People think of tall stately stands of bamboo growing in the mist of a tropical rainforest, with perhaps a great ape or a panda munching on juicy hearts.
Those people who live in the desert sometimes despair of ever seeing a raft of bamboo stalks bending in the arid, desiccating wind. And for the most part, they are right.
Take heart, bamboo lovers! There are species of bamboo that are tolerant of radical hot and cold temperature shifts and do well in low humidity. Although they still need adequate watering, these lovely plants will add accent and “bones” to your garden.
Bamboo plants are members of the family Poaceae and are actually true grasses. Many grow so quickly that they add over three feet per day.
Bamboos are represented by 91 genera. Moreover, they can be found in a number of widely different climates from 50 degrees North latitude (which is as far north as Frankfurt, Germany), to the same latitude south (that’s as far south as Christchurch, New Zealand) and all areas in between
They exist in the Himalayan Mountains, and in sub-Saharan Africa.
Top 9 Drought Hardy Bamboos
- Buddha’s Belly (Bambusa tuldoides). This is a big bamboo plant, growing as high as 35 feet. The canes can get up to two inches in diameter. It is a clumping bamboo and can withstand temperatures down to 21 degrees F. Zones 8 and 9.
- Golden or Fishpole Bamboo (Phyllostachys mannii). It can grow 30 feet high and the canes can have a diameter of two inches or so. It can survive temperatures as low as -10 degrees. This bamboo does well in Zones 6 though 9, but can be grown in zones lower than 6. Good for erosion prevention. Can be grown in pots.
- Arrow Bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica). The genus grows very straight and tall: up to 20 feet. It can withstand temperatures as low as 0 degrees F. Though it grows best in Zones 6-9, it can be grown in Zone 5. Makes a great hedge. Can be grow in pots.
- Alphonse Karr (Bambusa multiplex). Really bright yellow canes with narrow green stripes stretching up and down the canes. Can grow to 20 feet. Canes have a diameter of about one inch. This bamboo species can survive in temperatures as low as 18 degrees F, but it does best in Zones 8 and 9 (or warmer).
- Giant Timber Bamboo (Bambusa oldhamii). The canes grow very straight on this genus, can can get up to 45 feet tall. The canes have a massive diameter of 4-plus inches. It can survive temperatures as low as 28 degrees F and does best in Zones 8 to 9 and above.
- Mexican Weeping Bamboo (Otatea acuminate aztecorum). The really long leaves can hide the canes, but this is a very dramatic bamboo. It can grow as high as 20 feet tall. Canes generally have a diameter of an inch. It can withstand cold down to 22 degrees F. This bamboo does best in Zones 9 and higher.
- Dissimulator Bamboo (Bambusa dissimulator). This is a really big tropical bamboo. It forms a thick, almost impenetrable wall to 40 feet high. The canes can get as big as three inches in diameter. It can survive temperatures down to 25 degrees F. It does best in Zones 8, 9 and above. Edible shoots.
- Phyllostachys rubromarginata. This is a bamboo that has quite edible shoots, and the quality of the bamboo wood itself is really good. It is very tolerant to cold, and can withstand temperatures down to a -5 degrees F. Zones 6 through 9. Makes a great hedge.
- Sasaella masamuneana. This is what most people think of when they think of bamboo. It has green leaves and is very “plain” looking. This bamboo genus matures at a relatively short height – four to six feet. It can survive temperatures as low as 0 degrees F, but grows best in Zones 6 to 9 and higher.
Related articles:
