Phyllostachys vivax

Phyllostachys vivax quick facts:

• Running form of bamboo

• Average Seattle-area height: 30’+ (in ground)

• 2”+ dia canes

• Full sun - partial shade

• Timber size

• Cold hardy and evergreen

• High branching for 2-3 story privacy

Phyllostachys vivax is the fastest growing timber bamboo for height and cane diameter. It’s well suited to Seattle and Puget Sound weather, producing large canes by early summer. Vivax is a top contender for 2nd and 3rd story/ above fence line privacy.

We’re happy to offer recommendations, send a picture of the planting area and brief summary to us at info@bamboocollective.com

See also:

• Ph. vivax ‘Aureocaulis’

• Ph. vivax ‘Huangwenzhu’ inversa

Growth habit

Phyllostachys vivax is a running timber bamboo that produces a strong, advantageous root system. Rectangular planters and large pots can be easier routes to a privacy screen vs. installing root barrier in the ground. It’s very important to do some forethought and study or consult a verified local expert before planting running bamboo in the ground.

Whichever size you start with will typically attain 3-4’ of height each year until it becomes limited by the size of the container you plant it in. Larger planting areas beget larger canes. Ph. vivax bamboo takes 4-5 years to attain maximum height. Beginning with a medium sized/mature pot of bamboo will generally get you there a couple years faster.

Depending on your patience vs. urgency to provide a screen, running bamboo plants can be spaced every 3’ - 6’ and will eventually fill in. It takes 3 summers before for a privacy hedge to start filling in, but it’s still among the fastest bamboos in the Puget Sound region to establish and thrive.