The area is on the N/W side of a multi-level building (lofts). It is 9' by 20', with the longer length running along the N/W line. This area is between two buildings, and there is an opening between the buildings, through which the sun will shine down directly on the bamboo/other shrub for a few hours during the summer months, but not likley much at all during the winter. Also, one end of the planting area faces E to some degree, and will get hit with AM sun....meaning the bamboo at the far end, will get some morning sun, but the interior bamboo/shrubs will not get much if any AM sun. Bamboo/shrub should be fairly narrow...4' wide would be ideal.

The bamboo/shrubs need to screen a window that starts at about 14' above ground and ends at about 18' above ground. Bamboo shouldn't be too much taller than that if possible. If bamboo is used, it should be a clumping variety.

Any ideas? Is this impossible? If so...any suggestions for something else that may work in a narrow area, that would also have a modern look to it?

Thanks so very much!

Re the eucs....This area will get very little sun....only AM sun for the outermost plant, and a few hours overhead sun during summer months. Aside from that...it's shade, although I would not say it's deep shade. I don't think euc's would grow in this condition, woud they?

You might want to wait until the fall to plant a bamboo so it can get established before the heat sets in next year. Look for a clumping type bamboo as opposed to a running type and you might be able to keep it in check a little more easily. You can also put in barriers when planting a bamboo that, at least on the garden shows, are supposed to keep it in bounds.

Millerthyme, I don't think bamboo would survive in that much shade. I can't think of any tree or tall shrub that would do well there.

Perhaps someone in the Tropical forum could recommend an understory tree, you know, the kind that grow under the rainforest canopy and don't need sun?

Otherwise, Podocarpus might live, they do okay in shade, and they get tall. Australian Tree ferns, but they would not stop growing at your window.

Is there any way to attach a window box to screen the window with plants?

Renee

If you wanted to plant a California native, even Toyon would eventually become tree sized in your space, without getting too big, but needs thinning periodically if you want some sun below.

What you could do for a plant solution, if you can spend some serious money, is put up a stainless steel trellis, very modern in style, that goes 18' up, and plant a vine such as Star Jasmine on it. That would give you guaranteed exact size and screening with a very narrow footprint.

Thanks again!

MT

Hoovb's suggestions make a lot of sense; then you could take your time growing something you like with no concern for instant height. For sure the bamboo would create more problems than it would solve.