"Robert Sefton" wrote in message ...

1. I want to mix bamboos, both for the look and so that if one type doesn't
do well or flowers or something that the entire screen doesn't thin out.
Would runners and clumpers do ok together together in such a restricted
area, or is it better to go exclusively with one or the other. The clumper
would be B. oldhamii and the runners would be Phyllostachys (vivax and henon
and possibly a smaller plant as well)?

2. We've been getting a lot of conflicting opinions from bamboo sellers on
whether B. oldhamii should be planted in a 3' wide area. Of the six or so
we've talked to, 3 or 4 recommended against it (two very strongly) and two
said it would do fine (one very strongly). How much room (width) does
oldhamii need? And if the space is smaller than optimal will the plants just
be shorter than normal or will they just not develop at all? I've seen
picutures of oldhamii growing as a screen along some narrow strips (see the
Burbank, Irvine, and Long Beach photos at the link below), so I have my
doubts about the nay-sayers:

http://www.endangeredspecies.com/Bam...ambusa/BO.html

3. Because the 50' wall is solid, I'd like the lower culms to be exposed. I
like that look and don't need the screen below 6'. Given our situation
(3'x50' enclosed area, zone 10, at least 25' tall, erect habit, etc.), but
ignoring #1 and #2 above (our style preferences), what would you recommend
as the best solution for a hardy and attractive 25+ feet tall screen? (In
other words, if this was your house ...).

Rob,

I have runners and clumpers growing in my yard in different places for
different reasons. MY preference is for a large runner as they have
clean canes and will give you a more "open" feel. However, if you
have issues like neighbors who would not appreciate the little "gifts"
that runners will supply, then go with clumpers.

If you put Oldhamii in a narrow area like that, it will require you to
put effort into it. I make sure my clumpers do not come in contact
with my block walls. Runners will deflect themselves from the walls,
clumpers will continue to build pressure against them until something
is damaged. If you keep a couple feet clearance from the wall, you
should be ok. I dig the shoots that start getting too close to the
wall and either pot them up for sale, or if you are so inclined you
can eat them.

If you are in the Southern California area, you have many MANY choices
for bamboo, depending on your area and climate you can even get some
decent specimen plants. For a solid hedge, if you want a green wall
that can not be penetrated, I would use "Golden Bamboo", a vigorous
runner that fill in fast and start to get size. If you top the culms
you will get super thick leaf growth. I've seen a Golden hedge less
than 12" thick where you couldn't see to the other side. If you want
the look of bamboo and don't mind the opening there is P. Bambusoides
or Vivax. If you want an open clumper with lots of color, there is
Bambusa Vulgaris "Vitatta".

So, if you have runners, do something to prevent escape. IF you have
clumpers, keep them from getting too close to the walls.

Good luck!

Chris
Chino,CA