How Long Does It Take Heavenly Bamboo to Grow?

Climate Preferences

• Originally from Asia, heavenly bamboo thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9. A very adaptable plant, heavenly bamboo can tolerate a range of temperatures and humidities, but it begins to suffer when temperatures fall below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep this in mind if your planting area is slow to warm up after the mornings, or if you are planting along a northern hillside or elevation.

Soil, Sun and Wind

• Preferring moist soil conditions, heavenly bamboo still requires well-draining soil as waterlogged soils can easily lead to mold or infections. Direct or dappled sunlight is preferred, as some light shade will prevent the bamboo from being scorched in the hot summer sun. However, heavenly bamboo requires plenty of sunlight or it will exhibit spindly growth. Choosing a protected growing area will not only provide sufficient shade and sunlight but will help protect the heavenly bamboo from heavy winds, which can stunt growth.

Encouraging Healthy Growth

• During the warmer summer months, water the bamboo each week to ensure a healthy root structure. This is particularly important for younger plants as a healthy root structure early on will help the mature plant tolerate poor growing conditions such as drought. Regularly prune your heavenly bamboo to prevent spindly or thin growth. You can cut back mature canes each year before new growth sets in. You can also cut back the entire bush by about a third every three years. Cutting back will encourage the bamboo to grow in a bushier format, and with more crimson-colored foliage.

Cultivar Heights

• Heavenly bamboo will reach 8 to 10 feet given ideal growing conditions. Most bushes will spread out 2 to 5 feet. There are dwarf cultivars, including "Wood's Dwarf" and "Harbour Dwarf," that reach a maximum of 18 inches. There are also medium-size cultivars that reach no more than around 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. One such option is the "Firepower," which grows to only 30 inches high and wide.

Need for Space

• Because heavenly bamboo is a slow-growing plant, it is easy to forget how much space is required for the plant to thrive. As the heavenly bamboo matures, it will easily overshadow or choke out smaller, less vigorous plants. Ensure your planting site is large enough to support a fully grown heavenly bamboo plant.