Square Bamboo

Chimonobambusa quadrangularis

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 8a-11 Find Your Zone

Type: Semi-Clumping

Height: 10-15′ in Zone 8, 20-25′ in Zones 9-11

Spread: 10’+ with no control

Culm Diameter: 1 to 1.5″ diameter

Sun: Full Sun or Part Shade

Soil: Average, Moist but Well-drained

Growth Rate: Fast

Salt Tolerance: Moderate, Salt Air

Description

Excellent indoors or outdoors, Chimonobambusa quadrangularis is named “Square Stem Bamboo” because its larger canes are square shaped rather than round like all other bamboos. Thick and strong 1 to 1.5 inch diameter canes make it one of the best bamboo species for making unique crafts and furniture construction. The new shoots are edible. A vigorous running bamboo but does very well in containers and is one of the few bamboo species that will grow indoors, just be sure to give it plenty of light and water it consistently. It tolerates sea breezes with some protection. It will grow in full sun in cooler climates but looks it’s best with some afternoon shade or filtered sun in warmer climates.

The lush foliage of Square Stem Bamboo consists of large gracefully draping dark leaves that grow very dense and form an excellent privacy hedge, especially because the canes grow very straight with long side branches. When grown in large containers the branches add several feet to the width on all sides and one 15 gallon plant can completely block an area five or more feet wide. The foliage is arranged in attractive tiers, creating a waterfall effect, or an umbrella shape if topped. In Zone 8 you might expect plants to grow 10 to 15 feet tall at maturity and 20 to 25 feet in Zone 9 through 11.

Landscape & Other Uses

Containers/Pots: Excellent

Crafts: Excellent

Edible: Yes

Hedge: Excellent

Indoor: Good – PLEASE SEE: How To Grow Bamboo Plants Indoors

Ornamental: Good

Privacy Screen: Excellent

Wood Quality: Good

Growing Preferences

Square Bamboo is very easy to grow when planted in the right spot. It looks best in part shade where leaves grow dark green. Leaves exposed to bright afternoon sun are lighter green. Prefers a consistently moist but not wet soil of average fertility. Cold hardy to 10°F.

How To Grow Bamboo Plants Indoors

Square Bamboo is a running bamboo, which means it spreads to form a large colony if not controlled. It can be controlled by mowing or stepping on the young shoots. Keep in mind that running bamboo only puts up new shoots for a short time each year and, when they are “shooting,” the new plants are very fragile and easy to destroy. Root pruning or installing Bamboo Root Barrier are other methods to control spread.

Helpful Articles

Click on a link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant and care for Bamboo plants.

How To Grow Bamboo Plants Indoors

How To Plant Bamboo Plants In The Ground

How To Plant Bamboo Plants In Containers & Pots

How To Fertilize And Water Bamboo Plants

How To Prune Bamboo Plants

How To Stop The Spread Of Bamboo Plants

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