What to grow in So. Oregon?

[Diane9247]

Greetings! I live in Keno, OR, which is in the southern part of the state. It's Zone 6, but we have the risk of late Spring frost sometimes as late as mid-June. First one can be late Aug.-early Sept. Along with our short growing season, we are considered "high desert," a dry climate with usually no more than 8-10 inches of snow. Little or no precip in summer.

I want a bamboo screen, up to 20' tall, for part shade - but, I'm a bamboo beginner and there are so many to chose from! Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Diane

[Alan_L]

What about wind, especially when it's the coldest, but other times of year too.

[Robbie78]

I think bisetti or rubromaginita might work ok. I live in the gorge and they both work well for me

[Diane9247]

I think bisetti or rubromaginita might work ok. I live in the gorge and they both work well for me

Thanks, Robbie, I'll look into those! (The gorge?) Right now I'm occupied trying to get my 3 hardy hydrangeas through another winter. Moved from the Calif. coast, so gardening here is...uhh...challenging.

Alan - the worst wind is in the spring, which is also cold and gritty. In fact, spring here is downright unpleasant! But, I'm in a somewhat protected narrow valley, rather than out in the open Klamath Basin, and our tall ponderosa pines are a pretty good buffer.

[Diane9247]

OH! The Columbia River Gorge. You lucky duck, Robbie!

[GrowingHabit]

Hello Diane

I lived on N 6th, up the hill from main street Klamath Falls, for years. I know its supposed to be zone 6, and I'm more familiar with the weather pattern over there than I am the one over here in Grants Pass, though I've been here pushing 10 years now. Klamath is steady as she goes predictable. Over here, its all over the place random.

Anyway, I didn't grow bamboo there, but everything else- yeah, I planted it. And mostly, it all fared very well. Its cold, but stuff grows good there. Things that winter kills over on this side of the mountain grew year after year unfazed over there. I think you'll be fine growing most any temperate bamboo.

At the time, I didn't have an eye for bamboo, so can't say rightly that I ever saw one around the area. Maybe go for a drive and see if you can spot any. And bang on the door to ask if they know what it is, if you're brave enough. I never am, but I know folks who are, and they claim to mostly be welcomed, to talk gardening.

I miss that area! All those sun filled days. Its grey for 6 months of the year here.