Spacing bamboo plants for hedging

There are several types of running and clumping bamboo and they come in different sizes and shapes. 

When spacing bamboo, you need to understand how far they’ll spread in one growing season, Spring to Summer. 

As a general rule of thumb, plant the bamboos with good spacing while taking into account how far they’ll spread. 

Spacing bamboo plants by 'spread'

This information (average spread) is often provided in the plants' specifications when you buy them.

This estimate is an indication of far the plant is likely to spread from the parent plant when matured.

So, check the 'spread' indicated on the plant info sheet when you buy it.

Grow the smaller bamboos and clump-forming varieties 1.0 to 1.5 metres apart, whereas the running bamboo is 1.5 to 2 metres apart. 

Ideally, leave space (room) for the bamboos to grow. 

In time, they will eventually cover the gaps. If the gaps are too wide, you can plant new cuttings to complete the privacy screen or hedge.