Bamboo is a popular choice for landscaping, valued for its rapid growth rate and distinct aesthetic appeal in gardens and yards. However, the price a buyer pays for bamboo is highly variable, depending on numerous factors that influence the plant’s value before it even reaches the retail market. The overall investment for establishing a bamboo screen or grove can range dramatically, from a relatively inexpensive start for a small plant to a substantial outlay for a large, established specimen.
Price Ranges Based on Maturity and Variety
The cost of bamboo correlates directly with its maturity, which is typically measured by container size rather than plant height. Smaller starts, often sold as liners or in one-gallon pots, cost between \(\\)10$ and \(\\)25$. While economical, these young plants require several years to reach a significant size.
Mid-sized plants, generally in three-gallon or five-gallon containers, cost \(\\)30$ to over \(\\)60$ per specimen. These plants provide a more immediate visual impact, having benefited from several seasons of nursery growth. For instant privacy, large specimens in 15-gallon, 30-gallon, or 65-gallon containers are available, with prices escalating to \(\\)80-\\(125\) for a 15-gallon pot and over \(\\)450$ for the largest divisions.
A baseline price difference also exists between the two main types of bamboo. Running bamboo, known for its aggressive spread, is often slightly less expensive at the small pot stage because it is easier to propagate quickly. Conversely, clumping bamboo, such as Fargesia varieties, tends to have a slightly higher initial price because its dense root structure leads to a slower rate of propagation via division.
Factors Driving Cost Differences
The specific species of bamboo plays a significant role in determining its market price, particularly when considering rarity or demand. Exotic cultivars or newly developed hybrids will carry a premium compared to more common types like standard Golden Bamboo. This increased cost reflects the investment in research and the limited supply of unique genetic material.
Older plants with thicker culms require much more time, space, and labor from the grower. A plant nurtured for several years in a large container represents a substantial inventory investment by the nursery. This extended cultivation period is directly passed on to the consumer as a higher purchase price.
The method used for propagation also influences the final price. Traditional methods, such as dividing rhizomes, are labor-intensive and yield limited new plants. In contrast, some commercial growers use micropropagation (tissue culture) for mass production of genetically identical plants. While the initial setup for tissue culture is costly, it can be more cost-effective commercially, potentially lowering the price for high-volume, disease-free varieties.
Essential Costs Beyond the Plant
The initial plant purchase is often only one part of the total project expense, especially for running varieties. A rhizome barrier is necessary to prevent aggressive spread via underground stems. Durable High-density polyethylene (HDPE) barrier material typically costs between \(\\)6.50$ and \(\\)7.50$ per linear foot for a thickness of 60 to 100 mil.
Installing this barrier is a substantial labor cost, as the material must be buried 24 to 36 inches deep, with a small portion left exposed above the soil line. If a professional is hired for trenching and installation, this expense can easily meet or exceed the cost of the plants themselves. Alternatively, containing bamboo in pots shifts the expense to large, durable containers that can withstand the pressure of the growing root mass.
The logistics of getting the plant home also add to the expense, particularly with larger specimens. While smaller plants can ship via standard carriers like UPS or FedEx, mature plants in 15-gallon containers or larger must be transported by freight or dedicated commercial trucks. These specialized delivery costs are often calculated by quote and can be significant due to the size and weight of the load, sometimes costing hundreds of dollars for long-distance transport.
Source Location and Pricing Variation
The location where bamboo is purchased directly affects the final price due to differences in overhead, expertise, and shipping capabilities. Local specialty nurseries tend to charge higher prices because they offer expert advice on regional suitability and plant care, which reduces the risk of buying an inappropriate species. These local sources usually have lower delivery costs for large, mature plants compared to long-distance shipping.
Big box stores sell common varieties at lower prices, appealing to budget-conscious buyers, but their selection is limited and staff may lack specialized knowledge. Online and mail-order specialists offer the widest selection, including rare clumping varieties difficult to find locally. This convenience, however, comes with the variable expense of shipping live plants.
While some online nurseries offer free shipping for small plants, the cost of sending multiple large containers across state lines quickly inflates the total project cost. Shipping large, heavy plants is complex, frequently requiring a custom quote. Buyers must weigh the lower initial plant price against the substantial logistical expenses required to receive the order.