Privacy fences are one of the essential elements in garden design and plants such as Bamboo are very popular and trend for this issue. If you are searching to find the best bamboo plants for privacy fence, here you can find the top 10 bamboo-type plants that are ideal for a Privacy hedge.
People usually like to use Bamboo for privacy fences due to:
- Bamboo plants have rapid growth. So, they quickly create your Privacy hedge.
- They have dense foliage that makes bamboo perfect for privacy fences.
- They are various colours and sizes that allow you to make your favourite design.
- If you live in or near big cities, Bamboo is one of the best air-purifying plants.
However, if you want to be successful, you have to choose a bamboo type that:
- To suit your specific needs
- Match with your space and climate
- Take measures to control invasive species.
In the following, you can find a list of some of the best bamboo plants for privacy fences. Please note that all of them are true bamboo plants and I didn’t cover the bamboo-like plants in this article. let’s find them.
List of the Best Bamboo Plants for Privacy Fence
1- Black Bamboo
Scientific name: Phyllostachys nigra
Other common names: Black-stem Bamboo, Henon Bamboo
Appearance:
- This type of Bamboo has distinctive black or dark purple stems (culms) that create a striking contrast with its green foliage.
- The leaves are lance-shaped and dark green, giving it an elegant appearance.
Their habitat:
- Black Bamboo is native to China and thrives in subtropical and temperate climates.
- It should grow in well-drained soil
- This plant loves places with sunny or partially shaded.
- It is also one of the indoor bamboo plant types.
Black Bamboo is one of the best bamboo plants for privacy Fences due to it has attractive black stems that create a visually appealing and unique screen. In addition, it can grow up to 30 feet tall, providing excellent privacy.
2- Golden Bamboo
Scientific name: Phyllostachys aurea
Other common names: Fishpole Bamboo, Yellow Bamboo
Appearance:
- Golden Bamboo has yellow-green canes that arch gracefully.
- The leaves are slender and bright green.
Their habitat:
- Golden Bamboo is also native to China.
- It is adapted to subtropical and temperate climates.
- It would be best if you planted it in well-drained soil
- It can thrive in both full sun and partial shade.
- You can also grow golden bamboo indoors however it is not one of the common indoor plants. I told you about the pro tips for caring for indoor bamboo plants in my previous article.
Golden Bamboo is one of the best bamboo plants for privacy Fences due to its vibrant yellow-green canes. It also grows to a height of 20-25 feet and forms a dense barrier, So, it is excellent for privacy.
3- Bisset’s Bamboo
Scientific name: Phyllostachys bissetii
Other common names: Incense Bamboo, David Bisset Bamboo
Appearance:
- Bisset’s Bamboo has bright green to slight bluish, upright canes.
- Its leaves are narrow and deep green.
Their habitat:
- Bisset’s Bamboo is native to China
- It grows in a variety of soil types.
- It should be planted in areas with partial shade although can thrive in full sun.
A versatile and fast-growing bamboo, it can reach heights of 20-30 feet and has dense foliage.
Bisset’s Bamboo is one of the best bamboo plants for privacy Fences due to it being a fast-growing species, that can reach heights of 20-30 feet and features dense foliage that provides effective screening.
Scientific name: Phyllostachys vivax
Other common names: Timber Bamboo, Chinese Timber Bamboo
Appearance:
- Giant Timber Bamboo is one of the largest bamboo species
- This plant has thick green canes
- It can grow up to 70 feet tall.
- The leaves are broad and dark green.
Their habitat:
- This bamboo species is native to China
- It grows in tropical to temperate climates.
- It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
As the name suggests, it’s a giant bamboo species that can grow up to 70 feet tall,
Giant Timber Bamboo is one of the best bamboo plants for privacy Fences due to it can grow up to 70 feet tall. Hence it is one of the largest bamboo species that offers a substantial privacy barrier.
5- Green Screen Bamboo
Scientific name: Fargesia rufa
Other common names: Clumping Bamboo, Red Margin Bamboo
Appearance:
- Green Screen Bamboo is a clumping bamboo.
- It has green slender, arching canes
- Its leaves are delicate and mid-green.
Their habitat:
- Green Screen Bamboo is native to the cool mountain regions of China.
- This type of bamboo loves temperate climates.
- It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
- You can grow it in partial shade.
Green Screen Bamboo is one of the best bamboo plants for privacy Fences due to its compact growth habit. It can grow up to 10-12 feet in height which makes it suitable for smaller spaces without overwhelming your space.
6- Campbell’s Bamboo
Scientific name: Fargesia robusta
Other common names: Clumping Mountain Bamboo, Robust Bamboo
Appearance:
- This is another clumping bamboo.
- Campbell’s Bamboo has green canes that grow in dense clumps.
- The leaves are narrow and dark green
- It has a compact and tidy appearance.
Their habitat:
- Campbell’s Bamboo is native to the high-altitude regions of China
- It grows in temperate climates
- Choose areas with well-drained soil with partial to full sun for planting it.
It is one of the best bamboo plants for privacy Fences due to its clumping bamboo behaviour and can grow to about 15-20 feet.
7- Hedge Bamboo
Scientific name: Bambusa multiplex
Other common names: Buddha’s Belly Bamboo, Dwarf Bamboo
Appearance:
- Hedge Bamboo has dense and upright canes that are green and sturdy.
- The leaves are lance-shaped and medium green.
Their habitat:
- Hedge Bamboo is native to Southeast Asia.
- It grows well in tropical and subtropical climates.
- It thrives in regions with well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
This bamboo is one of the best bamboo plants for privacy Fences due to it can build a dense hedge that can reach heights of 15-20 feet.
8- Oldham’s Bamboo
Scientific name: Bambusa oldhamii
Other common names: Giant Timber Bamboo, Oldham’s Giant Bamboo
Appearance:
- Oldham’s Bamboo is robust and tall
- This type of bamboo has thick green canes.
- Its leaves are broad and dark green
- It has a substantial and impressive presence.
Their habitat:
- Oldham’s Bamboo is native to Taiwan.
- You can see it in tropical and subtropical climates.
- You must plant it in well-drained soil
- it loves to grow in full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Oldham’s Bamboo is one of the best bamboo plants for privacy Fences due to it can reach up to 50 feet in height and create a thick and tall privacy fence, particularly in larger spaces.
9- Giant Bamboo
Scientific name: Dendrocalamus asper
Other common names: Giant Thorny Bamboo, Sweet Bamboo
Appearance:
- Giant Bamboo has colossal green canes
- The canes can reach extraordinary heights.
- The leaves are large and dark green.
Their habitat:
- Giant Bamboo is native to Southeast Asia and tropical regions.
- It prefers to grow in regions with deep, well-drained soil and full sun.
Giant Bamboo is one of the best bamboo plants for privacy Fences due to it can reach heights of 100 feet or more, creating an imposing and effective barrier.
10- Temple Bamboo
Scientific name: Semiarundinaria fastuosa
Other common names: Narihira Bamboo, Umbrella Bamboo
Appearance:
- Temple Bamboo has graceful arching green canes.
- The leaves are long and mid-green.
Their habitat:
- Temple Bamboo is native to Japan and temperate climates.
- It grows in well-drained soil with partial shade to full sun.
Temple Bamboo is one of the best bamboo plants for privacy Fences because it grows to heights of 20-30 feet and forms a dense screen.
Best Bamboo Plants for Privacy Fence Based on the USDA Hardiness Zones
In this part, I provide you with a recommendation for planting the best bamboo plants for privacy Fences in various regions in the USA. It is created based on hardiness zones, but you should consider the local microclimates and specific growing conditions in your area that may affect bamboo’s success.
Best for USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10:
- Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo)
- Phyllostachys aurea (Golden Bamboo)
- Phyllostachys bissetii (Bisset’s Bamboo)
- Phyllostachys vivax (Giant Timber Bamboo)
- Fargesia rufa (Green Screen Bamboo)
- Fargesia robusta (Campbell’s Bamboo)
- Bambusa multiplex (Hedge Bamboo)
- Bambusa oldhamii (Oldham’s Bamboo)
- Dendrocalamus asper (Giant Bamboo)
- Semiarundinaria fastuosa (Temple Bamboo)
Best for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-10:
- Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo)
- Phyllostachys aurea (Golden Bamboo)
- Phyllostachys bissetii (Bisset’s Bamboo)
- Fargesia rufa (Green Screen Bamboo)
- Fargesia robusta (Campbell’s Bamboo)
- Bambusa multiplex (Hedge Bamboo)
- Bambusa oldhamii (Oldham’s Bamboo)
- Semiarundinaria fastuosa (Temple Bamboo)
Conclusion
Now, you have a list of the best bamboo plants for privacy fences with their images and scientific and common names. I also provide you with a brief overview of their appearance and habitat. So, you can easily create a list of your favourite types of bamboo for your Privacy hedge. To make it easy for you, I grouped the bamboo types based on the USDA hardiness zones.
Can you tell me which one is at the top of your list? Why did you choose it? please share your ideas and experiences below this page.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.