I once read planting some varieties of bamboo is illegal in Ohio. However, I have seen it planted in various places. I would like to plant a cold-hardy variety as a privacy screen to separate my yard from a neighboring apartment building. Looking for a 8-10(+-) tall evergreen variety that isn’t invasive. Or a very slow grower. Any advice? Thank you.

Hi Rebecca,

Thank you for contacting Master Gardeners. Bamboo is a serious commitment. I hope you find this information helpful.

Understandable, bamboo is illegal in Ohio. Invasive varieties are seriously impossible to get rid of and sometimes it ends up in a law suit as it moves to a neighbor's yard.

Clumping bamboo has had better reviews. It does have a different look so you will need to look at the varieties and consider if it fulfills the look and objectives you are hoping to attain. Clumping bamboos don't “run”, making them garden-safe. * Even so, they grow vigorously enough to require regular pruning in order to look their best.

Clumping Bamboo

This type of Bamboo is not invasive. The new shoots occur on the outside margin of the parent plant. Clumping bamboos grow outward in a circular formation at a modest pace of 2 to 12 inches per year. Canopy growth is also relatively slow, usually gaining a couple feet of height and width annually. Height range at maturity varies by the species.

Fargesia, the hardiest of all Bamboos, remain evergreen through winter and tolerate temperatures to –25 degrees. Fargesias are usually used to form a hedge with a wonderful weeping mass of evergreen foliage. They look great planted near the edge of a pond where the water will reflect their pendulous silhouette. Fargesia does best in partial shade.

Bamboo plants should be spaced 3-5 feet apart to form a dense screen. The faster spreading types can be planted farther apart if you are willing to wait a little longer for the screen to fill out. If you want an immediate screen, some types can be planted very close together as long as they have some space to spread in width.

This website identifies some specific clumping plants and might give you specific varieties to consider.

https://www.bamboogarden.com/browse-hardy-clumping-bamboo