Elevating your landscape with a bamboo privacy screen is a substantial undertaking that requires pertinent knowledge. The main issue that many people face is not knowing which types of bamboo are best for privacy screens.
There are many varieties and here are some of the best bamboo species for screening:
- Blue chungii
- Scottish Bamboo
- Seabreeze Bamboo
Each bamboo species has unique qualities that should be considered prior to purchasing and using it to form a screen. These qualities include the average height, diameter, USDA Zones, appearance, and upkeep requirements.
Continue reading to discover how to choose the best bamboo for privacy screens and to learn about some of the best-known bamboo species to use for privacy screens. In the end, we have a quick guide that helps you determine which bamboo will be best for YOU and YOUR HOME.
Do you want to jump ahead?
How to choose the best bamboo for your privacy screen
Choosing the right bamboo is possible once you consider several factors. Some of these factors include:
- whether the bamboo is a clumping or running variety
- the appearance: color, size, and height of the bamboo
- the bamboo’s sensitivity and care requirements
- USDA zones and where you’re located
Below, we will examine each of these factors in more detail, as each will help bring you closer to the best bamboo for your privacy screen.
Clumping vs. running bamboo
There are two main categories that bamboo species fall under, and these are clumping bamboo and running bamboo.
Clumping bamboo, the non-invasive type, is the preferred variety of bamboo for screens in most cases. This is because clumping bamboo “clumps” and stays in a defined area. It grows from the center outward, and the growth is gradual and easily controlled. This makes clumping bamboo a great option for forming screens without the use of planters. However, you can, of course, plant them in planter boxes.
Running Bamboo, the invasive type, is not often preferred for privacy screens.
The main concern with running bamboo is that shoots from the mother bamboo plant can spread randomly and over great lengths. This is not always conducive to creating a privacy screen, because the bamboo plant could easily become spread out and non-uniform. If you have fallen in love with a running bamboo type, you can contain it by mowing a wide area around the planting bed, installing a (natural) barrier, or using a planter. This type of bamboo needs more maintenance for root control. You don’t want your neighbors upset and start a war, so keep this in mind when picking the type of bamboo.
For your privacy screen, you’ll likely want to go for a clumping bamboo species. That way, you can essentially mold your privacy screen at the time that you plant your bamboo.
Bamboo appearance: color, diameter, and height
Bamboo comes in a wide range of colors, textures, sizes (diameter), and height. Each of these aspects of appearance will determine how your privacy screen will ultimately look.
You’ll find bamboo in various colors, including shades of:
- Green
- Yellow
- Brown
- Red
- Black
- Blue
- Combinations of the above colors
Bamboo shoots can grow more than 98 feet (30 m) tall and as large as 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. So, picking the right bamboo also comes down to your preference in appearance.
Bamboo sensitivity to the environment
It is imperative to consider specific bamboo species’ environmental sensitivity and care requirements. Otherwise, your bamboo privacy screen will (1) never come to full fruition, or (2) will die off due to some environmental influence.
Some species of bamboo are more sensitive than others. For instance, some bamboo species flourish in a tropical climate while others do well in cooler climates. Cold-hardiness (resistance to cold weather) varies across bamboo species, so this should be considered. Hardiness temperatures (the lowest temperature that the plant can survive in) can be easily found online.
Be careful of the hardiness temperature. If the temperature outside dips below the specified hardiness temperature for your specific bamboo species, your bamboo could become horribly damaged and long-term growth of the plant could be negatively affected.
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is widely used as a tool to determine which plants might thrive at different U.S locations. If you would like to familiarize yourself with which zone you reside in, click here for more information. Think about how the climate is where you live and choose a bamboo type that is receptive to the climate there.
Bamboo care requirements
Although bamboo isn’t a maintenance-intense plant, you still need to know what you’re up to. This includes watering, trimming, pruning, root control, and fertilizing.
Different varieties of bamboo have different care requirements, and these requirements should be fully disclosed prior to planting your bamboo plant.
Most bamboo plants require full sun while others do fine without loads of sun. For instance, the Fargesia variety of bamboo should have a little shade when it gets too hot.
The soil is an important factor for a beautiful privacy screen. It needs to be well-draining and well aerated. On the subject of pH, bamboos like slightly acidic soil (a pH of 6 is perfect).
If you’re not sure what pH level your soil has, you can simply test it with a tool. It’s the easiest way to find out if you need to work on your soil before planting your bamboo.
Fertilizer may need to be used to stimulate the nutritional needs of your bamboo. In addition, you might find that your bamboo species needs more water than the average bamboo.
Do a little self-reflection and determine how much work you’d prefer to do to maintain your bamboo privacy screen. If you know that you don’t have much time or energy to put in lots of care for your bamboo, choose a variety that is known to be easy to care for. Also, definitely don’t pick a running bamboo if you are unable to control the spreading!
Bamboo for privacy screens
Now that you know about different factors to consider when choosing your bamboo, let’s look at some specific bamboo species that are great for privacy screens. Take note that this isn’t all of your options. There are way more bamboo species.
| Species | Type | USDA | Min. Temp. | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargesia Dracocephala | Clumping | 6-9 | -10°F (-23°C) | 8-12 ft (2-4 m) |
| Scottish Bamboo | Running | 6-10 | -10°F (-23°C) | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Fargesia Murielae | Clumping | 5-9 | -20°F (-29°C) | 10-14 ft (3-4 m) |
| Pseudosasa Japonica | Running | 7-10 | 0°F (-18 °C) | 18 ft (5.5 m) |
| Bambusa Nana | Clumping | 9-11 | 20°F (-7°C) | 20 ft (6 m) |
| Phyllostachys Bissetii | Running | 6-10 | -10°F (-23°C) | 20-24 ft (6-7 m) |
| Zig-Zag Bamboo | Running | 6-10 | -10°F (-23°C) | 25-30 ft (8-9 m) |
| Seabreeze Bamboo | Clumping | 8-11 | 15°F (-9°C) | 30-35 ft (9-11 m) |
| Phyllostachys Decora | Running | 6-10 | -10°F (-23°C) | 30-35 ft (9-10 m) |
| Bambusa Textilis Gracilis | Clumping | 9-11 | 20°F (-7°C) | 30-40 ft (9-12 m) |
| Blue Chungii | Clumping | 9-11 | 20°F (-7°C) | 40 ft (12 m) |
| Bambusa Ventricosa | Clumping | 9-12 | 20°F (-7°C) | 40-55 ft (12-17 m) |
| Phyllostachys Rubromarginata | Running | 6-10 | -5°F (-20°C) | 40-60 ft (12-18 m) |
| Bambusa Oldhamii | Clumping | 8-11 | 15°F (-9°C) | 40-65 ft (12-20 m) |
Clumping types: Non-invasive bamboo for privacy screens
Bambusa malingensis ‘Seabreeze Bamboo’
- Height: 30-35 ft (9-11 m)
- Stem diameter: 2.5 in (6 cm)
- USDA Zones: 8-11
- Hardiness: 15°F (-9°C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Watering: Regular
Seabreeze bamboo is ideal for creating beautiful privacy screens in coastal areas. It’s a gorgeous bamboo plant with small dark green culms and leaves and wood that has a fine grain. It’s a clumping (non-invasive) bamboo that originated in Southern China. A cold-hardy plant, Seabreeze bamboo is able to withstand temperatures as low as 15°F.
Not only can it withstand low temperatures, but it’s also resilient when it comes to floods and drought. You’ll also find that this bamboo variety is wind-tolerant. Seabreeze bamboo has no problem with salty air, which makes it a great choice for the coast.
Seabreeze bamboo is also fast-growing, and it has a moderate need for water (not too little, not too much). You can let it soak up the sun or chill out in the shade – either one is fine.
Seabreeze Bamboo is the dream choice for privacy screens. If you‘d like a robust and no-fuss bamboo type, this one is a great option.
Blue chungii ‘Tropical Blue Bamboo’
- Height: 40 ft (12 m)
- Stem diameter: 2 in (5 cm)
- USDA Zones: 9-11
- Hardiness: 20°F (-7°C)
- Light: Full sun to shade
- Soil: Sandy loam to clay loam soils, well-drained soil
- Watering: Average
Blue Chungii or Tropical Blue Bamboo is another species of bamboo that’s great for creating privacy screens. What’s super appealing about this bamboo plant is its color. The culms have uncommonly long internodes and a stunning blue hue. The branches and leaves are a rich, vibrant green color.
Tropical Blue Bamboo is of the clumping type. This species originated in Southern China and Vietnam.
This bamboo is able to withstand temperatures as low as 20°F. It likes both full sun and shade. You should water this bamboo regularly but not too often.
This variety may be a good choice for you. If you are looking for a bamboo type that doesn’t require too much maintenance and is breathtaking, you should consider the Blue Chungii for your privacy screen.
Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’ (Weaver’s Bamboo)
- Height: 30-40 ft (9-12 m)
- Stem diameter: 1 in (2.5 cm)
- USDA Zones: 9-11
- Hardiness: 20°F (-6°C)
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Watering: Average
Weaver’s Bamboo is another fabulous option for privacy screens. These plants have evergreen foliage, meaning that the bamboo always has leaves that are green, no matter what time of year it is. The culm is a vibrant yellowish-green.
This variety of bamboo has average water needs (not too little, not too much). It tolerates heat, cold, and wind really well.
This bamboo species grows well in pots both indoors and outdoors. You could simply line up several potted Weaver’s bamboo plants outside to create a privacy screen.
Bambusa oldhamii ‘Giant Timber Bamboo’
- Height: 40-65 ft (12-20 m)
- Stem diameter: 4 in (10 cm)
- USDA Zones: 8-11
- Hardiness: 15°F (-9°C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Rich, moist soil
- Watering: Regular
As the name dictates, Oldhamii (or Giant Timber Bamboo) is a tall species of bamboo. It’s of the non-invasive, clumping type. The Oldhamii’s timber is large, tall, and clumped together very tightly. The species has fresh green foliage and culms that are various shades of green and brown.
As a giant bamboo species, this plant requires a lot of fertilizer and water for the first year. This way, the plant has a good start and can grow to its full potential. Not much upkeep is required after the first year.
This bamboo shoots from late in the spring up until the end of the fall. It takes 3-5 years for the plant to fully mature. Full sun is best for the Oldhamii.
This bamboo will produce a high, substantial privacy screen. If you are looking for a bamboo variety that is enormous and doesn’t take much upkeep, this bamboo may be the right pick for your privacy screen.
Bambusa nana ‘Thai Silk Bamboo’
- Height: 20 ft (6 m)
- Stem diameter: 2 in (5 cm)
- USDA Zones: 9-11
- Hardiness: 20°F (-7°C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Watering: Regular
The Thai silk bamboo species has tiny green leaves and culms of varying green. This bamboo produces delicate foliage that forms a lush canopy at the tops of the culms.
This variety likes full sun and is cold tolerant. It’s got a tiny footprint, meaning that it can fit into the smallest of garden spaces. Thai Silk bamboo is not as cold hardy as some of the other bamboo species featured in this article. However, it can still withstand frigid temperatures.
This bamboo variety stands out from the others for its aesthetic appeal. It’s elegant and makes a substantial impression as both a privacy screen and a conversation piece.
So, if you are looking for a mid-height privacy screen that has a beauty that’s impossible to ignore, this bamboo species is for you.
Bambusa ventricosa ‘Buddha’s Belly’
- Height: 40-55 ft (12-17 m) / potted usually 8-15 ft (2-5m)
- Stem diameter: 2.25 inches (6 cm)
- USDA Zones: 9-12
- Hardiness: 18°F (-8°C)
- Light: Sun to shade
- Soil: Clay-based, loam, or sandy soil, well-drained soil
- Watering: Regular
Buddha’s Belly bamboo is originated in Southern China and is often seen growing in Southern California, Southern Florida, and Hawaii.
Aesthetically, the plant has tiny green leaves (which are evergreen) and green culms. What’s really special about this bamboo species, it has internodes that swell (which is how the bamboo species got its name “Buddha Belly”). They swell whenever the plant is under stress. This reaction may make it easier for beginner bamboo owners to pinpoint issues with the plant.
As far as care goes, it’s relatively simple. They need regular watering (not too little, not too much) and they thrive in both sun and shade.
An important thing to note about this bamboo species is that it cannot survive where there is substantial frost, so if you are living in an area where frost might be prevalent, you’ll want to pass on this species.
All in all, this species is an awesome choice for privacy screens if you live in the appropriate USDA zones and prefer a plant with little required upkeep.
Fargesia dracocephala ‘Dragon’s Head Bamboo’
- Height: 8-12 ft (2-4 m)
- Stem diameter: 0.5 in (1.25 cm)
- USDA Zones: 6-9
- Hardiness: -10°F (-23°C)
- Light: No full sun, better in shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Watering: Average
Fargesia Dracocephala is a good option for privacy screens. The plant is low to mid-height and boasts beautiful green culms and evergreen foliage. It has a weeping form, meaning that the leaves fall over as they grow.
Dragon’s Head Bamboo is very cold hardy, withstanding temperatures below 0°F. It’s also wind-resistant and drought-resistant.
Before bringing this species home, it’s important to know that too much sun is bad for Dragon’s Head Bamboo. Prolonged sunlight will burn its leaves, and these burns will be visible.
You’ll love this bamboo species for your privacy screen if:
- you find the drooping, willow-like leaves appealing
- you don’t mind taking extra care to make sure the leaves don’t burn
- you like that the species is relatively no-fuss
Fargesia murielae ‘Umbrella Bamboo’
- Height: 10-14 ft (3-4 m)
- Stem diameter: 0.5 inch (1.25 cm)
- USDA Zones: 5-9
- Hardiness: -20°F (-29°C)
- Light: Part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Watering: Regular
Umbrella Bamboo is a non-invasive clumping bamboo with a canopy of evergreen leaves and shoots that are light blue/tan when new and a yellowish-green when they are mature.
This variety is known as the cold-hardiest of all bamboos, being able to withstand temperatures as low as -20°F. While it does great in cold temperatures, it does not do quite as well in climates with high heat and/or humidity.
This bamboo looks its best when it gets some degree of shade. This species is also wind-resistant and drought-tolerant.
As beautiful as this bamboo is, it doesn’t take much work to keep it looking great. It’s a fabulous choice for your privacy screen.
Running bamboo species for privacy screens
The only issue that running bamboos entail is containment. People desire a thin lengthy patch but running bamboo spreads into every direction. Therefore, you have to either use a large planter or use root barriers. There are different ways to build root barriers. Once you did the initial installation, you’ll just have to do yearly checks and maintenance.
Phyllostachys humilis ‘Scottish Bamboo’
- Height: 10 ft (3 m)
- Stem diameter: Less than 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- USDA Zones: 6-10
- Hardiness: -10°F (-23°C)
- Light: Sun to shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
- Watering: Regular
Scottish bamboo is a short, but cold-hardy bamboo that is perfect for privacy screens in-ground or in containers. This species has evergreen leaves that grow from bottom to top. This will ensure the privacy you need with its hedge-like appearance.
Although we say the average height is 10 ft, P. Humilis can grow up to 20 feet if grown under the right conditions. USDA Zones 7 and 8 are the perfect location. In Zone 6, mature canes can reach around 8 to 14 feet.
Shoots start out in a reddish color, then turn mint green as they mature and eventually have a yellow-greenish color. The culms of Scottish Bamboo are quite thin with around 1 inch or less. However, they grow pretty dense even in confined places. This is what makes Scottish Bamboo a great species for privacy screens.
Once the roots are established, P. Humilis plants can withstand short-term drought and frost. The plant may take damage but it will recover in the next growing season. This species is really easy to take care of. However, if you place it in a sunny place, be aware that it will grow and spread faster because it loves the sun.
Phyllostachys decora ‘Beautiful Bamboo’
- Height: 30-35 ft (9-10 m)
- Stem diameter: 2.5 in (6 cm)
- USDA Zones: 6-10
- Hardiness: -10°F (-23°C)
- Light: Sun to shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Watering: Regular
This bamboo is called “Beautiful Bamboo” for a reason. It’s got straight culms and green foliage. The main aesthetic appeal comes from the newer shoots which have a multicolored culm sheath. Shades of yellow, red, green, cream and maroon make the plant stand out.
Not only is the plant beautiful, but it’s also just about as strong as a bamboo plant can be. It can withstand temperatures as low as -10°F. In addition to being able to withstand the cold, Beautiful Bamboo can handle heat and drought while still looking great.
This bamboo species is perfect for creating a tall, dense privacy screen. It’s a good choice for your privacy screen if you want a screen that has multiple colors, you live in an area that is prone to relatively extreme temperatures, and you don’t mind putting in work to ensure that the shoots don’t spread out of control.
Pseudosasa japonica ‘Arrow Bamboo’
- Height: 18 ft (5.5 m)
- Stem diameter: Less than 1 in (2.5 cm)
- USDA Zones: 7-10
- Hardiness: 0°F (-18 °C)
- Light: Full sun, part shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Watering: High
Arrow Bamboo is one of the most widely grown species in the U.S. It is an excellent choice for low privacy screens. It will simply branch out low to the ground with its large drooping leaves. Pruning will give you an even denser hedge of whichever height you desire. The glossy leaves are greener in full sun and lighter green in the shade.
If you live by the coast, this is a great choice for you, too. Arrow Bamboo can tolerate windy areas, salt, and loves the sun. So, it is literally perfect for coastal and beach locations. It can also survive shortish frost periods. Some culms may look damaged after the winter but you can remove those and wait for the fresh shoots to fill it up.
Phyllostachys bissetii
- Height: 20-24 ft (6-7 m)
- Stem diameter: 1 in (2.5 cm)
- USDA Zones: 6-10
- Hardiness: -10°F (-23°C)
- Light: Sun to part shade
- Soil: Sandy loam, clay loam
- Watering: Regular
Dark green thin culms with evergreen thick foliage provide great privacy for your garden. Bissitii can grow up to 30 ft tall, but often only gets around 20-24 ft. It has thin but strong upright culms, that sometimes get a bit leggy. However, the foliage is dense and all-year-round.
This cold-hardy runner can withstand low temperatures. It will grow well in planters as well.
Phyllostachys rubromarginata ‘Red Margin Bamboo’
- Height: 40-60 ft (12-18 m)
- Stem diameter: 2 in (5 cm)
- USDA Zones: 6b-10
- Hardiness: -5°F (-20°C)
- Light: Full sun to shade
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
- Watering: Average
Red Margin is a vigorous grower, perfect for people who want to see fast results. It produces more culms per year than any other bamboo species. The name comes from the red shades on the sheaths of new shoots. The culms are actually lush green with long internodes. They grow upright and are solid, perfect for holding up the dense emerald-green foliage.
This species is hardy and can withstand cold dry winds. However, it grows best in full sun. Culms will become taller and thicker and the colors will be more brilliant than in the shade.
Phyllostachys aureosulcata spectabilis ‘Zig-Zag Bamboo’
- Height: 25-30 ft (8-9 m)
- Stem diameter: 2 in (5 cm)
- USDA Zones: 5-10
- Hardiness: -10°F (-23°C)
- Light: Full sun, light shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Watering: Average
If you want something really special, a highlight in your garden, then get the Zig-Zag Bamboo. This rare bamboo develops a zig-zaggy shape mostly at the base of the culm. The rest of the culm is very upright. They have a light green color, sometimes with a yellow touch. There is a green stripe between the internodes. If grown in full sun, you’ll find red or magenta above internodes on fresh culms. This will disappear after a couple of months.
The leaves are pretty small but they have a “two-sided coloring”. The underside is a matte green. This seemingly two-tone colors will especially come out when the leaves swing in the wind.
Although Spectabilis is cold-hardy, it thrives in subtropical to warm climates. It can tolerate low winter temperatures. All the growth above the ground will die below 0°F but don’t worry. It will grow back in spring.
So, which bamboo species should you choose for your privacy screen?
Now that we gave you buckets full of information, it’s your term. We cannot take the decision off of your shoulders. But, of course, we still want to help you until you find the species that is perfect for you.
Here are some questions that you should ask yourself before you pick any bamboo:
- What temperatures do I expect over the year? What USDA Zone do I live in?
- Do I have the time every year in order to control the roots? Are you willing to put more maintenance work in? No – Go for clumping species. Yes – look at both types and decides from appearance and hardiness.
- Will you plant your bamboo in full sun, half shade, or full shade? How many hours of sun will you expect at the specific spot?
- Is the spot where you’re going to plant the bamboo windy?
- Are you going to plant them in-ground or in planters? Not all varieties like planters. You will also need to water them more.
- What height would you prefer? Do you want to get privacy from neighboring tall buildings? Or is a regular height enough?
- Do you want a very dense privacy screen like a hedge?
- What should your bamboo look like? What colors would fit into your garden design?
- What is your budget? There are rare varieties that you may want to avoid because it could get pricey.
By the way, don’t be shy with your pick. If you cannot settle for one plant, pick 2 similar plants that have the same needs.
26 Comments
Hi. I’m in zone 7 (Knoxville, TN) and seeking a 15’ high hedge to block the view of a neighbor’s camper. I like the idea of using planters since I only need about a 15’ run. Can you suggest a variety that will do well in a planter and provide that height and tolerate cold? It would be in partial shade location due to a fence on its west side. Thanks!
Hi Cary!
Here are some options:
Bambusa Multiplex
Fargesia murieliae ‘Rufa’ (not quite tall enough)
With more maintenance work because they are running bamboos:
Phyllostachys Decora
Phyllostachys Bambusoides ‘Tanakae’
Phyllostachys Aureosulcata ‘Spectabilis’
Love your informative style. Our Seabreeze is gorgeous, maybe 10 yrs in our yard, which is on the border of 9a and 8b north of Houston. Winters are getting much colder here, with single digit hard freezes for last 2 winters, killing all the culms. New growth begins in spring, so that’s nice. But is there a tall clumping bamboo that’s more cold hardy that grows well in our hot humid summers? It’s so sad to see the dead bamboo and we would like to avoid it. Maybe something more obscure?
Hi Carol!
Among the roughly 1,500 types of bamboo, you can find a surprising selection of clumping species that can survive winters as cold as -10º or -20º F. The hardiest clumpers belong to the genus Fargesia. You might also look for members of Borinda, Yushania, Himalayacalamus and Chusquea. Also, if you want to learn more, here’s a list of our blog posts on cold-hardy bamboo.
Thanks for the reminder that the variety of bamboo is also important to consider when planning to buy bamboos for privacy screens. I’d like to add a lot more natural elements to the exterior of my home so I’m interested in having bamboo over there. Knowing that they can also be used to improve privacy is a bonus.
https://floridabackyardprivacy.com/