Bamboo is a grass, not a tree, and while many people associate it with tropical climates, many species are remarkably cold-hardy. The short answer to whether bamboo can grow in cold climates is yes, but survival depends on selecting the right species and protecting the underground root mass. These temperate varieties can withstand freezing temperatures well below zero, making them viable options for gardeners in colder regions. Successful cultivation requires understanding the plant’s biology and providing targeted winter care.
Understanding Bamboo Cold Hardiness
The ability of bamboo to survive winter is determined by the survival of its underground structure, known as the rhizome. This underground stem network functions as the plant’s energy storage and survival mechanism. When exposed to severe cold, the above-ground stalks, or culms, and their foliage often suffer damage, browning or completely defoliating in a process called “winter burn” or “dieback.”
The official hardiness rating refers to the minimum temperature the rhizome can endure without dying, not the temperature the foliage can tolerate. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zone system is the standard measure, indicating the average annual minimum temperature for a region. For instance, a bamboo rated for USDA Zone 5 can survive temperatures dropping to between -15°F and -20°F. Even if the leaves and stems are killed back to the ground, the plant remains alive and will send up new culms from the surviving rhizomes once spring arrives.
Identifying Cold-Tolerant Varieties
Selecting the correct genus is the most important step, as cold-hardy types fall into two distinct categories based on their growth habits.
Clumping Bamboo
The genus Fargesia represents the most cold-tolerant clumping bamboos. These are non-invasive because their rhizomes grow in a tight, U-shape and expand slowly outward by only a few inches each year. Species like Fargesia murielae (Umbrella Bamboo) and Fargesia nitida (Blue Fountain Bamboo) are exceptionally cold-hardy, with some cultivars surviving temperatures down to approximately -20°F, placing them firmly in USDA Zone 5. Fargesia rufa (Dragon Head Bamboo) is another reliable clumper that tolerates similar low temperatures and is often used for compact screening.
Running Bamboo
The other major category is running bamboo, primarily from the genus Phyllostachys. These varieties are characterized by leptomorph rhizomes that spread horizontally underground, often aggressively, meaning they require a root barrier or frequent maintenance to contain their spread. Specific cold-hardy runners include Phyllostachys nuda and Phyllostachys aureosulcata (Yellow Groove Bamboo), both of which can tolerate temperatures down to Zone 5. These running types are valued for their upright growth habit and ability to form dense screens in regions with freezing winters.
Protecting Bamboo During Winter Dormancy
Successful winter survival for bamboo planted in the ground relies on insulating the rhizome mass and mitigating desiccation damage.
Insulating the Rhizomes
Applying a deep layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, shredded leaves, or pine straw, is the primary protective measure before the first hard freeze. This layer should ideally be between 8 to 12 inches thick and extend well past the plant’s base. The mulch acts like a thermal blanket, stabilizing soil temperature and preventing the rhizomes from experiencing extreme cold fluctuations. This insulation is especially important during the first few years while the bamboo is establishing a dense root system.
Preventing Desiccation
Desiccation, or “winter burn,” is a frequent cause of winter damage, often mistaken for cold-kill. It is caused by a combination of freezing temperatures, dry air, and wind. Bamboo is an evergreen grass and continues to transpire water through its foliage even when the ground is frozen, making moisture unavailable to the roots. To combat this, thoroughly water the bamboo just before the ground freezes. Continue to water periodically during prolonged dry, sunny spells in winter. Erecting temporary windbreaks using burlap or fencing can also help shield exposed foliage from harsh, drying winds.
Container Care
Bamboo grown in containers requires significantly more winter protection because the entire root ball is exposed to the air temperature, losing the insulating benefit of the surrounding earth. Once temperatures consistently drop below freezing, the container should be moved to an unheated but protected location, such as a garage, shed, or sheltered patio. If moving the pot is not possible, the container itself must be insulated by wrapping it with bubble wrap, straw, or a thick layer of burlap to prevent the root mass from completely freezing solid. New growth will emerge from the protected rhizomes in the spring, so gardeners should not be alarmed if the culms appear brown or damaged over the winter.