Running Bamboo vs Clumping Bamboo: Key Differences Explained

Bamboo is a versatile plant that can be used for landscaping construction, crafting and more. When choosing bamboo for your garden, one of the first decisions is whether to go with running bamboo or clumping bamboo. These two types have very different growth habits, invasiveness potential, and uses.

Running Bamboo Overview

Running bamboo, also known as monopodial bamboo is characterized by an aggressive spreading growth. The rhizomes (underground stems) extend outwards horizontally allowing the bamboo to colonize areas far from the original plant. Each rhizome sprouts new shoots above ground.

Popular running bamboo species include golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), maze bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), and arrow bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica).

Clumping Bamboo Overview

Clumping bamboo, also called sympodial bamboo, has a more contained growth habit. The rhizomes expand slowly, forming tight clumps around the base of the plant. New shoots emerge only within the vicinity of the parent plant.

Common clumping bamboo species include Alphonse Karr (Bambusa multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’), bamboo fence (Bambusa dolichomerithalla), and umbrella plant (Fargesia murielae).

Growth Rate

• Running bamboos are the fastest growing types, spreading up to several metres outward each year. Their growth rate ranges from 30-100 cm per year on average.

• Clumping bamboos expand much slower, typically only a few inches per year. Their growth rate averages around 10-30 cm annually.

Invasiveness

• Running bamboo is highly invasive and can take over large areas quickly. The extensive underground rhizome system allows it to pop up far from the original plant.

• Clumping bamboo generally stays contained in a tight clump and does not spread rampantly. It expands predictably and is considered non-invasive.

Uses

• Running bamboo is often used for erosion control. Its rapidly spreading rhizomes stabilize soil efficiently.

• Clumping bamboo is preferred for decorative containers and borders. The tidy, non-invasive clumps integrate nicely into designed garden beds.

• Both types work well for fencing, screening, and creating privacy barriers. Running bamboo provides a quick, dense screen while clumpers offer a neater, more controlled option.

Cold Tolerance

• Many running bamboos tolerate cold better than clumpers. For example, phyllostachys species can survive temperatures down to -20°C once established.

• Clumping bamboos like Fargesia are less cold hardy. Ground frost can damage or kill the rhizomes. Careful siting and winter mulching helps improve their survival.

Appearance

• Running bamboos produce full groves with a high density of culms. The random placement of poles creates a natural look.

• Clumping bamboos grow in neat, circular formations with new shoots emerging from the base. The upright culms give clumpers a tidy, ornamental look.

Height Potential

• Running types are generally taller, with heights commonly over 5 m. Some exceptionally tall running bamboos can reach up to 18 m.

• Clumping bamboos are typically shorter, ranging from under 2 m to around 5 m maximum. Their energy goes into rhizome expansion rather than height.

Root Barriers

• Running bamboo requires sturdy root barriers around the perimeter to prevent its spread. Barriers should be installed 1 m deep into the ground.

• With clumping bamboo, root barriers are only necessary in restricted spaces. The slowly expanding clumps rarely require containment measures.

Maintenance

• Running bamboo requires regular pruning to keep the extensive groves under control. Annual thinning helps regulate spread.

• Clumping bamboo needs much less pruning and thinning once established. Occasional division of congested clumps may be required.

Planting Considerations

• Allow enough space for running bamboo to grow into its potential massive size. Small spaces will quickly lead to overcrowding.

• Clumping bamboo fits better in small gardens. The slowly expanding clumps are easier to restrict to a defined area.

Cost

• Running bamboo starts at a lower cost since it is easier to propagate. However, the maintenance and invasive control add hidden long-term expenses.

• Clumping bamboo costs more upfront but has fewer maintenance requirements and poses little risk of escaping boundaries.

Availability

• Many types of running bamboo are readily available from nurseries and garden centers. Phyllostachys aurea and Phyllostachys nigra are among the most common.

• Clumping bamboo has a smaller selection to choose from. Fargesia and Chusquea species are the easiest to find from retailers.

Pros of Running Bamboo

• Rapid growth provides quick, dense screening and erosion control

• Has a natural, wild appearance when allowed to grow unrestricted

• Lower upfront cost of younger plants

• Greater cold hardiness once established

• Taller potential maximum height

Cons of Running Bamboo

• Highly invasive, spreads extensively without containment

• Can be difficult and expensive to control long-term

• Requires frequent pruning and thinning

• Not recommended for small garden spaces

• Poses risk of damaging nearby structures and pavement

Pros of Clumping Bamboo

• Predictable, non-invasive growth habit

• Neat appearance for ornamental plantings

• Good for small gardens and restricted areas

• Stays neatly contained with minimal maintenance

• Fewer long-term management requirements

Cons of Clumping Bamboo

• Slower growth rate provides screening and cover more gradually

• Tend to be less cold tolerant than running bamboo

• Shorter height potential than running types

• Rhizome congestion may require division

• Smaller selection of species available

Key Differences Summary

When deciding between running vs clumping bamboo, weigh factors like garden space, cold hardiness, growth speed, and maintenance commitments. Pick running bamboo for quick tropical effects and erosion control. For tidy ornamental clumps, non-invasive containment, and small spaces, clumping bamboo is the better choice.