The Most Cold Hardy Bamboo Plants For Growing Outdoors

Though most people think of bamboo as a tropical plant that only grows in warmer climates, there are many bamboo varieties that are cold hardy as far north as USDA Zone 4, meaning they can tolerate low winter temperatures to -25 to -30 degrees Fahrenheit.4

In USDA Zones where low winter temperatures drop below the low temperature threshold a specific bamboo variety will tolerate, there are many bamboo varieties that can be grown in containers which can be overwintered in an interior space when temperatures drop low. 

If you're a risk-taker, you may have luck growing bamboo varieties that are marginally hardy in your area outside year round, but plant parts above ground can and often will be damaged or killed during a harsh winter. If you're one zone north of where a specific bamboo variety is listed as cold hardy, but just have to try growing it year round outdoors, make sure to plant in a protected site that provides at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day during the winter and insulate the roots in late fall with a 4 inch protective layer of mulch that is removed when temperatures warm in early spring. SEE: How To Protect Outdoor Plants From Freezing During Winter

(The low winter temperature threshold is listed beside the zone)

Hope this information was helpful. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need more details or have any questions.

Below are a few of the most cold hardy Bamboo varieties we offer. When on a plant page make sure to check the USDA Zone to know if a specific variety is cold hardy in your area! Find Your Zone >