Running Bamboo (Phyllostachys)
Running Bamboos spread by sending out roots into the earth to a depth of about one foot. Some running bamboos are modest growers, while others can be extremely vigorous and invasive. “Running” can be controlled by cutting back the ends of the rhizomes with a spade. Phyllostachys, or Giant Bamboo, are the tallest of the species and prefer sun or partial shade.
Clumping Bamboo (Fargesia)
This type of Bamboo is not invasive. The new shoots occur on the outside margin of the parent plant. Fargesia, the hardiest of all Bamboos, remain evergreen through winter and tolerate temperatures to –25 degrees. Fargesias are usually used to form a hedge with a wonderful weeping mass of evergreen foliage. They look great planted near the edge of a pond where the water will reflect their pendulous silhouette. Fargesia does best in partial shade.