Bamboo is often associated with tropical and subtropical climates, making its survival in a northern state like Minnesota questionable due to harsh winters. The simple answer is that certain highly cold-hardy species can survive Minnesota’s climate, provided they are carefully selected and receive winter protection. Success depends on choosing varieties engineered to withstand extreme temperature drops and implementing proactive management strategies.
Climate Reality: Bamboo Survival in Minnesota Winters
Minnesota is predominantly in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 5, where winter minimum temperatures routinely drop to between -20°F and -40°F. Standard bamboo cannot withstand this cold, but the most cold-tolerant species are rated for Zone 5, enduring temperatures down to -20°F. The primary threat is not to the above-ground culms (stalks), but to the underground rhizomes, which are the plant’s root structure and source of life.
In frigid environments, the plant often exhibits culm dieback, where the leafy stalks turn brown and die in the winter. If the rhizomes remain insulated and healthy beneath the soil, the plant survives but must regrow new culms from the base each spring. Consistent, deep snow cover acts as a natural insulator, protecting the rhizomes from deep ground frost penetration. Without this insulating layer, even Zone 5 species may suffer root death in the colder Zone 3 and 4 areas of Minnesota.
The difference between surviving and thriving is whether the culms remain evergreen through the winter. Cold-hardy species often experience desiccation, or winter burn, caused by cold wind and sun. This damage occurs because the plant cannot replace moisture lost from its leaves when the ground is frozen. Growing cold-hardy bamboo in Minnesota requires focusing on root survival and providing shelter from harsh winter winds to minimize leaf damage.
Choosing Cold-Hardy Species
Selecting the right species is the most important step for growing bamboo in a cold climate, revolving around the plant’s growth habit. Bamboo is classified into two main types: clumping and running. Clumping species, like those in the genus Fargesia, are safer for small yards because their rhizomes grow in a tight U-shape, expanding only a few inches annually.
The Fargesia genus contains the most reliable choices for Minnesota, with several species reliably hardy to -20°F.
Clumping Varieties
Fargesia murieliae, or Umbrella Bamboo, is a popular clumping variety known for its elegant, arching culms and tolerance for partial shade. Fargesia nitida, or Blue Fountain Bamboo, is another excellent option that tolerates temperatures down to -20°F and features attractive purple-blue culms.
Running bamboos, primarily from the genus Phyllostachys, are far more aggressive but contain some of the hardiest varieties, sometimes surviving temperatures down to -25°F. Phyllostachys bissetii and Phyllostachys nuda are two cold-tolerant running bamboos reliably hardy to Zone 4 (around -20°F). While these species offer exceptional cold tolerance and height, they require mandatory containment to prevent rapid, invasive spread.
To maximize survival for any species planted in Minnesota, gardeners should utilize microclimates by planting near a south-facing structure or a windbreak. Heavy mulching with wood chips or straw, at a depth of four to six inches, should be applied before the ground freezes. This additional layer of insulation is designed to protect the rhizome mass from the deep frost line that occurs in the upper Midwest.
Managing Aggressive Growth and Spread
Even in a cold climate where the plant may struggle, running bamboo must be contained to prevent it from invading neighboring properties or structures. The primary method for controlling aggressive rhizome spread is the installation of a physical barrier, typically made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a thick, durable plastic.
For most running species, the HDPE barrier should be at least 60-mil thick to withstand the pressure of the growing rhizomes. The barrier must be installed in a trench that is at least 24 inches deep, as most bamboo rhizomes travel within the top 20 inches of soil. Critically, the barrier should be installed with a slight outward angle and must protrude approximately two inches above the soil line.
The upward angle and exposed lip are necessary to deflect any rhizomes that attempt to travel up and over the barrier, a phenomenon known as “jumping”. Any rhizomes that contact the barrier are forced upward, where they can be visually inspected and pruned before they escape the containment area. A simpler alternative for smaller yards is to grow the bamboo in large, sturdy containers, which requires more vigilance with watering.
While clumping varieties like Fargesia are non-invasive and do not require a rhizome barrier, they still need occasional monitoring. Over many years, the clump may expand slowly, and the outer culms can be thinned or pruned back to maintain the desired size and shape. Successful bamboo growth in Minnesota depends on a combination of cold-hardy genetics and dedicated containment practices.