About Us

We're Jmbamboo, a mail order, retail/wholesale bamboo nursery. We have the selection and service of the larger nurseries with the personal service and attention to detail that they just can't provide. I'm Jim and I'm the one who will take your order and answer your questions. I like the one to one relationship I have with my customers and I enjoy answering the questions and providing advice on which bamboo to choose.

Our Home & Nursery

My wife Mickey and I live in an underground home we built ourselves. It took us almost ten years from the time we started until we moved in. We were blessed/cursed with thousands of moss rocks on our place so we used them for building and landscaping. The roof has a couple of feet of dirt on it and is the perfect place for our gardens as it is one of the few places that gets sun. We grow elephant ears, gingers, cannas, banana trees, brugmansias, carnivorous plants,.... well you get the idea. Of course this is in addition to all the bamboo we grow.

I guess I've always had a love for bamboo. Perhaps it's my early memories of playing with a bamboo pole as a kid and thinking about all the things we could do if only we had more! Unfortunately, the only grove we knew of was off limits to us. When my wife and I bought some property of our own I finally planted my own bamboo grove. It was slow to get started and meanwhile we were busy building our home over the next several years. About fifteen years ago a someone told me about a man in Birmingham who grew lots of bamboo. Turns out it was Steve Ray and he had over a hundred species. I soon became a regular visitor, driving him crazy with my questions and buying bamboo every time I got a little extra money. I began selling bamboo in 1994 and built my website in 1995. Today I have over 100 species of bamboo growing on 25 acres and the website has changed many times over the years. We love the beautiful bamboo groves that cover our property, especially since they provide greenery and privacy all year round.

We sometimes wonder if the bamboo is getting out of hand but we love it anyway. With our home underground we have to be carefull about letting the bamboo take over the roof. I finally transplanted the P.v. Robert Young that was headed that way and think I may have it under control. We still have some bamboo around the house. There's Sasa palmata near the back door along with a nice patch of Pleioblastus viridistriatus. There's even a long line of Pleioblastus humilis along the fron edge of the roof to keep people from walking off! We made one other mistake by planting Okuboi bamboo near the roof to hide our power meter. It worked so well that we are now in the process of removing this bamboo. It spread rapidly and about three years ago we realized we needed to stop it. We cut it all back to the ground and have continued cutting it each year. It is about gone now but I still find new, small shoots each spring amoung some of the rocks lining the edge of the roof. We definitely won't be planting anymore bamboo near the house!

We have a long drive (about 650 feet) and bamboo lines it most of the way. We also have a small pond, surrounded by bamboo. The back side of the dam is a mature grove of Robert Young. Most of our 25 acres is wooded but any clearing has bamboo planted in it. We're running out of room, so I've begun planting more at relatives and friends homes My eventual goal is to spread bamboo far and wide.The summer of 2006 we had the local utility company tell us that they were planning on clearing a 20 foot right of way from the road to our home. This would cut through the middle of my Robert Young bamboo grove and pretty much eliminate the Dwarf David Bisset Bamboo along with a small grove of Ruscus bamboo. After exploring our options we decided to have our power lines and telephone line placed underground. It was surprisingly affordable and now we have a much prettier drive with no power lines and intact bamboo groves. I wish we had done this years ago!

Along with bamboo, we grow many other plants. I collect and grow many Aroids, especially Alocasias, Colocasias, and Xanthosomas (Elephant ears). My wife, Mickey, mixes in Phlox, Salvia, Lantana and other flowers for lots of color. We grow Gingers, Cannas, Banana trees, Brugmansias, and Lillies along with the Elephant ears to give our rooftop gardens a tropical look. I am also fascinated by carnivorous plants and have three artificial bogs where I grow Venus flytraps, Pitcher Plants, Sundews, and other plants that thrive in the unique soil conditions that carnivorous plants prefer. You can find these (and some of our bamboos) at Big Plants.

Currently, we only sell by mail-order. For visits to the nursery there is a $150 minimum purchase. You can get larger plants at reduced prices by picking up at the nursery. To arrange a visit call 205 283 5638.

Customer Comments

I had you send a bamboo plant to my father in Tennessee last week. He was so surprised and the nice card you included was just wonderful. Thank you so much for making my dad's birthday one he will remember for a long time. Nancy M., Boston, Ma. Nov. 24, 2007

Thank you! I will let you know come Spring how things went...and by the way, nice web-site! S. Victoria, BC
(Sabine wrote to ask me about transplanting Golden bamboo in British Columbia. I was glad to give her some advice.) Oct. 10, 2007

 

I received the plants. They were extremely well packed and stayed secure in the boxes. I'll let you know how the Robert Young does in the mountains of West Virginia.
John N. WV Oct. 01, 2007

Jim, I enjoyed our conversation the other day. You took the time to answer my questions and gave me some great advice. Please send the bamboo we decided on as soon as possible, I need my privacy! Bill M. Nashville, TN Sept. 28, 2007

Hey Jim

Got the bamboo today. They’re beautiful, I love them. I also love the fact that they are so different from one another. You said that the one with big leaves didn’t really look like bamboo, but I disagree. The leaves are very much bamboo looking, just on a large scale. They’re beautiful. I am totally pleased and happy with them.

Thanks a lot
Lana
May 17, 2007

"I really like your free shipping. Great plants and great service!" John M. Austin, Tx.   April 7, 2007

Mr. Mortensen,
I love the fact your prices include shipping. I have ordered from other nurseries and you plants are the largest I've received.
Thanks, Billy T. Trenton, NJ March 20, 2007

Jmbamboo,
Thanks for the excellent plants. The Black bamboo and Moso will make a dramatic impact on our landscaping. The plants were larger than I expected and the packing was superb. At first I couldn't figure out what the bamboo poles were for then I realized they were bracing the bamboo plants - great job! I'll be ordering more bamboo in the future. Look forward to dealing with your company,
Johnny Q. - Franklin, TN Oct. 19, 2006

Jim,
I spoke to you on Monday, you shipped on Tuesday, and I received the plants today (Thursday). WOW! That's what I call great service. We will be putting the plants in "in ground" containers on each side of the entrance on our display home. You suggested Yellow Groove and since we wanted nice size plants you suggested the 3 gallon size. The plants were even larger than I expected (easily 5 feet tall with 3 to 4 canes each). I had convinced my partners to try bamboo and was really concerned about the looks of the plants as this home is the first that potential buyers see. We will see how the plants do over the winter and if they still look good in February we will be ordering a large number for all the homes in the sub-division. Thanks again,
Billy G. - Richmond, Va Oct. 5, 2006

 

Jim, the Black bamboo arrived today and was in great shape. The packing was superb. I can't wait to plant. I expected samll plants but these were very nice size. I've ordered from other nurseries in the past and was disappointed in the small plants. What a nice surprise. I thought it would be at least next year before the palnts looked good but these are great looking plants. Thanks for the quick shipping and healthy looking plants. It's easy to see the plants have been potted up for quite a while with nice rhizome growth. Speaking of that, I was surprised that the last plants I ordered (not from you) looked like they had been recently dug. They did fine but I much prefer a great root system. Good luck in the future. I will definitely be ordering bamboo from you again.
John M. - Atlanta, Ga. Sept. 19, 2006

Wow! I ordered on Sunday and you shipped the next day! The Robert Young is really large with a great root system. Your packaging has to be the best in the business. The way the boxes fold together is really neat. Where do you buy such unique boxes? I've already planted the bamboo and expect big things! Thanks for being so prompt.
Dave L. - West Point, Va. — March 3, 2006    (our interlocking boxes are custom designed and manufactured just for Jmbamboo. We have our own cutting molds and the design was taken from a unique cell phone box that I was fascinated with.)

We ordered 10 Arrow Bamboo plants from you this spring. The bamboo was packed beautifully and shipped right away. We really appreciate your answering our questions and you even sent an extra plant! It was a pleasure doing business with you. George W. - Withita, KS — April 28, 2006

The Giant Leaf bamboo arrived yesterday and we couldn't be more pleased. It is a very nice size plants and expertly packed. It arrived in great shape and we planted it right away. Thank you for the great service!
Mary and Bill K. - Boston, MA — May 2, 2006

Great bamboo plant, looks very healthy. I will recommend you to all my friends! John P. - Trenton, NJ — May 4, 2006

This was my second time to order from you. The first order was a 3 gallon Moso and I was so pleased I ordered again. You didn't let me down. The Red Margin bamboo plants were very large and looked great. The packaging was the best I've seen and you answered all my questions. Thank you for your time and expertise. I'll be ordering more in the future.
Kathy L. - Montgomery, AL — June 13, 2006

Thank you for the replacement. It was so nice of you to send a new plant. I think the first one might make it but you were kind enough to send another "just in case". Wow, I didn't know there were companies that treated customers so nice! I will spread the word! Thank you. Nancy M. - New York, NY —  July 2, 2006

Hi Jim
Just letting you know that I received the bamboo and I love it. It’s beautiful, just what I wanted. Thanks so much
Lana S. - Chicago, Il. — July 9, 2006

(Lana was kind enough to order more bamboo, Spectabilis this time.)

Hi Jim
I got the bamboo today, it really is beautiful. I love it and am totally satisfied. You were totally right in your description on your website about this particular bamboo, it is beautiful. Thanks so much, it was a total pleasure doing business with you.Thanks again.
Lana S. - Chicago, Il. —  July 13, 2006

Thanks for all the help Jim. I was really nervous about buying bamboo but you answered all my questions and relieved my fears! It's especially nice to know you back your plants up with a no questions asked quarantee. I look forward to recieving the Moso and getting it planted. I've always wanted some giant bamboo! I know you must have gotten tired of all the questions and phone calls but you never lost patience with me and were very understanding. Thank you again.
Laura M. - Atlanta, Ga. — July 13, 2006

Jim,
I just visited your website doing research for a story where cane poles would figure prominently in the early plot. Your website was easily navigable, and the section on making cane poles took me back to my childhood growing up here in southeast GA and cane poling at local creeks, ponds, and rivers. I appreciate the information, which will help me expedite writing my short story. Thanks.
Best,
Berrien C. Henderson - southeast Georgia — July 15, 2006

Jim,
I received and planted the two bamboo plants today, and I'm very pleased. They were very healthy, and a great deal. We'll be doing business with you again next spring, if not earlier.
Russ M. - Rochester, NY — July 18, 2006

Dear Jim, i got my shipment of Red margin and Incense and I am hooked! Thank you for the beautiful plants and thank you for the help. sincerely, Kathy A. - Colon, Michigan — — July 21, 2006

Our Plant Guarantee

We guarantee all plants for 30 days once you receive them. Call or email me as soon as you suspect any problems. We will replace the plant and pay for the shipping of a new plant. We don't require that you return the dead plant.We've found that in most cases if we treat our customers right they do right by us. If you are not happy with the plant when your bamboo arrives, let us know right away. We'll try to make you happy. If the plant dies after the 30 day warranty but you feel you did everything right, give us a call or email. We can usually come up with a solution that makes everybody happy. We do our best to make every customer satisfied. More information

We want you to be happy with your bamboo. We guarantee the bamboo plants to arrive in good condition. If you are not satisfied with the plant when you open the package, let me know immediately. Your plant is guaranteed for 60 days. If the bamboo does not survive we will replace it free of charge. Unlike some other nurseries we do not require you to ship the plant back. Please just call us at 205 283 5638 once you decide the plant isn't going to make it. We ship big, healthy plants with good rootballs. Please plant the bamboo as soon as possible after receiving and follow all planting and growing instructions.

PLACEMENT:
Jmbamboo cannot be responsible for the invasive nature of cold hardy bamboo. Please keep in mind that your neighbor may not be happy when bamboo pops up in his/her yard.

PURCHASES
We accept credit card, personal check, and money order. We also accept PayPal. If you have need to cancel your order for any reason, please , give me a call (205 283 5638). We pack most of my bamboo on Sunday for shipment on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please try to let us know before Sunday. It's rare for someone to cancel an order and most people are very considerate so this is usually not a problem. We'll do what I can to make you happy.

FIELD DUG PLANTS
A 10% deposit is required on custom dug orders. Custom dug field specimen size plants are guaranteed for 60 days.

PRICE QUOTES
All quotes are good for 30 days.

YOUR INFORMATION
At Jmbamboo we always protect your privacy. We do not sell or release customer information to third parties.

Many factors determine the health of your plant. Site placement, watering, and fertilizing all play an important part in how well the bamboo does. We send detailed directions for planting and care of the bamboo. It is the responsibility of the customer to follow these directions and give the plant it's best chance to thrive. If you have any questions feel free to call 205 283 5638 or email and Ill be glad to anwer them and offer free advice. We ship on Mondays and can accomodate changes in the orders up until the Saturday evening before shipment. Thanks for ordering from jmbamboo.

Shipping & Ordering FAQ

How do you prepare and ship the plants? I've potted and shipped thousands of bamboo plants over the years. I know how to do it right. Many years ago when I started this business I did things differently than I do today. I would dig lots of divisions of bamboo, place them in a holding area and cover the roots with sawdust and mulch. When I received an order I would pull the plants, rinse some of the dirt from the roots and pack in wet peat moss. I'd then wrap in paper and plastic, box them up, and ship them off. The plants usually did fine and I received few if any complaints. However, I wasn't satisfied. Over time I changed and improved my methods. Now when I dig divisions from my bamboo groves I rinse all the dirt from the roots and pot the plants up in 2 or 3 gallon size containers using a professional grade potting mix. I place the plants in a holding area for a minimum of a few months to a year. This gives the plants time to grow lots of new roots and rhizomes. When I receive an order, I choose the oldest plants first (these usually have best root system). I remove the container, wrap the rootball in paper and plastic, pack them in boxes, and ship them. Often there are bamboo canes in the box used as braces. The boxes we use are custom designed and manufactured for jmbamboo. The box design came from years of experience packing thousands of bamboo plants for shipment. All prices inchude shipping.

How much is shipping?    At jmbamboo shipping is free! the price you see is the price you pay. Our prices include shipping. We advertise "free shipping" but all that really means is that shipping is included in the price. I've had many customers tell me they prefer one price and when I buy plants I prefer it that way. The prices on my pricelist are what you pay, including shipping. No surprises, just the actual price you pay. Buying bamboo by mail should be simple.

What size plants do you ship? What is a #2 or #3 size plant.? These are 9 to 11 inches in diameter. A #3 will usually have more and larger canes than a #2 along with the larger rootball. Take a look at our detailed description of exactly what you get when you order- Shipping sizes

It's too cold to plant now. Will you have the bamboo I want in the spring? We sell out of many species early. The top few most popular species are always in stock. Others are in limited supply. The best way to insure you get the species you want is to order now and I will ship when you are ready. Your credit card will not be charged until I ship.

If my plant dies will you replace it? I rarely have a customer tell me their bamboo died but it has happened.If you have any problems with the bamboo during the first 30 days after receiving the plant call me. If it's been somewhat longer than 30 days call me anyway. (205 283 5638) or email me. I'll replace the plant or refund your money if you feel I am at fault. You do not have to return the plant. More Bamboo Warranty Info

Can I cancel my order if I change my mind? Of course you can! I ship on Mondays and Tuesdays to give the plants plenty of time to reach their destination before the weekend. I want the bamboo to arrive as soon as possible and spend as little time as possilble in transit. I don't ship plants on Thursdays or Fridays as they are very likely to stay in a holding area for the entire weekend. If you have second thoughts or change your mind, give me a call (205 283 5638). I pack most of my bamboo on Sunday for shipment on Monday. Please try to let me know before Sunday. It's rare for someone to cancel an order so this is not usually a problem. I'll do what I can to make you happy.

Do I get a break if I order 10 or more plants? If it's a large order I often include an extra plant. On orders of $500 or more we offer a 10% discount. We will be glad to provide quotes for larger quantities of plants.

Do you accept personal checks and money orders? Credit cards? What about Paypal. We accept them all.    I accept personal checks, money orders, PayPal and all major credit cards .You can email me your phone number if you prefer and I'll call you.

Can I copy photos from your website. Yes you can. If fact I encourage you to take any of the photos on my website -just give credit to jmbamboo. 

Bamboo Shipping Sizes

The size of the rootball is probably the most important consideration when choosing a bamboo plant. However, top growth is what looks good when you receive a plant and can be an indication of a strong, healthy rhizome system. When I dig divisions of bamboo and pot them up it is a very subjective decision as to whether the plant will go into a 2, 3, or 5 gallon container. It's the same with any bamboo nursery that propagates bamboo by division. The number of canes in the division often determines the size. However, with many of the giant species, a division often has only one cane. In that case the size rootball I've managed to dig and the cane size both help me decide. Once the plant is potted, the rhizomes and roots fill in the container. Since we pull the plants straight from the container and prepare for shipping, the sizes of the rootball you see below are what you get.

#2 size plant	9.5 inch container, 2 to 3 feet tall
#3 size plant	10.5 inch container, 4 to 5 feet tall
#5 size plant	11.5 inch container, 4 to 6 feet tall
Free Shipping on all bamboo plants!     We pay shipping.