Bamboo is a popular choice for landscaping due to its rapid growth rate and versatility, often used for creating screens or adding an exotic element to a garden. The most commonly sought-after types are the clumping (Bambusa) and running (Phyllostachys) varieties. Locating a reputable source for purchasing healthy stock is the first step for any gardener. The specific species and size needed will often dictate which retail channel is most effective for the buyer’s needs.
Purchasing Bamboo at Local Retailers and Garden Centers
Local garden centers and large home improvement stores are the most immediate and accessible purchasing option for bamboo plants. These retailers often stock varieties well-suited to the regional climate, typically sold in containers ranging from one-gallon pots to large, established specimens. The primary advantage of this method is the ability to physically inspect the plant’s health, checking the foliage and culms for any signs of disease or damage before purchase.
Big-box stores usually carry only the most common clumping varieties, such as Fargesia species, favored for their non-invasive growth habit. Inventory is highly seasonal, with the best selection available in the spring and early summer months when planting activity peaks. While convenient, the staff may not be specialized in bamboo care, limiting the quality of advice on specific species or long-term containment strategies.
Independent nurseries and smaller local garden centers tend to offer a wider selection, sometimes including lesser-known clumping types or containerized running varieties sold with built-in root barriers. These businesses often source stock from specialized regional growers, meaning the plants are better acclimated to the local environment. Shoppers benefit from the horticultural expertise of the employees, who possess detailed knowledge about the growth habits and mature size of the specific cultivars they carry.
Purchasing locally bypasses significant shipping costs and the potential stress mail-order plants endure during transit. However, local stock is often limited to unique or rare species. Furthermore, the price per plant for large, mature specimens can be substantially higher than acquiring smaller starter plants elsewhere. Buyers seeking specific, hard-to-find cultivars will likely need to look beyond these conventional local sources.
Utilizing Specialized Online Nurseries and Mail Order
Dedicated online nurseries and mail-order sellers provide an unparalleled selection for gardeners seeking a wider array of species, including rare or highly specialized bamboo cultivars. These specialized growers often maintain collections of hundreds of different species, from miniature ground covers to towering timber bamboos. The primary benefit of this channel is access to specific, named cultivars unlikely to be found in general retail environments.
Online nurseries often ship plants as containerized stock or, less commonly, as bare-root divisions, depending on the species and season. Bare-root or small plug plants require more initial care but offer a much lower purchase price, offsetting substantial shipping costs. Buyers should verify the seller’s reputation by checking reviews regarding their handling of the delicate rhizome structures during packaging and transit.
When ordering online, buyers should pay close attention to the specific size and age of the plant, as descriptions like “starter plant” vary widely among suppliers. Reputable sellers provide clear information on the expected height and diameter of the culms upon arrival, along with detailed instructions for immediate planting or potting. Quality control at these specialty nurseries is often superior, ensuring accurate plant identification, which is necessary when distinguishing between running and clumping types.
This method allows buyers in non-tropical or non-temperate regions to acquire species grown far from their location, provided the species is cold-hardy enough for the destination climate. However, the inability to visually inspect the root system means the buyer relies entirely on the nursery’s commitment to shipping healthy, well-established divisions. Understanding the nursery’s guarantee and return policy for damaged or misidentified stock is a necessary prerequisite to ordering.
Locating Direct Sellers and Specialty Growers
Beyond conventional retail and e-commerce, specialized sources cater to enthusiasts and those looking for unique or mature bamboo divisions. These direct-seller channels include local gardening classifieds, community plant swaps, and specialized sales hosted by regional bamboo societies. These sources are often the best route for acquiring large, mature divisions or rhizome cuttings that are too bulky or heavy for commercial shipping.
Purchasing directly from a local grower who maintains a large personal collection provides access to species not commercially available through standard nursery channels. These transactions often involve digging up a mature division from the ground, requiring careful handling to ensure a significant portion of the rhizome mass is retained for successful transplantation. Buyers benefit from direct communication with the experienced grower regarding the exact growing conditions and care requirements of the specific specimen.
Some small, dedicated bamboo farms operate primarily on a wholesale basis or by appointment only, focusing on large-scale installations or bulk purchases. While these growers may not have a polished retail front, they frequently offer the lowest per-unit price for large quantities or specific, identified species. These sources are a practical option for landscaping projects requiring many plants of the same cultivar or for acquiring mature plants without paying a retail markup.
Essential Selection Criteria Before Buying
Regardless of the purchasing channel, a careful physical inspection of the bamboo plant is necessary to ensure its long-term health and suitability. The condition of the culms (the woody stems) should be examined for signs of cracking, splitting, or significant insect damage, which can indicate poor health or prior stress. Healthy culms should appear vibrant and firm, often with a slight waxy coating near the nodes in many species.
The foliage provides the most immediate visual indicator of the plant’s current vitality, with deep green leaves signifying adequate nutrient uptake and hydration. Buyers should avoid plants with widespread yellowing or browning leaves, which may be symptomatic of root rot, nutrient deficiency, or severe dehydration. While some leaf loss occurs naturally during seasonal changes, excessive defoliation suggests the plant is under stress.
A thorough examination of the root ball is the most important step when purchasing containerized bamboo. The rhizomes (the underground stems) should appear numerous and firm, but the root mass should not be excessively dense or tightly coiled, which indicates the plant is severely root-bound. For running bamboos, a root-bound condition can signal that the plant has been contained too long and may struggle to establish its running habit once planted.
It is imperative to confirm the exact species name and whether it is a running or clumping type before completing the purchase. This information is often listed on the plant tag, typically including the genus and species (e.g., Bambusa multiplex for a clumper or Phyllostachys aurea for a runner). Misidentifying the species can lead to significant management problems later, especially if an aggressive running type is mistakenly planted without an appropriate root barrier.