Does bamboo grow in Spokane?

Does anyone know if bamboo grows in Spokane, which has cold winters (below zero is not uncommon; many days in the teens and twenties with snow in winter). I would like to have suggestions on the type of bamboo that grows in Spokane, which I'd like to incorporate into my Japanese garden design.
Thank you.

ADRI,
NOO, NOTHING grows in Spokane!! Its a DESERT there!! lol

You might check http://www.ciscoe.com I think there is a bamboo link there.
I hear there is a place somewhere around Bellevue, (but the name escapes me at the moment), that does ONLY bamboo. I am sure they could answer your ?'s.

Or try, http://www.americanbamboo.org/ChapterPages/PNWChapterInfo.html

and

Adrrian I had a hardy bamboo going in Montana (Kalispell) for 3 years but it never took off. I have given up on them. Our area is more mild than Spokane. I live near Flathead lake and that keeps the bad cold ones away. But if you get one to go let me know.

I think its called bamboo gardens of Seattle. I think if the soil was properly prepared to be constantly soaked in the summer and dryer in winter, it'd do fine.

Actually it's on my way to work - http://www.bamboogardenswa.com/
It's in Redmond, WA. Specifically bamboo. Very knowledgable folks, it's great to walk through there too.

My assumption - Spokane - will need more care for the type of bamboo that will grow in your zone, but should still grow.

According to what I have learned, there are some species of Bamboo that really take the cold. You might check the Garden Watchdog for nurseries that carry Bamboo. In addition to the one mentioned above, I know there are several in Oregon that ship, and I'm sure all will let you know what species can grow in you area. It seems to me that the Fargesia genus is one that is quite hardy - nice because it is also a clumping bamboo which means it will eat up your home sslloowwllyy rather than overnight like the runners. LOL Dotti

If bamboo will grow in Spokane then the next tough question-- why do you want to plant it? I had one small patch in Olympia. Ten years later I had to replace part of the driveway and a concrete walk. I sold the property. Everytime I see a patch of bamboo it causes me to have deep concerns for the people that planted it.

ADRI,
Let us ALL KNOW WHAT you found out, wouldja??

Best;
bluelytes

Adriaan,

Yes bamboo will grow in Spokane, but once it gets established, good luck keeping it contained.

I have a patch in my yard in Colville that I've been trying to kill for the last 8 years.

Don't listen to them Get clumping Bamboo and put it in a small stock tank buried. Nothing to worry about. I can't grow it here.

I love my bamboo ..... I love the running bamboo........I love the clumping bamboo........I plant all the bamboo I can get my hands on ..........it is like an Easter egg hunt each spring looking for the new culms from the black bamboo. If any come up in places not wanted, they are pruned OR transplanted.

The grove of black bamboo is absolutely delightful .....I hope to put a chaise lounge out there this summer .........

Yes - it does help that I am on rural acres .......not in town. Long after I am gone, someone may want to shoot me - but it will be too late!

WANNA,
You in the market for a couple of Panda Bears??

Regards;
bluelytes

LOL Blue - all huggable bears welcome here!!!!!!!

The most awesome boo groves are in Costa Rica - they are as big around as some medium sized alder trunks and in the wind, they make that hollow boo sound as they clank against each other. Even our timber bamboo can't get that big!!! But who wants to live in Costa Rica ----just to see the boo and to hold the 3 toed sloths?

Vicki

I want to live in Costa Rica. On the west coast and surf when I'm in my eighties. Ya Sure ya betcha. Cheap realestate and good government. And equatorial bliss. Many people are retiring there.

The jungles of the East Coast are right along the glorious water and the wakeup sounds of howler monkeys up in the canopy inspired my construction of an outdoor sleeping place - totally screened - so no mosquitoes ... but neither are there howler monkeys.

Yeah I would like to see a few howlers but not live next to them. The national parks are beautiful and cover much of the rainforest on the central mountains. Have you spent much time there? I want to sail down there from SanDiego.

It was a once in a lifetime trip - headed up by a local gardening guru - Ciscoe Morris. Holding the sloths - at a rehab center - was truly a defining moment for me. Google for "Buttercup" sloth and you will meet her at the center. I think we were gone about 10 days - packed a whole lot of living into that, for sure!

I couldn't take 10 days with Ciscoe Morris. He never stops talking and NEVER STANDS STILL. I used to know him back in the days at his nursery on 99 in Edmonds. I still see him from time to time on Gardening by the yard, and Seattle TV. A wonderful man!

Your description is right about the public image - but in private, as on this group tour, he is like all of us.........interestiing dichotomy!

WANN,
You MET Ciscoe!! Ohhh LA LA!! hehehe

Regards;
bluelytes

Hey, Blue - you bet your brussel sprout casserole, I did!!!!!!!!

james@bamboogardener.com is another website to explore. They gave me some fine advise obout growing bamboo in East Wenatchee. Climate kinda like Spokane. Good luck!

I used to live across the street from the Woodland Park Zoo. Every so often you could hear the howler monkeys going at it from there. It was almost like living in the jungle, but without all the bugs and snakes. LOL

I'm so new at gardening I'm not even born yet, but I see many lush bamboo growths? groves? shrubberies? here in Vancouver, B.C.! They seem happy as clams!

People in Spokane actually plant "MORNING GLORY". Not something you would do West of the mountains. So, you can't take them all seriously about the bamboo. If you do find some that will survive tho, it probably would be a good idea to contain it in a buried tub or something like Sofer suggested.

Jeanette