Upper Elevation, Drought Tolerant & Cold Hardy Bamboos

The Bambusa genus is made up of species with smaller leaves making them more drought tolerant and more cold hardy. Although they thrive at a lower elevation, Bambusas can also be planted in most of Hawaii’s upper elevations. When planted in less then optimal locations Bambusas may grow slower and max out at a smaller size, but should still exhibit a similar growth habit. Additionally Bambusas make an excellent windbreak thus making them the most widely used privacy hedge bamboos we have to offer. Some of the most popular species for windbreak and privacy barrier are Bambusa (B.) Malay Dwarf, B. Alfonse Karr, B. Textilis, B. Textilis Gracilis and B. Dolichomerithalla, B. Hirose and B. Chungii. For your exotic bamboo needs try B. Wamin (lumpy internodes) B. Chungii or Barbalata (white bamboo) or B. Lako (black bamboo). For a thick windbreak/ privacy barrier go with B. Malingensis. B. Hirose also has a lot to offer, with large diameter poles for construction, big edible shoots and as an excellent choice for a tall privacy barrier or windbreak