bamboo type in photos: Fargesia robusta 'Campbell' (maximum height 15 feet)
These photos were taken from the back yard of one of our customers in Portland, OR and are a good example of the yearly growth progression of Clumping Bamboo. One can generally expect new bamboo plantings to create the intended privacy screen within 5 years from the installation date. Of course, larger sizes can be planted initially to speed up this process. For example, a #25 container (or 25 gallon) is about the equivalent of the 2011 hedge shown below. Each year bamboo multiply their new canes by about double, ( 4 canes will make 4 to 6 new shoots, 10 canes will make 10 to 14+ new shoots, etc.) until the 5th year they plateau out and increase at a more modest pace: 100 canes will make about 30 to 40 new shoots around the outside perimeter of the hedge. As the clumping bamboo get wider, the extra growth can be easily trimmed back using root pruning methods, or simply cutting the cane to ground level. Keep in mind, the growth rate shown below can be quite variable based on different climates and conditions, as well as the level of care that the bamboo grower puts into their garden. Remember, the taller Running Bamboo (20 to 50 feet tall) are a different story all together, see this page for details about their growth habits and control methods.
photo© Jonathan Arlook
September 2009, F. robusta Campbell planted from 5 gallon size, approx 5 to 6 feet tall, spaced 4 to 5 feet apart
photo© Jonathan Arlook
September 2010, Multiple new shoots in the spring + a few additional mid summer shoots
photo© Jonathan Arlook
September 2011, heights of seven to nine achieved in the spring, fence mostly concealed.
photo© Jonathan Arlook
September 2012, increased density, height now 12 feet, fence 95% hidden
photo© Jonathan Arlook
September 2013, mature 15 foot height, fence completely hidden, neighbors window also concealed.
photo© Jonathan Arlook
6+ years, Mature height has been achieved and the bamboo has been groomed nicely to maintain tidy, upright stature.