Bamboo is one of the most remarkable and adaptable plants on the planet. Known for being the fastest growing plant on land, bamboo has been used for centuries across different cultures as a building material, food source, decorative plant, and even a natural air purifier. With its unique appearance and structural strength, bamboo adds both aesthetic appeal and functional value to gardens and landscapes.
Native to various climates across Asia, Africa, and the Americas, bamboo belongs to the Poaceae family, making it technically a giant grass, not a tree. In Australia, bamboo is becoming increasingly popular due to its versatility, low maintenance, and sustainability benefits. However, not all bamboo is created equal, and it’s important to understand the different types such as these ornamental bamboo plants, their growth patterns, and how to care for them properly.
Clumping Bamboo vs. Running Bamboo
When searching for bamboo, you’ll encounter two primary categories:
- Clumping Bamboo (Sympodial): These varieties grow in a compact, non-invasive clump. The rhizomes (underground stems) grow outward only slightly each year, forming dense but contained bunches. This makes clumping bamboo ideal for residential gardens, hedging, and screening, as it is much easier to manage and maintain. At Living Bamboo, we only sell clumping, non-invasive bamboo.
- Running Bamboo (Monopodial): This type of bamboo spreads aggressively through long horizontal rhizomes that can quickly take over a garden if not properly contained. Running bamboo is botanically classified as a “monopodial” species and is not recommended for most residential settings unless confined with a root barrier. At Living Bamboo, we do not sell running bamboo, ensuring that all our varieties are safe, manageable, and legal to plant in Australia.
Five Fascinating Bamboo Facts
- Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on land.
Under optimal conditions, some bamboo species can grow up to one metre per day. While this isn’t typical of all species, many clumping varieties still grow rapidly, making them excellent choices for quick screening or greening projects. - Bamboo is a giant grass, not a tree.
Although bamboo may resemble trees due to its tall, woody culms, it is actually a type of grass. Unlike most grasses, though, our bamboo varieties grow in tight clumps and do not spread invasively. - Bamboo naturally cools the environment.
In summer, bamboo can cool the air around it by up to 8°C. This happens through a process called evapotranspiration, where the plant releases moisture into the air. Combined with the shade it provides and its ability to slow wind flow, bamboo can significantly improve outdoor comfort in urban or residential settings. - Bamboo is a natural air purifier.
Bamboo can purify air up to 30% more effectively than many other plants. Its dense foliage filters out airborne pollutants while also increasing oxygen levels, making it a valuable addition to gardens focused on wellbeing and environmental health. - Bamboo is drought-tolerant.
Once established, most clumping bamboo varieties are remarkably resilient, adapting to dry conditions by furling or dropping leaves to conserve moisture. While regular watering is ideal for growth, bamboo can survive periods of low rainfall — making it suitable for many Australian climates.
Is It Legal to Grow Bamboo in Australia?
Yes, bamboo is legal to grow in Australia, including in Queensland. It is not listed as a restricted or prohibited invasive species under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld). That said, all individuals have a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to ensure they do not allow any plant to cause harm to the environment or neighbours.
At Living Bamboo, we sell only clumping, non-invasive species that are safe for suburban gardens and landscaping projects. We encourage responsible planting practices to keep bamboo beautiful and beneficial for everyone.
How Fast Does Bamboo Grow?
Bamboo growth varies depending on the species, climate, and care, but most clumping types can send up new shoots that reach full height in a single growing season, typically during spring. These new culms can grow as fast as 30 cm to 1 metre per day in the right conditions.
Full maturity in terms of height and density is usually reached within 2–3 years. After that, plants will continue to thicken out with more lateral branching and foliage. For the healthiest growth, bamboo should receive adequate sunlight, regular watering, and seasonal fertilisation — particularly with nitrogen-rich fertiliser at the start of each season.
Can Bamboo Be Planted Near a Fence?
Yes, bamboo can be planted near a fence, but it’s best to leave a 500 mm gap between the fence and the plant. This buffer zone helps to:
- Prevent the bamboo from pushing against or damaging the fence
- Allow access for trimming, thinning, and general maintenance
- Keep the planting area looking neat and intentional
Does Bamboo Regrow After Being Cut?
Yes – and in fact, cutting bamboo encourages more growth. When you trim bamboo, especially the older culms, the underground rhizomes are stimulated to send up new shoots. These new culms often grow straighter and more manageable, particularly if you are maintaining a hedge or privacy screen.
Regular trimming also encourages a tidier, more sculpted shape and promotes airflow within the clump, which can be beneficial for plant health.
What Bamboo Is Best for Screening?
Our top choice for privacy hedging is Gracilis – Slender Weavers Bamboo. This elegant and upright clumping variety is:
- Fast-growing
- Non-invasive
- Tall, reaching between 6 to 8 metres at maturity
- Compact in width, with a clump spread of about 1 metre
Gracilis bamboo is ideal for screening neighbours, fences, or unsightly views, offering both beauty and function in one low-maintenance package. With dense, vertical growth, it forms a natural green wall that also contributes to shade, wind protection, and noise reduction.
Whether you’re looking to enhance privacy, reduce heat, or simply add a stunning vertical accent to your landscape, bamboo is a smart and sustainable choice for Australian gardens. By choosing the right species and planting responsibly, you can enjoy the many benefits bamboo has to offer - naturally, beautifully, and with confidence.
