With the sustainability movement in full force (finally!) there is no better time to incorporate bamboo into your next building project. Although most of the hundreds of varieties of bamboo are evasive, there are a small number of clumping bamboo varieties that can provide a great privacy screen without running out of control. We have been growing Alphonse Karr Clumping bamboo on Johns Island for over 30 years. Clumping bamboo is subtropical but we have found Alphonse Karr appropriate for our area. We have been helping Lowcountry residents add a little Asian flair to their homes for many years.
We recommend the Alphonse Karr variety of clumping bamboo, and we have hundreds of plants ready at our nursery for you to select from. Alphonse Karr grows to a height of 20-30 feet, which is especially helpful if your neighbors’ house is elevated. However, if you prefer another variety, we also carry Graceful bamboo and Golden goddess. Seabreeze is another variety suitable for our area.
Bamboo is a pretty “hands-off” plant. That said, you’ll still need to keep an eye on it and make sure it’s set up to thrive in the Charleston weather. Check out our Bamboo Care page for more information on taking care of your live bamboo.
Everybody loves a little privacy right? But that doesn’t mean everyone needs to have the same boring vertical plank fence. Do something different and install a natural, living bamboo fence that will keep the neighbors out of view and will bring a little zen to your yard.
The lifespan of bamboo depends on the variety and the care you provide. Clumping bamboo varieties can live up to 120 years! Each bamboo shoot typically lives 8-10 years, with new shoots forming throughout the growing season
Have more bamboo questions? Check out our Bamboo Frequently Asked Questions page for a list of the most common questions we get from clients or send us your question directly.
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