Hi MaryAnn, Yes, there are certain types of bamboo that will grow in Zone 5. Your best choice would be to check with a nursery in your area or possibly you could find another gardener around you that would give you some of theirs. Also post a request for bamboo on our Seed Exchange, be sure to ask for a type that grows in Zone 5. If you purchase some through catalogs check the zone on the species. I often look at where the seed catalog originates and if they are in the same zone as me I know I can trust that what they sell will grow for me also. Warning!!! Bamboo can become very invasive, even in Zone 5. I have talked to people who regret inviting it into their yards. I have also heard of gardeners who planted bamboo into huge pots or barrels because of it's bad reputation of being invasive. Make sure the pot has good drainage and place in a hole in the ground with about 1 inch of the rim out of the ground to prevent runners from crawling away.
We have a nursery in the area that would gladly give you some bamboo. When they told me I could take all I wanted it sounded a warning to me that maybe I didn't want it afterall. The more I read about bamboo makes me glad I didn't take any. Just be careful in how and where you plant it.
Happy Gardening, Diane
Printer-friendly copy
Email this topic to a friend
