Bamboo hedge

[viz48]

I need a fast growing screen againgst a perimiter fence. I saw a bamboo hedge in a book and it looks like the ideal solution. Fast, tall,evergreen and no maintenance!!! Anyone any experience of it. Is it as good as it seems? Im near the seaside and get fair amount of stong winds. Appreciate any comments.

[Bogtrotter]

Be very careful - many bamboos are total thugs and will just run everywhere.

[terambulan]

The Japanese bamboo has lime green solid leaf (bit like rubber plant but smaller, in shape) Its very invasive and was banned from propogation years ago........how anyone markets them?

Dont plant it as you will spend the rest of your life trying to rid it. Laurel, ivy, pampas grass & holly might be more suitable.

[nonomaybe]

viz48, is it a particularly ugly fence that you have to cover up?
If so how about those "bad boys" the leylandii. Used sensibly ,i.e. trimmed to fit your space they do seem to fit your criteria, especially the fast bit!! It's only where people have let them go or used them as a" weapon" that they have attracted a bad press. Alternatively there are lots of more attractive plants but not as fast.