Many plant-lovers are curious about what exotic plants they can grow in their state. Missouri residents may wonder if you can grow bamboo in Missouri. Missouri residents may want to grow bamboo in their yards for several reasons.
Bamboo is a wonderful plant to grow both inside and outside the home. Many people enjoy growing bamboo; bamboo efficiently converts carbon dioxide into oxygen which helps reduce carbon footprint.
Bamboo is also very hardy. Many varieties of bamboo can withstand temperatures of negative 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This resilience works well for Missouri winters since they usually do not drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bamboo typically does well between USDA zones 6 through 10. Missouri sits in the middle of the range at 5 through 7. North Missouri is in Zone 5, so if you live in this area, you need to research which bamboo varieties can grow in this zone.
Does Bamboo Grow Well in Missouri?
Bamboo grows well in Missouri if you know how to care for the plant. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you succeed in your quest to grow bamboo in Missouri.
Plant Bamboo in Spring
Spring is the best time to plant bamboo in Missouri because the temperatures are best to allow newly-planted bamboo to grow and thrive.
Fertilize Bamboo in Spring
Just as you should plant bamboo in the spring, you should also fertilize it in the spring. Bamboo usually needs extra nitrogen during the transition to warmer weather in the spring and before the hot temperatures of the summer.
Extra Water in the Summer
Bamboo needs more water during the summertime. Like other plants, bamboo absorbs more water when there are hot temperatures to regulate its temperature. Thus, the plant will need an increased volume of water in the summer. You can water bamboo like your other plants: visibly moist soil is best.
Extra Insulation in the Winter
During winter, adding extra insulation to your outdoor bamboo plan is important. Adding mulch on top of the soil around your bamboo plant is the easiest insulation. The mulch will insulate against temperature loss and prevent the plant from drying out.
Another option to insulate your bamboo is to form a makeshift greenhouse around the plant. If your plant is small enough, you can make a greenhouse using a plastic bottle. If not, you can make a greenhouse out of plastic sheeting and wood scraps.
What Varieties of Bamboo Will Do Well in Missouri?
If you want to plant bamboo outside your Missouri home, you need to know what USDA Zone you are in and which bamboo varieties are hardy for that zone. Here are some varieties that will do well in Zones 5 through 7.
River Bamboo
River bamboo is the best variety for cold winters. It will thrive down to USDA Zone 5 and can withstand temperatures as low as negative 10 degrees. River bamboo is a large variety of bamboo as well; it can grow up to 20 feet tall.
Jiuzhaigou 9
Jiuzhaigou 9 is very resilient. It can survive in temperatures as low as negative 20 degrees. It’s shorter than River bamboo at 14 feet. If you want to plant Jiuzhaigou 9, ensure it has afternoon shade and won’t get too hot during the summer.
Green Panda
Green Panda is a much shorter variety of bamboo that is also hardy for Missouri temperatures. It has an average height of 6 to 7 feet, and it can withstand temperatures of negative 15 degrees.
Final Thoughts
Bamboo can make a tremendous outside plant on your Missouri lawn. However, you will need to research which variety of bamboo will do the best in your yard considering the available light, USDA Zone, and height available.