Narrow Bamboo Fence- suggestions, North NJ.

[BambooNJ]

Hello everyone.

I'm new to this forum as well, as I am new to bamboos. I have done research on the varieties and to learn more, considering my goal is to grow a narrow, natural privacy fence for my corner lot.

I am looking for a narrow, tall (not weepy) growing bamboo that is maximum 15 feet in height, and would prefer a nice colored bamboo.

In my research I have come across that the best varieties of bamboo for me in my region and preferences would be the Fargesias, like Rufa and jiuzhaigou, etc.

After seeing many pictures I am seeing that Rufa is very much weeping and does not grow taller than 5-8 feet. I am preferring the jiuzhaigou more, considering it is tall growing, not weeping and the red color is just beautiful.

My only concern with the jiuzhaigou is:

1. Loss of leaves; would i lose much privacy or will it still be dense?
2. Full sun/cold; my corner lot receives shade in the summer but it is facing west. I don't know if it will pose a problem in the winter as well.
3. Growth; how fast does it grow?
4. Where can I purchase the bamboo in my area?
I really do not want to spend money on shipping and would prefer someone nearby I can purchase directly from. Is there anyone in the forum that lives in NJ and grows jiuzhaigou?

I would appreciate your time, suggestions and assistance.

Thank you very much.

[johnw]

Welcome. If you are in the milder areas of NJ maybe Fargesia robusta (Campbell form) would fill the bill. Have a google.

[T9D]

jiuzhaigou looks nice. The fargesia can take some time to fill in and grow since they are tight clumping bamboo. You'll need to buy a lot if you are filling in an area. They are also pretty thin culms and will weigh down and weep more with just some rain and being wet. A little snow and they will be flat on the ground. There goes your privacy for a long period. Rufa is very weeping.

So you ruled out a running bamboo? I'd think bissettii would be great for a screen. It grows like mad for privacy. And very cold tolerant. Snow is going to load it down too. Unless you want some giant bamboo many will droop a lot with snow. I was thinking maybe bissettii is so dense though that it might help hold the snow up longer? I don't think it will get to big in your zone.

If you can't find them in town order some online. Usually it's free shipping. Only $35 - $50 a pot. One or two pots of a phyllostachys running bamboo and in no time you'll have a screen. Being on a corner lot you have the advantage of the street on two sides to contain it.

[BambooNJ]

Thank you for your replies.

Well I found someone near me who has jiuzhaigou, nitida, Rufa and other varieties of the clumping.

He is recommending me the varities Nitida, and jiuzhaigou for a nice narrow screen.

What are the main differences between jiuzhaigou and Nitida? I know for sure the nitida is less expensive but pertaining to my above questions what differences do they have or similarities. Also:

1. Which one has more color Overall? I heard nitida's culms turn red/black when mature where as the jiuzhaigou turns green?

2. Which is one is younger? I have heard Nitida recently
Bloomed and that seedlings will last over 100 years. How old is the jiuzhaigou?

I would appreciate direct, specific and knowleagable suggestions and information.

Thank you everyone.

[moriphen]

F nitida and F. Jiuzhaigou are very similar in overall form; but culm colour, vigor, and primary branch angle do differ. Culm colour comes from sun damage and a culm that gets no sun or is covered in leaves will stay green. The overall form is a tightly packed round weeping clump 3 to 6ft wide and 8 to 14ft tall at maturity. Has for specific differences, F. jiuzhaigou was collected from seeds in the late 80's if I recall and the F. nitida's went to seed sometime around 2006-2008 (someone on the forums may know the exact year). Most of new F. nitida seedlings have green culms only that I would presume turn to faded green/yellow from repeated sun exposure. I personally believe F. jiuzhaigou has more colour currently, green, yellow, red, and dark red are all possible form the different cultivars.

I want to address something very important about these bamboo in particular. You are walking a fine line between too much sun and too little sun in our area, we also have rather high night time summer temps and the last several years have featured mold issues. For our state these 2 species and their cultivars prefer and look the way you want with 4 hours or less of morning sunshine.
Your growing location is going to have a western (afternoon) sun exposure, so expect your plants to be more thirsty and have a weeping form if they receive more than 4 hours of sunlight.

As for suggested pick?

Fargesia sp. 'Scabrida' My tallest clumping bamboo 13ft or so, open clumper base 4 feet wide canopy 5ft. resistant to our mold tolerated 4ºF this year

Fargesia sp. Jiuzhaigou #4 9ft tall, tight clump about 3ft wide at the base 6ft wide canopy very vigorous, resistant to our mold tolerated 4ºF this year. *will require yearly pruning to get the look you want.

[dependable]

One thing about both nitida and juizhaigou it they tend to curl up their leaves when it is sunny, and when it is cold out. Good for leaf protection, but not as attractive.

A running bamboo that would fit height requirements (16 ft), has a dense, upright growth habit and attractive (yellow w green stripe) culms is Semi-Arundinaria yashadake 'Kimmei'. It is hardy down to 0 f, can take the sun or partial shade.