Bamboo screening can be a tough decision if you know nothing about bamboo, but fear not, we can help!
If you are looking for a fast growing bamboo for evergreen screening, when you first start having a look around it’s easy to have total overwhelm due to the sheer number of bamboos available, and then you get all distracted trying to work out if you should have a clumping or running bamboo.
Phyllostachys aurea (A running bamboo)
If this is the first time you’ve heard of bamboo either being clumping or running, then please check out this article first before you go any further so you understand the difference in the real world:
GUIDE: Understanding the pros and cons of clumping vs running bamboo in UK gardens.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Does running or clumping bamboo matter for screening?
Fundamentally bamboo is either clumping or running, clumping staying in one place and gradually growing out slowly from the centre, and then running bamboo which has longer shallower rhizomes that extend just under the surface extending out for many metres in the surrounding area.
They both have advantages and disadvantages when used for screening as we’ll talk about below.
As a rough rule, clumping bamboo generally prioritised vertical growth, and more density of clumps per square metre. Running bamboo quickly spreads around but with more gaps in between culms, covering a larger area sooner, at the sake of density.
However, you’re on this page due to needing some kind of screen for your garden, and what you do know up to this point is that bamboo grows quickly (everyone wants a quick solution, myself included).
What you don’t want to do is place a running bamboo right up close to your fence, wall or neighbours. People generally want screens to actually screen something.. So generally it’s going to be next to a wall, house, bad view, nosy neighbours etc.
GUIDE: How tall and fast does bamboo grow?
Is there a cost difference between running vs clumping bamboo?
I’ve found that on the whole, running bamboo is cheaper than clumping bamboo.. So bear this in mind when you’re costing it up. However, if you are using running bamboo for your screening then you’ll also need to factor in either root barrier control, pots, troughs or planters….
Fundamentally if you have to use a big planter or you are able to properly root barrier (I mean PROPERLY) then running bamboo will get you a tall screen quickly and will fit to the space.
If you want to plant in the ground and have some space, then a clumping bamboo would be fine. If you can have a couple of metres gap between the fence / wall / structure to play with, then a clumping bamboo would be perfect. You’ll get the height and the density from a clumper.
Need to plant very close to a wall or structure and need height?
- Potted running bamboo will fill to the size of the planter.
Have space to be able to plant a 2m+ back from the fence / structure?
- Clumping bamboo would be ideal as you are giving it space to spread outwards without fear or it pushing the structures out of the way.
How close do I need to plant bamboo for a screen?
This really depends on how deep your pockets are and how long you want to wait. In an ideal world where you have 5yrs+ and want to spend as little as possible, AND get the densest screen, then buying small pots of a clumping bamboo and planting them a metre apart will give you a super dense wall of bamboo in as many years for not a lot of cash. Most people however will plant multiple pots of an already 1.5-2m high bamboo budget allowing, and how quickly you need you get rid of the view!
Which bamboo should I use for screening?
Fargesia Robusta – Clumping Bamboo
I have a few Fargesia Robusta Campbell in my own garden to become an eventual screen, I have a few 1m-1.5m plants, which are planted about 1m away from each other. In about 3-4 years they should have covered most of the fence behind, and should be a good 3m tall, topping out around 3.5 – 4m.
In another part of the garden I have potted 2m+ Phyllostachys aurea aureocaulis, which is a running bamboo and contained in pots and planters. These will just gradually fill the rectangular planters.
Bamboo can reach extraordinary heights pretty quickly while taking up very little space. Even more, they are tough and resilient with lovely stems and beautifully shaped reed-like leaves.
What are Some Bamboos That Can Be Used For Screening?
Fargesia Robusta Campbell (Clumping) My choice!
These have tough green stems with brightly coloured green leaves. Campbell Bamboo reaches a height of 4.5m and a width of 1.5m. It is suited to full sun but can tolerate semi-shade. This bamboo is a great choice for screening in a narrow area.
Phyllostachys Aureosulcata or Yellow Groove Bamboo (Running)
They have lovely yellow stems that gleam brightly when exposed to sunlight. They grow about 2.2m high. These tall, dense running bamboos make perfect screens in shaded areas.
Further Reading:
- Which Bamboo For Screening 2m+ High?
- How tall does bamboo grow and how fast does it grow?
- Is bamboo evergreen?
- Understanding Clumping vs Running Bamboo
We have further information on the following types of bamboo: Fargesia Asian Wonder, Fargesia murielae ‘Luca’, Fountain Bamboo Fargesia rufa, Phyllostachys aurea aureocaulis, Phyllostachys Bissetii, Pleioblastus Distichus and Pseudosasa japonica Arrow Bamboo.
