Which type of bamboo stays slender?

Bamboo instantly adds an exotic touch to your garden.

There are the notorious invasive species, such as Phyllostachys, and then there are bamboo that doesn't spread aggressively (Fargesia).

However, bamboo can grow quite large, which means it isn’t always the ideal plant if you have limited space. It’s also often impractical to grow in a pot or planter if the plant gets very wide or if the bamboo sags significantly. For example, many Phyllostachys species grow very wide, and Fargesia rufa is known for sagging significantly.

Which types of bamboo grow narrow (upright) and take up less space?

Fortunately, there are also types of bamboo that take up much less space and grow mostly upright. This makes them ideal for a small garden or for growing in a pot.

Keep in mind, though, that the fast-growing bamboo shown below can often grow much taller (400–600 cm).

Narrow-growing, non-invasive bamboo

• Fargesia Jiuzhaigou

• Fargesia murieliae Gentle Giant

• Fargesia nitida Great Wall

• Fargesia nitida Pillar

• Fargesia robusta Campbell

Upright, fast-growing bamboo

• Phyllostachys aurea

• Phyllostachys bissetii

• Phyllostachys humilis

• Phyllostachys nigra