Bamboo for privacy?

[33458]

Even if you choose to plant a clumping variety, it will eventually spread...just.more.slowly. The root system on either kind is rather amazing.
Clumping - that is what I have - at least we think so because it's been there for a very long time but still within a small area, inherited from some P.O. who planted a batch many years ago right next to the neighbor's fence, behind some sort of since-deteriorated water feature. It has expanded slowly, but is still a problem as it snuck under his fence, in to his yard and continues to re-emerge where I want it culled back to plant other things.
(They had a thing for English Ivy, too...everywhere.)

It is not an easy thing to be rid of. Do you want to plant something you can NOT kill? Just keep that in mind...

Take the time to plant carefully within a solid barrier or keep it potted...or better yet - don't plant anywhere it can't have the right of way. Some might say, don't plant at all. That's where I am right now.

[staywarm2]

Originally Posted by 33458

Even if you choose to plant a clumping variety, it will eventually spread...just.more.slowly. The root system on either kind is rather amazing.
Clumping - that is what I have - at least we think so because it's been there for a very long time but still within a small area, inherited from some P.O. who planted a batch many years ago right next to the neighbor's fence, behind some sort of since-deteriorated water feature. It has expanded slowly, but is still a problem as it snuck under his fence, in to his yard and continues to re-emerge where I want it culled back to plant other things.
(They had a thing for English Ivy, too...everywhere.)

It is not an easy thing to be rid of. Do you want to plant something you can NOT kill? Just keep that in mind...

Take the time to plant carefully within a solid barrier or keep it potted...or better yet - don't plant anywhere it can't have the right of way. Some might say, don't plant at all. That's where I am right now.

Thanks, you have a good point. I just need something to hide my neighbors' messes, but I have deep shade in a wooded area. It's difficult to find a solution that doesn't cost a fortune. We will be moving in a year or so and need something quick!

[Skatergirl]

In order to bump this thread for those who are interested in growing bamboo I thought I'd post on how to contain bamboo. It's a shame to not take advantage of this beautiful plant. It provide a fantastic privacy shield from nosy neighbors and it stays in color year round. It attracts birds and other wildlife.

Here's the link to show how to contain the stuff: Controlling Bamboo sided barrier

[imcurious]

I have it and I LOVE it . . . but you have to be able to control it. I stomp on the shoots I don't want and have my gardener dig them out.

[Butterfly4u]

CLumping bamboo is controllable.
It is like any ornamental grass, it is a grass.
If you are afraid of bamboo, get a clumper.
Running bamboo will do exactly what it is, it will run.
You can put running bamboo in a nice container, I would make a
nice long container so it can spread.
It won't eat the container, or eat your kids, or your yard,
you just have to take care of it, like you would anything.
Anything can take over your yard if you let it.
Personally, I think it is beautiful.
If you insist on running, put it in a container and you will love
it.