Privacy Screening

Fast growing, upright varieties of bamboo make ideal privacy and shade screens. The plants can be purchased at the appropriate height for an instant screen. Advanced bamboo plants are significantly cheaper compared to purchasing the more traditional varieties of screening plants. Please note that most bamboo takes 5 - 10 years to reach its maximum listed height, depending on growing conditions.

Hedging

The evergreen foliage of bamboo can be used to create an attractive hedge. As bamboo is fast growing, a hedge can be achieved faster than if more traditional hedging plants are used. Different clumping bamboos are available to achieve dwarf hedges, waist-high hedges or taller hedges/screens.

The bamboo can be cut to form a hedge like you would do for traditional hedging plants. This is best done after the new culms have grown to their full height in the spring/summer. Minor touch ups at other times of the year would be sufficient after this one major pruning.

Ornamental / Feature

Amongst our large selection of Bamboo there are many that perform well as standalone specimens or as a cluster of plants, to perfectly enhance that ‘spot’ in the garden. Their distinctive features make a bold statement or promote a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The way in which these beautiful ornamental Bamboos can be used is only limited by our imagination. Popularity with the use of clumping bamboo continues to increase in landscape design.

Windbreak / Noise Barrier

The thick foliage of bamboo not only provides great screens and hedges, but can also be great as a windbreak or noise barrier. This is a feature that is becoming more popular in areas where roads are becoming busier and natural bushland is being removed.

Many varieties of bamboo, either tall or short, are perfect as a fast growing windbreak around orchards. The extra benefit this creates is that of a spray drift and odour barrier.

Grow In Pot

If it is not possible to grow your bamboo in the ground, then there are a number of varieties that will suit being grown in pots or containers. It is important to not only select the correct variety for growing in a contained environment, but the correct container as well.

Bamboo grown in a container can achieve that tall straight screen or that nice bushy wind break/noise barrier, and is ideal for those balconies or patios with tight spaces.

The best varieties for growing in pots or containers are the smaller varieties. Please use our plant finder to identify the variety that will best suit your particular arrangement.

Tropicals

When it comes to transforming your garden into a lush tropical oasis, few plants are as iconic and captivating as palms. Like bamboo plants, palms offer a distinct backdrop of lush green foliage that are central to cultivating a tropical look garden. Their graceful fronds and captivating presence lend an exotic charm that instantly transports you to distant, balmy shores. 

We stock five distinctive, but common palm varieties: the Bamboo Palm, Kentia Palm, Cascade Palm, Foxtail Palm, and Parlour Palm. Here at Living Bamboo, we’ve decided to produce some of these species because they are great compliments to our bamboo varietals. 

  • The Bamboo Palm's sleek stems can interplay with the verticality of bamboo, forming an intricate layering effect. 
  • Kentia Palms, with their versatile growth patterns, can enhance the backdrop of a bamboo grove, creating depth and dimension. 
  • Meanwhile, the delicate fronds of the Cascade Palm offer an elegant contrast to the bold presence of bamboo, softening the overall aesthetic.
  • The Foxtail Palm's unique foliage can stand as a striking focal point against the bamboo's straight lines, adding texture and visual interest. 
  • Rhapis, also known as Lady Palm or Ground Rattan Cane is a small, attractive palm is native to southern China. It has a clumping habit with bamboo-like slender stems and light green, fan-shaped fronds that are deeply divided into finger-like segments
  • Lastly, the Parlour Palm's compact stature makes it an ideal companion for bamboo, particularly in smaller gardens or as an understory plant.