From Grove to Garden
Take a behind-the-scenes look at how we grow and ship bamboo at Lewis Bamboo — carefully dug, containerized, watered, grown, and packaged so healthy, ready-to-plant bamboo arrives at your door.
Bissetii
3 Gallon (4' + tall) - Multi Cane
$100.00
Sale price
$100.00
Regular price
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Bissetii
Phyllostachys Bissetii
$100.00
Sale price
$100.00
Regular price
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Healthy-arrival guarantee
If your bamboo arrives damaged or unhealthy, we'll make it right with a replacement or refund — backed by 30+ years of growing experience.
- Most tolerant of adverse growing conditions, such as wind, cold, and drought.
- Aggressive grower that provides a fast privacy screen.
- Obtains a darker green cane and foliage than most bamboo species.
Will it grow in my area?
About & Sizing
Introducing the Phyllostachys Bissetii, a resilient and captivating bamboo species that hails from the verdant lands of Sichuan, China. Since its debut in the United States in 1941, this remarkable plant has garnered a loyal following among thousands of gardening enthusiasts across the northern climate zones, who treasure it as a stunning and effective privacy screen.
Phyllostachys Bissetii is not only a vigorous runner but also one of the most cold-hardy bamboo species thriving in North America. Able to withstand temperatures as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit, this tenacious plant laughs in the face of winter's chill. When mulched with care, its root system can endure even colder conditions, down to a staggering -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Its exceptional hardiness allows it to flourish in the colder regions of the country, including climate zones 4 and 5. As the seasons shift and spring emerges, the Bissetii is often among the first plants to awaken, sprouting elegant new canes long before others show signs of life.
The allure of the Phyllostachys Bissetii extends beyond its hardiness. The canes within the grove exhibit a sophisticated dark gray-green hue, while those exposed to more direct sunlight often transform into a delicate golden shade. Paired with its lush, dark green foliage, the Bissetii creates an enchanting display that lends itself perfectly to privacy screens and windbreaks.
Experience the wonder of Phyllostachys Bissetii for yourself and discover how this exceptional bamboo variety can transform your garden into a private haven, while adding a touch of elegance and intrigue to your landscape.
- Species
- Phyllostachys Bissetii
- Mature height
- 40 ft
- Mature cane Ø
- 2″
- Sunlight
- Sun to Shade
- Cold hardiness
- -10°F minimum
- Type
- Running bamboo
Size & Spacing
The plants we ship are starter divisions from established groves — and the larger the size you choose, the bigger its root system and the faster it fills in.
- For a privacy screen, plant on 5-foot centers or closer. Tighter spacing and a bigger starting size give you a solid wall of green sooner — often in 3–5 years.
- For a grove or specimen, give each plant space to spread and show its form.
- Each spring brings taller, thicker canes until the grove reaches mature size. How bamboo grows → · Planting guide →
Care Guide
- Light. At least 4 hours of filtered sun or more. A few large-leaf dwarf species are happy in partial shade.
- Water. Keep the soil evenly moist through the first growing season while roots establish. Once established, bamboo is quite drought-tolerant — just never let it sit in standing water.
- Soil. Not fussy. Neutral pH, well-draining loam with organic matter is ideal, but it grows well in clay too. Roots feed in the top 12″ of soil.
- Growth. New canes shoot each spring (roughly March–May), reaching full height in about 60 days. The grove fills in noticeably after about three full years.
- Feeding. A balanced, time-release fertilizer in spring can speed establishment by a year or more.
- Containing it. Running bamboo spreads by shallow underground rhizomes. Root-prune twice a year, or install Bamboo Shield for a worry-free barrier. How bamboo grows →
Container & Planter Info
Bamboo thrives in large containers with good drainage — perfect for patios, balconies, and defining outdoor spaces.
- Pick a hardier plant. Containers don't insulate roots the way the ground does. For year-round pots, choose a species rated a zone or two colder than your area.
- Go big. A larger container means more root room, more insulation, and faster growth. Make sure it has drainage holes.
- Water more often. Potted plants dry out faster — check soil moisture regularly, especially in summer.
- Refresh every few years. Top-dress, or divide and repot, once the roots fill the container.
How It Arrives
Your plant ships nursery-fresh from our family-run farm — an established, well-rooted division (never a fresh-dug start), carefully packed to travel safely.
- On arrival, unbox right away, give it a good drink, and let it settle in a sheltered spot for a few days before planting. Planting instructions →
- A little leaf drop or yellowing is normal after shipping — bamboo is evergreen and flushes fresh leaves each spring.
- Healthy-arrival guarantee. If your plant shows up in poor shape, we'll make it right. See our guarantee →
FAQs
Will running bamboo spread?
Yes — that's how it forms a screen. It spreads by shallow rhizomes that are easy to direct with twice-yearly root pruning or a Bamboo Shield barrier.
How fast will it grow?
New canes can grow up to 4 feet a day in spring, and the grove fills in noticeably after about three years. How bamboo grows →
When will it green up after planting?
Some leaf drop after shipping is normal. Bamboo is evergreen and pushes fresh leaves in spring as new shoots emerge.
How far apart should I plant for a screen?
Plant on 5-foot centers or closer for a screen in 3–5 years. Closer spacing fills in faster — you can't over-plant bamboo.
Will it grow in my area?
Use the growing-zone tool in the header (or the "Will it grow here?" panel above) to check this plant against your zone.