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I would emphasize that you should plant the bamboo in containers. It's a fast growing, invasive species that is nearly impossible to get rid of once it starts growing. So save yourself some headaches and just put the plants in containers!

Thanks for the tips. Bamboo is exactly what I've been considering to create a privacy screen, but I was worried about it taking over. This gives me some great ideas!

Elizabeth
http://emblemorstain.blogspot.com

Does anyone know what size containers would be the smallest you can plant bamboo in? I'm considering this but don't have much room on my balcony.

I've been thinking about bamboo as a privacy screen for our tiny paved side yard for a while now, but what's always stopped me has been the price. Around here (SF bay) I haven't found it selling for less than $80 or $90 for a smallish clump (thin stems, clumped maybe six inches across and three feet tall, certainly not big enough to be a privacy screen yet). So, to make the barrier wide enough to serve its purpose would take more than $300, just for the plants. Steep!

Tall clumping grasses are much cheaper, so I've been considering going that route instead. Anyone have experience with grasses in containers? Or a good source for inexpensive bamboo?

I have a theory that there is only one bamboo plant in the world: the stalks we see are just the runners.

MayaOnFiya, my ex-landlady used to have bamboo growing in front of the front porch. That stuff grew like stink. Every fall she cut it back to the ground and every spring it came back completely as full as the previous year. The clumps you have seen are young shoots that will probably grow much bigger. It might be worth some research to determine which species would be best for you, and how or if you want to mix clumping and spreading culms.

In my practice we typically spec Fargesia nitida (fountain bamboo) for smaller areas. It would do alright in a 24" dia. pot in partial shade. Maybe 18" in a pinch.

bamboo isn't any worse than many other plants, including ivies, and is less bad than Houttuynia and bermuda grass. If properly done (by removing culms) eradication is easy.

Maintainence is simpler, IMHO, because the shoots are larger than smaller aggressive plants.

Where can one find the concrete (are they concrete?) planters featured in the second and third photos? (I've come to terms with the fact that I am not going to make them with a mold.) If anyone has any sources in the DC area (or sources for an alternative that would be light enough to ship), please do share.

MayaOnFiya, there are clumping varieties (which don't spread) and running (which send out shoots and are very invasive). Since your yard is tiny, i guess you don't have to worry about the running bamboo spreading. i would spend a bit of cash, break up the pots of bamboo and watch it fill out your space.

Thank you for the warning people about Bamboo! People love it because it is quick growing and tall. But it is one of the most obnoxious invasive plants to deal with, especially when your neighbor plants it as a 'privacy fence'.

PLEASE try to find native decorative grass to use around your patio instead. In concrete containers like in the photos I have no problem with this plant, but planted straight in the ground it is going to reek havoc on your back yard. Planting it in containers in the ground will help hold it back, but by no means is going to stop it from spreading where ever it wants.

My old boss, who lives in Venice, has a her backyard facing the street. (She's on the corner) and she has bamboo lining the fence to create some privacy and her yard looks amazing. Yes, you have to work to prevent spreading but the outcome is well worth it. It's an oasis is an area where you might otherwise feel exposed.

LOL, ebrown

laura--bamboo is pretty hardy so I would think you could get a long narrow container that's maybe 10 inches deep and you would be able to grow some tall enough to give you some privacy!