Clumping vs Running Bamboo: What’s the Difference?
Bamboo is one of the most widely cultivated and useful grass species in the world. There are two main types of bamboo: clumping bamboo and running bamboo. These differ primarily in their growth habit and potential invasiveness. This article will explain the key differences between clumping and running bamboo, including their definitions, planting types, uses and advantages and disadvantages of each.
Clumping Bamboo
Clumping bamboo gets its name from the way it grows, forming tight, tidy clusters rather than spreading. This is thanks to its short-rooted rhizomes, which only extend a few centimeters from the base each year. Even when mature, clumping bamboo stays in a well-contained area, making it ideal for gardens where space is limited.
Popular clumping varieties for Australian gardens include:
- Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’
- Bambusa multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’
- Bambusa oldhamii
- Himalayacalamus porcatus (Nepalese Blue)
These varieties typically form clumps under 2 metres in diameter. While they grow quickly in height when first planted, reaching 3 to 10 metres depending on species and conditions their spread stays compact. Their shallow root systems (within 30 cm of the surface) are also gentle on nearby pipes or structures.
Clumping bamboo requires minimal upkeep, occasional thinning or staking in windy spots and thrives in both garden beds and large pots. It’s an excellent choice for low-maintenance hedging or as a standout feature plant, offering lush foliage and sturdy canes year-round.
Running Bamboo
Running bamboo, on the other hand, is known for its fast and far-reaching growth. It spreads aggressively via long rhizomes that can travel up to 6 metres or more per year, sending up new shoots along the way.
This rapid growth can overtake surrounding areas if left unchecked, making strong root barriers or containment systems essential—especially near property lines or garden beds.
Fast-growing running species like Phyllostachys aurea or Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) are often used for quick screening or windbreaks. However, they need regular attention, including annual root pruning or division, to keep them from spreading uncontrollably.
In larger rural settings where space is no issue, running bamboo can be a stunning and effective solution for creating instant privacy or shelter. But it does demand ongoing maintenance and careful planning.
Choosing the Right Bamboo for Your Space
The key difference is simple:
- Clumping bamboo stays where you plant it, perfect for gardens, pots, and tidy hedges.
- Running bamboo spreads fast and far, great for screening large areas, but only if you have the space and can manage it.
Understanding these growth habits is essential to selecting the right bamboo for your needs.
Discover the beauty and versatility of bamboo with Red Cloud Bamboo. We’re here to help you choose the right variety for your space: big or small. Call us on 03 9551 8559 or explore more in our blog. Let’s grow something incredible together.