Bamboo is a versatile and beautiful plant that can thrive both indoors and outdoors. With proper care and maintenance, bamboo can provide a peaceful, zen-like presence in any yard or garden. If you’re looking to add bamboo to your outdoor space, you may be wondering – where can I buy good quality bamboo plants near me?

Let’s explore the best places to purchase hardy bamboo plants for your outdoors, as well as tips for selecting healthy specimens and caring for them so they flourish.

Nurseries

Nurseries and garden centers are often the best places to find a wide selection of bamboo plants to suit your needs. Reputable nurseries specialize in cultivating and caring for live plants, so the bamboo they sell is generally hardy and already adapted to growing outdoors.

When shopping for bamboo at local nurseries, look for the following signs of health:

Sturdy stalks and culms – Avoid plants with thin or bending stalks, which indicate poor health. Healthy bamboo culms should stand upright.
Intact root balls – Potted bamboo should have plenty of dense roots filling the container. This shows the plant is vigorous.
Green, unfurling new shoots – Emerging new shoots are a sign of active growth. The shoots should be free of browning, damage or mold.
No discoloration – The plant stems and leaves should be bright green, with no yellowing or brown spots which can indicate disease.

Reputable nurseries will sell plants that are already acclimated to outdoor conditions. Be sure to inspect bamboo carefully before purchasing to get a healthy, thriving plant.

Many nurseries also stock supplies like decorative pots and plant food to help your new bamboo thrive. Staff members typically have extensive plant care knowledge as well, so don’t hesitate to ask for bamboo growing tips.

Pros of Nursery Bamboo

Large variety and selection of bamboo species and sizes
Plants are hardy outdoor varieties
Can inspect plants thoroughly before purchasing
Established plants transplant easily
Get growing tips and aftercare advice

Cons of Nursery Bamboo

More expensive than buying seeds
Limited stock – popular varieties may sell out
Plants may have pests from being grown outdoors
Must transport plant home carefully

Overall, sourcing bamboo from a specialized nursery is the simplest way to obtain robust plants ready for your garden. Be prepared to pay more for plants than seeds, but you’ll reap the benefits of faster growth and fuller shape in the first season.

Big Box Stores

For convenience and flexibility, many homeowners buy their bamboo plants from large chain stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s. These retailers typically stock a decent selection of popular bamboo varieties suitable for outdoor use.

When shopping for bamboo at big box garden centers, check the following:

The stems – Avoid plants with brown spots or damage. Healthy stems should be solid and green.
Root ball – Look for a dense mass of established roots in the container. This gives the plant a head start.
Container size – While bamboo can thrive in small pots, bigger is generally better. Opt for larger containers.
Soil moisture – Bamboo prefers moist soil. Make sure the plant doesn’t appear dried out.

Staff at chain stores are not always trained botanical experts, so do your own research on bamboo needs before purchasing. Carefully inspect any plants you select.

Big box stores do offer convenience – you can buy pots, soil, fertilizer and tools all in one trip. And you’ll avoid shipping costs buying locally. Just be prepared to give the bamboo some extra TLC after bringing it home.

Pros of Big Box Store Bamboo

Convenient locations and flexible hours
Can buy other supplies (pots, soil) at the same time
Good prices and sales on garden plants
Don’t have to pay for shipping

Cons of Big Box Store Bamboo

More limited selection of bamboo varieties
Plants may be less hardy
Staff has less specialized plant knowledge
You must inspect plants closely to avoid problems
Supplies may sit outside, exposed to elements

For a simple, affordable bamboo shopping experience, big box stores are a solid choice. Just be diligent in picking the healthiest plant you can find.

Online Nurseries

Ordering bamboo online opens up a world of choice beyond your local shops. Online nurseries ship healthy, mature plants straight to your door.

Reputable online retailers offer perks like:

Huge selection of bamboo species, from dwarf varieties to 50-foot timber bamboo.
Wholesale pricing and discounts for bulk orders.
Expert growing advice for each plant, so you pick the right one for your needs.
Extended return windows, in case the bamboo arrives damaged.

When ordering bamboo online, look for:

High-resolution photos so you can examine the plant’s health.
Details on plant size, growing zones and sun needs.
Fine print on shipping costs, guarantees and refund policy.
Reviews from past buyers on their experience.

Order early in the growing season to allow the new bamboo time to acclimate before winter arrives. Open the package immediately and inspect for damage before planting.

Pros of Online Bamboo

Endless bamboo variety and custom orders
Wholesale pricing with bulk discounts
Convenience of home delivery
Expert advice tailored to each plant
Extended return windows if plant arrives damaged

Cons of Online Bamboo

Must pay shipping costs
Cannot inspect the exact plant before purchase
Potential for damage during shipping
Delay between order and receiving plant
Harder to return if plant dies after planting

For the widest selection, personalized advice and wholesale savings, purchasing bamboo from a specialized online nursery can be a smart choice. Just be diligent with plant inspection on arrival.

Local Bamboo Growers

For the true farm-to-table experience, look around for local bamboo growers in your area. These small-scale growers offer perks like:

Locally-adapted bamboo varieties that thrive in your microclimate.
Ability to visit the farm and hand select plants.
Direct growing advice from the source.
Support for local agriculture and sustainably grown plants.

The downside is that local bamboo farms can be hard to find, and may have limited stock. But connecting directly with growers gives you an opportunity to find beloved heirloom varieties not available elsewhere.

Pros of Local Bamboo Growers

Varieties adapted to local conditions
Can hand pick plants on-site
Direct growing advice from the farmer
Support local/sustainable agriculture
Lower risk of disease/pests

Cons of Local Bamboo Growers

Limited selection and availability
Inconvenient locations
Higher cost than big box stores
Cannot order online sight-unseen
Small operations may have irregular hours

Purchasing bamboo from a local grower takes more effort, but offers a hugely rewarding experience for your garden. The plants will come conditioned for success in your specific environment.

Bamboo Seeds and Rhizomes

For the most hands-on (and cost-effective) approach, consider growing bamboo from seeds or rhizomes.

Bamboo seeds must be planted promptly when fresh, and take many years to achieve full size. But growing bamboo from seed allows you to experience every stage of growth.

Rhizomes are mature bamboo root cuttings taken from a “parent” plant. Rhizomes sprout quickly, so you get a larger plant faster. However, sourcing good rhizomes can be a challenge.

No matter which method you choose, growing bamboo from seeds or rhizomes requires patience and diligence. But the payoff is very satisfying for the DIY gardener!

Pros of Seeds/Rhizomes

Lowest cost option
Full growing experience from sprout to maturity
Grow heirloom or exotic varieties not available in stores
Complete control over growing conditions
Fun hands-on gardening project

Cons of Seeds/Rhizomes

Must source high-quality seeds or rhizomes
Long wait for mature plants (years from seed)
Higher failure rate if growing conditions not ideal
Lots of ongoing care and maintenance required
Grown outdoors from the start so climate is a factor

Dedicated gardeners who don’t mind the extra work will find nurturing bamboo from its earliest stage incredibly rewarding. Just be ready to commit!

What to Look for When Buying Outdoor Bamboo

Once you’ve decided where to source your new bamboo, it’s time to select the perfect plant! Here are key factors to consider:

Select Hardy Species for Your Zone

Choose a bamboo species suited to your planting zone’s climate. Some varieties only thrive in warm zones (8-11), while cold hardy bamboo can survive down to zone 4. Research which bamboos tolerate your regional temperatures, humidity and rainfall before deciding.

Hardy bamboos like these varieties tolerate cold:

Black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra)
Temple bamboo (Semiarundinaria fastuosa)
Oldham’s bamboo (Bambusa oldhamii)
Arrow bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica)

Check Mature Size

Bamboo comes in all different sizes – from petite 2-foot clumping varieties to towering 50-foot timber bamboo.

Make sure to consider the bamboo’s mature height and width compared to your available space. Some spread aggressively. A dwarf bamboo contained in a pot won’t overwhelm your yard like a giant timber bamboo would.

Understand Growth Habit

Learn whether the bamboo is a clumping or running variety. The growth habit impacts how you situate the plant.

Clumpers expand slowly in a compact group, making them ideal for containers and borders.
Running bamboos spread rapidly via underground rhizomes and require containment.

If planting running bamboo, install barriers around the perimeter to control spread. Source clumping bamboo for less invasive growth.

Inquire About Watering Needs

Bamboo has varying water demands. Some thrive on lots of moisture, while others are quite drought tolerant once established.

Consider your climate and soil when selecting bamboo. Fountaining bamboo (Fargesia denudata) does well in drier conditions, while fishpole bamboo (P. viridiglaucescens) needs constant moisture. Proper watering is key to healthy bamboo.

Check Sun Exposure Needs

While bamboo generally flourishes in full sun, some varieties grow in part shade or even bright shade. Fargesia rufa grows happily in 4 hours of sun or dappled light. Shade-loving black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) thrives with just 2 hours of direct sun. Decide on the right type for your light conditions.

Selecting the right bamboo plant takes some research. But the effort pays off with beautiful, thriving bamboo for years to come.

Where to Site Outdoor Bamboo

Bamboo can transform any outdoor space with its vibrant presence. But proper placement is important for the health and containment of your bamboo. Consider these tips on siting your plant:

Sunlight Conditions

Most bamboo thrives in 6 hours of direct sun or more per day. When siting bamboo, identify areas that receive sufficient sunlight and meet the plant’s exposure needs.

South or west facing spots are ideal for sun-loving varieties like timber bamboo. East facing locations and dappled shade under trees work for shade-tolerant bamboos.

Morning sun is essential to dry excess moisture and prevent disease. Avoid shady low areas where bamboo won’t get enough light.

Soil Quality

Preparing the soil properly before planting gives bamboo the best start. Bamboo needs well-draining soil with lots of rich organic matter.

Target planting sites with loamy garden soil or amend clay-heavy dirt with compost. Enrich sandy soils with organic material to help retain nutrients and moisture.

Soil pH between 5.5-6.5 is ideal. Test pH and address any imbalances prior to planting.

Water Access

Reliable irrigation is crucial, especially as new bamboo establishes. Focus on areas of your landscape that can be easily watered by hand or with drip irrigation tubing.

Don’t place bamboo where natural surface runoff will flood the roots. Allowing waterlogged soil can be fatal.

Bamboo near water features, ponds or downspouts can utilize the readily available moisture. Just provide good drainage so the roots don’t sit in soggy earth.

Room to Grow

Give bamboo adequate space to achieve its mature spread. Crowding the plant almost guarantees problems down the road.

Measure the eventual width of your bamboo variety, then site it centrally within a planting bed at least that size. For clumpers, leave several feet around the perimeter for growth.

For running bamboo, calculate the rhizome spread rate to ensure enough space before barriers are required.

With ample room, sunlight and water, your bamboo will transform its surroundings into a peaceful, thriving green oasis. Careful site selection allows this iconic plant to enhance your property for decades to come.

Preparing Outdoor Bamboo Planting Beds

Preparing the right growing conditions before planting is crucial to bamboo’s success. Follow these tips to get the soil primed for healthy roots:

Remove Grass, Weeds and Debris

Start by eliminating existing vegetation from the bed so bamboo’s roots have space. Pull weeds and turf grass up by the roots. Discard rocks, branches and any debris.

Clearing obstacles allows you to assess soil quality and create optimal conditions.

Loosen Soil

Dig or till the bed at least 12 inches deep to loosen compacted earth. Breaking up the soil improves drainage and allows new roots to grow unimpeded as they seek water and nutrients.

Add Organic Amendments

Mix in 2-3 inches of quality compost or well-rotted manure. Organic matter provides essential nutrients while retaining moisture and keeping soil loose.

Thoroughly blend amendments into the top foot of soil so bamboo roots reap the benefits. Replenish annually to maintain richness.

Adjust pH

Test soil pH and adjust if needed. The ideal range is slightly acidic, 5.5-6.5. Use lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.

Proper pH helps bamboo access nutrients from the soil. Get this right before planting.

Water and Level

Water the bed deeply before planting to hydrate soil and settle amendments. Lightly till again to level any dips or ridges for an even surface.

Proper soil prep now makes all the difference in bamboo’s performance long-term. Don’t rush this vital first step!

How to Plant Bamboo Outdoors

Once you’ve prepped the perfect planting bed, it’s time to get your bamboo in the ground! Follow these tips for smooth planting and establishment:

Amend Hole Soil

Dig a hole slightly larger than the bamboo’s root ball or container. Mix in compost or bone meal to enrich the soil for enhanced root growth.

Determine Planting Depth

Plant the bamboo rhizome or root ball 2-4 inches below the surrounding soil level. This prevents frost heaving in winter.

Remove Container Gently

For potted bamboo, lightly loosen the container to slide the plant free. Keep the root ball intact to avoid damaging delicate new roots.

Position in Hole

Place the bamboo in the hole upright. The top of the root ball should sit just below ground level. Refill the hole with amended soil to cover.

Water Thoroughly

Water slowly and deeply immediately after planting to soak the entire root zone and settle the soil. Let excess moisture drain.

Add Mulch

Spread 2-3 inches of pine needle mulch or wood chips around the base. This retains moisture and insulates roots as the plant establishes.

Stake If Needed

Stake tall varieties for 6 months until strong root growth anchors the plant. Avoid penetrating the root ball with stakes.

With proper planting and post-care, your bamboo will quickly adapt and begin growing vigorously in its new home. Just be sure to water consistently.

Caring for Outdoor Bamboo

Bamboo is quite hardy once established, but requires some specific care in early years to help it thrive. Follow these growing tips:

Water 1-2 Times Per Week

Bamboo needs moist soil while young. Water slowly and deeply to saturate the entire root zone, especially during dry periods.

Fertilize Regularly

Feed with balanced organic fertilizer in early spring, summer and fall. Promoting vigorous growth helps bamboo withstand winter dormancy.

Mulch Annually

Replenish the mulch layer around bamboo stems each year. Mulch insulates soil, retains moisture and suppresses weeds.

Remove Dead Foliage

Prune away any dead or damaged leaves, stems and new shoots in early spring. This improves air circulation and appearance.

Monitor for Pests

Watch for signs of common bamboo pests like bamboo mites, mealybugs and aphids. Treat infestations promptly to avoid damage.

Divide Clumpers As Needed

When overcrowded, dig up overgrown clumping bamboo and divide the rhizomes with a shovel to rejuvenate.

Proper bamboo care and maintenance keeps plants looking lush, green and healthy for decades of beauty. Be diligent, especially while young!

Where to Buy Outdoor Bamboo Plants Near Me: Key Takeaways

Purchase bamboo from nurseries, garden centers, big box stores or online for the widest variety and healthiest plants.
Select hardy, locally-adapted bamboo types suited to your climate and site conditions.
Give bamboo ample space for growth based on its mature width and rhizome spread rate.
Prepare planting beds with organic matter to enrich soil and enhance drainage.
Plant bamboo at the proper depth and water thoroughly after planting.
Provide regular care while bamboo establishes, including watering, fertilizing and mulching.

With the right selection, planting site and follow-up care, bamboo can thrive for generations of tranquil enjoyment. Just shop