindrical, with nodes (joints) that are close together. The leaves are lanceolate, 20-40 cm long and about half as wide, with finely serrated margins.

9. Fernleaf Bamboo (Bambusa multiplex ‘Fernleaf’)

Fernleaf Bamboo is a fast-growing, evergreen bamboo that can reach heights of 15-20 feet tall. The culms are slender, green, and have prominent yellow stripes.

The leaves are large, dark green, and have a fern-like appearance. Fernleaf Bamboo is native to China and Japan but can be grown in most temperate climates.

Fernleaf Bamboo is a popular choice for privacy hedges and screens because of its fast growth rate and dense foliage. It can also be used as an ornamental plant in the landscape.

Fernleaf Bamboo is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of most soil types and conditions. However, it does require regular watering and fertilization to maintain its fast growth rate.

10. Fish Pole Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)

Fish Pole Bamboo, also known as Golden Bamboo, is a species of bamboo native to China. The plant is widely cultivated in many other countries, including Japan, Korea, and the United States.

Fish Pole Bamboo grows to a height of 30 feet (nine meters) with culms that are up to two inches (five centimeters) in diameter. The culms are yellow-gold in color and have a smooth, glossy surface. The leaves are large and ovate, with serrated edges.

The plant flowers infrequently, producing small, greenish-white blooms that appear in summer. After flowering, the plant produces small, black fruits that contain viable seeds.

11. Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus)

Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus)) is a species of bamboo. The plant is native to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. It is the tallest species of bamboo in the world, reaching heights of up to 30 m (100 ft). The culms (stems) are thick and can grow up to 15 cm (60 in) in diameter.

The leaves are large, up to 30 cm (12 in) long and 12 cm (0.47 in) wide. The flowers are small and white, blooming in summer.

Giant bamboo is a fast-growing plant, able to reach its full height in just a few years. It is often used as an ornamental plant, or for construction purposes. The plant is also used in traditional medicine.

Giant bamboo is a popular choice for ornamental plantings due to its impressive height and rapid growth rate. In just a few years, it can reach its full potential of 30 m (100 ft). The culms (stems) are thick and strong, making them ideal for construction purposes. The plant is also used in traditional medicine.

Giant bamboo has a wide range of uses, from ornamental plantings to construction to traditional medicine. If you’re looking for a fast-growing, versatile plant, giant bamboo might be the right choice for you.

12. Golden Bamboo (Bambusa multiplex ‘Golden Goddess’)

Golden Bamboo is a beautiful, fast-growing bamboo that adds a tropical feel to any garden. It is perfect for creating privacy screens, hedges or windbreaks. This versatile bamboo can also be used in containers or as an accent plant in the landscape.

Golden Bamboo is heat tolerant and drought tolerant once established. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils.

Golden Bamboo is a clumping bamboo and will not spread invasively like some other bamboos. It can reach heights of 20-30 feet tall with culms (canes) that are up to an inch in diameter.

This striking bamboo has golden yellow culms with green stripes. The leaves are dark green and glossy. Golden Bamboo is a relatively new bamboo on the market and is sure to add beauty and interest to any garden!

13. Green-Glaucous Bamboo (Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens)

Green-Glaucous Bamboo is a species of flowering plant in the family Poaceae, native to China.

The plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions for its striking blue-green culms (stems) and foliage.

It grows to 20 m tall with a diameter of up to 12 cm. The culms are erect, straight, and smooth, with nodes (joints) that are green or blue-green.

The leaves are alternate, lanceolate (lance-shaped), and 20–30 cm long and 15 cm wide.

The flowers are produced in panicles (clusters) of small, yellowish-white blooms that appear in summer.

14. Guadua Bamboo (Guadua angustifolia)

Guadua Bamboo, also known as Giant Bamboo, is a species of bamboo native to Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. Guadua Bamboo can grow up to 30 m (98 ft) tall with a diameter of up to 25 cm (98 in).

Guadua Bamboo is the strongest type of bamboo in the world and has been used in construction for centuries. Guadua Bamboo is also used to make furniture, musical instruments, and paper. Guadua Bamboo is a fast-growing plant and can be harvested in as little as three years.

Guadua Bamboo is a sustainable resource that can help fight climate change. Guadua Bamboo sequesters carbon dioxide and produces oxygen, making it a great plant to use in reforestation projects. Guadua Bamboo also helps to prevent soil erosion and can be used to make biodegradable products.

15. Japanese Arrow Bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica)

Japanese Arrow Bamboo is a species of bamboo native to East Asia. The plant is known by several other common names, including Japanese Sasa, Hardy Bamboo, and Arrow Bamboo. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks, and is also used in traditional medicine and as a source of food.

The plant grows to a height of 20-30 feet (0.61-0.91 m) and has culms (stems) that are 0.75-11 inches (19-279 mm) in diameter. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape, and measure up to 12 inches (300 mm) long and four inches (100 mm) wide. The flowers are white or greenish-white, and bloom in summer.

Japanese Arrow Bamboo is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade, and moist to wet soil. However, it is tolerant of drought and salt spray, and can even grow in boggy areas.

16. Japanese Timber Bamboo (Phyllostachys bambusoides)

Japanese Timber Bamboo is a species of bamboo native to China and Japan. It is the tallest member of the genus Phyllostachys, reaching up to 30 m (98 ft) in height. The culms are yellowish-green, with dark green stripes.

The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, 20–30 cm (79–118 in) long and 12–18 cm (47–71 in) wide. The flowers are greenish-white, borne in panicles 20–40 cm (79–157 in) long. Japanese Timber Bamboo is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions of the world.

This species of bamboo is fast-growing, and can reach its full height in just four years. It is often used in construction and furniture-making due to its strength and durability. Japanese Timber Bamboo is also a popular choice for bamboo fencing, as the culms can grow up to 30m tall!

17. Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)

Moso Bamboo is the largest and most commercially important species in the genus Phyllostachys. It is native to China, where it has been used for centuries as a food source and for its timber. The culms (stems) of Moso Bamboo can grow up to 30 m tall with diameters of up to 15 cm.

18. Multiplex Bamboo (Bambusa multiplex)

Multiplex Bamboo (Bambusa multiplex)) is a species of bamboo native to East Asia. The plant is widely cultivated in China, Japan, and Korea. It is also naturalized in the Philippines and Vietnam.

The Multiplex Bamboo grows to a height of 15-25 m (49-82 ft) and a diameter of 0.30-0.60 m (11-24 in). The culms are straight and have a yellow-green or greenish-yellow color. The leaves are lanceolate and measure 20-35 cm (79-14 in) long by 0.80-15 cm (0.31-0.59 in) wide.

The Multiplex Bamboo flowers every three to six years. The plant produces both male and female flowers. Male flowers are borne on a raceme measuring 15-20 cm (59-79 in) long while the female flowers are found on a spike measuring 20-25 cm (79-98 in) long.

19. Painted Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris ‘Vittata’)

Painted Bamboo is a beautiful and unique bamboo. The culms are striped with yellow and green, giving it a very striking appearance. It is a fast-growing bamboo, reaching up to 30 feet in height. Painted Bamboo is native to China and Taiwan.

Painted Bamboo is not only beautiful, but it is also versatile. It can be used as an ornamental plant, for privacy screens, or even as a windbreak. It is also a good choice for erosion control.

20. Red Margin Bamboo (Phyllostachys rubromarginata)

Red Margin Bamboo is a species of bamboo native to China. The plant grows to a height of 15–20 m (49–66 ft) and has culms (stems) that are up to 12 cm (0.39 in) in diameter. The leaves are green and have red margins. The flowers are white and borne in panicles (clusters). The fruit is black and spherical.

Red Margin Bamboo is used in traditional Chinese medicine and as an ornamental plant. It is also used in construction and as a source of food for pandas.

The plant prefers to grow in moist, shady areas with plenty of water. It is frost-sensitive and does not tolerate prolonged periods of drought.

Red Margin Bamboo is a fast-growing plant and can spread rapidly. It is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world, such as Australia, where it has been introduced.

21. Rufa Bamboo Plant (Fargesia rufa)

Rufa Bamboo Plant is a species of bamboo in thePoaceae family. It is found in southwestern China and southeastern Tibet. The plant grows to about 15 m (49 ft) tall with culms up to 35 cm (14 in) in diameter.

It is a very fast growing bamboo, and has been used for erosion control on hillsides and riverbanks. The culms are straight and have a bluish-green color.

The leaves are lanceolate, 20–35 cm (79–14 in) long and about half as wide. The flowers are small, greenish-white, borne in panicles up to 25 cm (98 in) long.

22. Slender bamboo (Bambusa textiles)

Slender bamboo is a species of bamboo native to southern China and Taiwan. It is also widely cultivated in other countries, including Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Nepal and the Philippines.

Slender bamboo grows to 30 m tall with culms 20-25 mm in diameter. The leaves are lanceolate and 20-30 cm long. The flowers are white and borne in panicles up to 60 cm long. The fruits are black berries, each containing two seeds.

Slender bamboo is an important plant in traditional Chinese medicine. The young shoots are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and other digestive disorders. The leaves are used to treat skin diseases and the fruits are used to treat fever. Slender bamboo is also used in construction, furniture making, paper production and as a food source.

23. Sunset Glow Bamboo (Fargesia rufa)

Sunset Glow Bamboo is a beautiful, hardy bamboo that is perfect for any garden. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil.

This bamboo is fast-growing and can reach up to 20 feet tall. It has green culms with yellow stripes and produces lovely white flowers in the summer.

24. Timor black bamboo (Bambusa lako)

Timor black bamboo is a species of bamboo in the subfamily Bambusoideae. The plants are native to Timor, an island in the Indonesian archipelago.

The bamboo grows to a height of 20–30 m (66–98 ft) and has black culms with a diameter of up to 15 cm (59 in). The culms are hollow and have nodes that are spaced about 15 cm (59 in) apart.

The leaves are lanceolate, with a length of 20–30 cm (79–12 in) and a width of about half that size.

The inflorescence is a panicle with up to 40 branches, each bearing several small flowers.

25. Umbrella Bamboo (Fargesia murielae)

Umbrella Bamboo is a species of flowering plant in the family Poaceae, native to western Sichuan Province in China. It is a member of the genus Fargesia, which contains around 30 species of bamboo.

The plant grows to a height of 20–30 m (66–98 ft), with culms (bamboo stems) up to 12 cm (0.47 in) in diameter. It is a clumping bamboo, with new culms arising from the rootstock, rather than running across the ground like many other species. The culms are initially green, but turn yellow or brown as they age.

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How to grow bamboo plants

There are many reasons why people choose to grow bamboo plants. Bamboo is a versatile plant that can be used for a variety of purposes, including as a privacy screen, windbreak, or simply as an ornamental addition to your garden.

When choosing to grow bamboo plants, it is important to select the right species for your needs. There are over 1000 different species of bamboo, and each has its own unique set of characteristics.

The first step in growing bamboo plants is to choose the right location. Bamboo prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but some species can tolerate partial shade. It is important to select a location that will give your bamboo room to grow, as some species can reach heights of over 100 feet.

Once you have selected the perfect location, it is time to prepare the soil. Bamboo does best in soil that is high in organic matter. If your soil is lacking, you can add compost or manure to help improve its quality.

After the soil is prepared, it is time to plant your bamboo. The best time to plant bamboo is in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed. When planting, be sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil. Firm the soil around the base of the plant to remove any air pockets.

Water your bamboo plants regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Once established, most species of bamboo are quite drought-tolerant. However, during periods of extended drought, supplemental watering may be necessary to keep your plants healthy.

How to care for bamboo

Bamboo is a beautiful, versatile plant that can add a touch of nature to any home. But bamboo can be finicky, and it’s important to know how to care for it properly in order to keep it healthy and looking its best.

Here are some tips on how to care for bamboo:

-Place bamboo in a spot where it will receive indirect sunlight. too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually brown.

-Water bamboo regularly, making sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Bamboo likes lots of water, but too much water can kill the plant.

-Fertilize bamboo every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

-Prune bamboo regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from getting too leggy.

FAQs about bamboo plants

What is the most popular type of bamboo?

There are many different types of bamboo, but the most popular type is Phyllostachys edulis, also known as moso bamboo. Moso bamboo is native to China and Japan, and it’s the tallest species of bamboo in the world. It can grow up to 100 feet tall!

What type of bamboo does not spread?

There are a few types of bamboo that do not readily spread, and these are generally the species that are grown for ornamental purposes. The most common type of bamboo that does not spread is the Fargesia genus, which includes about 60 different species.

Other examples include the Sasa veitchii and the Pleioblastus chino. All of these bamboo species are relatively slow-growing and have a clumping habit, as opposed to spreading via underground rhizomes.

What type of bamboo is good for privacy?

There are many types of bamboo that can be used for privacy screens or hedges, but not all of them are equally effective. Some species of bamboo grow very tall and thick, making them ideal for creating a dense barrier that will block out nosy neighbors or prying eyes. Other varieties of bamboo are more delicate and slender, which might be better suited for a more aesthetic application.

So, what type of bamboo is good for privacy? The best type of bamboo for privacy is the Phyllostachys nigra, which can grow up to 20 feet tall. This type of bamboo is perfect for creating a natural privacy fence around your home. If you’re looking for something a little shorter, try the Fargesia rufa, which can reach up to 12 feet in height.

To choose the right type of bamboo for your privacy needs, you’ll need to consider both the height and density of the plant. If you want a solid wall of green that will deter nosy people from peeking into your yard, opt for a taller variety with thick stems.

If you’re more concerned with aesthetics and want a plant that will add some visual interest to your landscape, go for a shorter bamboo with thinner stalks. Whichever type you choose, make sure to do your research so you can find the best possible option for your needs.

Which bamboo grows the fastest?

The answer to this question depends on the species of bamboo you are talking about. Some species of bamboo can grow up to four feet in a single day, while others may only grow a few inches. The fastest-growing bamboo in the world is the Dendrocalamus giganteus, which can grow up to three feet per day.

What is the prettiest bamboo?

There are many different types of bamboo, and each has its own unique beauty. Some people prefer the slender, graceful look of Phyllostachys bambusoides, while others prefer the bolder, more massive appearance of Dendrocalamus giganteus. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which type of bamboo is the prettiest.

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Conclusion

So there you have it, 11 different types of bamboo plants that you can use to spruce up your home. Be sure to do your research before making a purchase, as some varieties can be quite expensive. But with a bit of patience and care, you’ll soon have a beautiful indoor jungle that everyone will be talking about. Thanks for reading!