Clumping Bamboo for Screening and Privacy

14 products

Clumping bamboo gives year-round evergreen screening, arching canes and a soft sound in the breeze. Everything here is Fargesia, a clump-forming bamboo that does not send out long running roots the way Phyllostachys does. Delivery is free across 25 EU countries.

Clumping and running bamboo

The RHS says running bamboos, such as Phyllostachys and Sasa, spread by long underground rhizomes and will spread rampantly if allowed. Clump-forming bamboos, such as Fargesia, grow in dense clumps that can become quite large. They are less invasive, but can still spread in favourable conditions. The RHS advises choosing a clump-former unless you have a lot of space to fill.

Bamboo for screening and privacy

The RHS gives Fargesia rufa an eventual height of 2.5 to 4 metres and a spread of 1 to 1.5 metres, reached over 10 to 20 years. It gives Fargesia robusta 'Pingwu' 2.5 to 4 metres tall and 1.5 to 2.5 metres wide. Young plants fill out over several seasons, so a screen takes time to build.

Spacing: the RHS gives no planting distance. Each plant needs room for its mature spread, 1 to 1.5 metres for Fargesia rufa. Planting closer fills the gap sooner, but the clumps will crowd each other as they mature.
Position: Fargesia rufa prefers part shade and tolerates full sun. Choose a sheltered spot, because wind can scorch the leaves and blow taller plants over in winter gales.
Soil: fertile, moisture-retentive and well drained, clay or loam.
When to plant: the RHS says spring is best, so the plant can make strong new canes in summer.
After planting: water thoroughly, then mulch with garden compost. Water in dry spells in summer.

Bamboo in containers

Use a container at least 45cm across and deep, with peat-free, loam-based compost. Water regularly through the growing season and feed with a general liquid feed from March to October. The RHS suggests growing Fargesia rufa in a large container, or surrounding the roots with a non-perishable barrier, if you want to restrict its spread.

Bamboo we stock

Fargesia rufa, Fargesia robusta 'Pingwu', Fargesia nitida 'Black Dragon' and the cultivars 'Asian Wonder' and 'Red Dragon'. Pot sizes and pack sizes are on each product page.

Frequently asked questions

Can bamboo grow?

Yes. The RHS rates Fargesia rufa H5, hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. It does best in a sheltered spot with moist, well-drained soil.

Is clumping bamboo invasive?

Clumping bamboo is much less invasive than running bamboo, but large clumps can still widen over time. For a tight space, grow it in a large container or use a root barrier.

How tall will bamboo grow?

The RHS gives Fargesia rufa an eventual height of 2.5 to 4 metres over 10 to 20 years. Our plants arrive young, so allow several seasons for a full screen.