bamboo 101 cont. - Temple Bamboo - Semiarundinaria fastuosa

[Marty111]

Hello again,

After continuing to read more online I believe I have found that the Temple Bamboo would be best for Austin, TX area. So I welcome any experience anyone has growing it in Texas or similar climate. If I purchase a 3 gallon sized plant how fast can I expect it to grow both in height and width (spread)?

Thanks again,
Marty

[ShmuBamboo]

I do not know about Texas, but here in Oregon my Temple (Semiarundinaria fastuosa) doubles in size every year. It is not that fast a spreader, and stays semi-clumped. It is pretty fast to grow taller though, and puts up more culms in close proximity to the original culms.

[CaroleMeckes]

Marty,
A lot depends on your particular situation. The rhizomes of Semiarundinaria fastuosa grow deeper than other bamboos (which means it would be harder to eradicate it if you changed your mind). It is a runner and will pop up and surprise you.

How much space do you plan to give to this bamboo?

Some nice things about fastuosa is that it grows upright (does not arch over) and if you like to make things out of rhizomes - it produces fatter rhizomes than most of the phyllostachys species (about 1 inch diameter)

It is good for Austin, but as far as it being "best" that would depend on your personal preferences.