Bamboo can be a stunning addition to any garden, offering a unique blend of beauty and functionality. This fast-growing plant can create natural privacy screens, add an exotic touch to landscapes, and even serve as a sustainable building material. However, growing bamboo successfully requires some know-how. This guide will walk you through selecting, planting, and caring for bamboo so you can enjoy this versatile plant in your own yard.
Types of Bamboo
Before diving into the planting process, you need to understand the two main types of bamboo: clumping and running. Each has its own growth habits and characteristics that can significantly impact a garden’s layout and maintenance needs.
Clumping Bamboo
Clumping bamboo is the more well-behaved of the two types. It grows in tight clusters and rarely spreads over large areas, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want a contained bamboo plant. This variety expands slowly, typically gaining only one to two feet of height per year. Due to these characteristics, clumping bamboo is often used in ornamental gardens and as natural barriers.
Running Bamboo
Running bamboo is known for its aggressive spreading habit. It propagates by sending out underground runners, called rhizomes, which can travel more than 100 feet before sprouting new shoots. While this type grows faster, gaining about three to five feet per year, it requires careful management to prevent it from becoming invasive because it can easily take over a yard or garden quickly. Running bamboo is often used for quick coverage and to create dense privacy screens.
Recommended Bamboo Varieties
YELLOW GROOVE BAMBOO Phyllostachys aurea
Choosing the right bamboo variety depends on your climate and intended use. Each variety has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different garden settings.
Popular Varieties
- Yellow Groove Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea): Hardy and ideal for containers. This variety is known for its striking yellow stems and moderate growth rate.
- Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra): Grows up to 16 feet tall and is deer-resistant. Its black stems add a dramatic touch to any garden.
- Umbrella Bamboo (Fargesia murielae): A beautiful, clumping variety for zones 5-9. This bamboo is perfect for creating lush green screens.
- Hedge Bamboo (Bambusa multiplex ‘Silverstripe’): Provides dense screening and wind buffering. Its striped leaves add visual interest.
- Kuma Zasa Bamboo (Sasa veitchii): A dwarf variety perfect for ground cover in shady areas. This variety is excellent for creating undergrowth in wooded gardens.
Special Features
- Some bamboo varieties are highly ornamental, featuring unique colors or leaf patterns.
- Dwarf varieties are great for small gardens or as ground cover.
- Clumping varieties are ideal for gardeners who want to avoid aggressive spreading.
How to Grow Bamboo
Whether you’re starting from seeds, cuttings, or rhizomes, each method of growing bamboo has its own set of steps and considerations. Understanding these methods will help you choose the best one for your garden.
Growing Bamboo from Seeds
For those with patience, growing bamboo from seeds can be an affordable option. This method allows you to grow bamboo from scratch. Here’s how to do it:
- Clean and dry the seeds in the sun before planting. This helps in activating the seeds’ growth potential.
- Soak the dried seeds in clean water for 6-12 hours. This softens the seed coat and improves germination rates.
- Plant seeds in soil-filled plastic pallets, making small holes 1-2 inches deep. Ensure the soil is loose and well-draining.
- Place one seed in each hole and cover with topsoil. Lightly press the soil to secure the seeds.
- Water daily and keep the soil moist. Consistent moisture is key to successful germination.
- After 3-4 months, transplant seedlings into small pots or poly bags. They should be big enough to handle the outdoor environment.
Growing Bamboo from Cuttings
Propagating bamboo from cuttings is another viable method. This approach is faster than growing from seeds and allows you to replicate an existing bamboo plant. Follow these steps:
- Cut 10-inch bamboo segments with at least two nodes at a 45-degree angle. Nodes are crucial as they contain the growth tissue.
- Dip the ends in melted wax and place them in water in a well-lit area. This prevents the segments from drying out.
- Change the water every other day. Fresh water will keep the cuttings hydrated and healthy.
- Once 2-inch roots appear, move cuttings to a pot with potting mix. Ensure it’s well-draining to avoid root rot.
- Support the bamboo with a thin stick if necessary. This will help the new plants grow straight and strong.
Growing Bamboo from Rhizomes
For faster results, consider growing bamboo from rhizomes. Rhizomes are the underground stems that store energy and nutrients of a grown bamboo plant. Here’s how you can propagate bamboo using rhizomes:
- Choose an established bamboo plant that’s healthy and thriving. The best time to harvest rhizomes is during the early spring or late fall when the plant is not actively growing.
- Look for surface-level rhizomes, which appear as root-like structures running horizontally underground. These rhizomes will be just below the surface or lightly exposed, often sprouting small roots or shoots.
- Select rhizomes that are at least 1 inch in diameter, firm, and have several visible growth buds. Avoid weak or damaged rhizomes as they are less likely to sprout successfully.
- Using a spade or garden fork, dig around the rhizomes without damaging them. Loosen the soil gently to extract the rhizome sections.
- Cut rhizomes into segments with 2-3 growth buds each. These buds will sprout into new shoots.
- Lay rhizomes horizontally in a pot with buds facing up. Make sure they are well-spaced to allow for growth.
- Cover with 3 inches of soil and water thoroughly. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
- Place in partial light and shade. Too much sun can dry out the rhizomes.
- Rhizomes should grow in 4-6 weeks. Look for new shoots breaking through the soil.
BLACK BAMBOO Phyllostachys nigra
Planting and Watering Bamboo
Proper planting and watering are crucial for bamboo’s success. Many gardeners make the mistake of neglecting these aspects, leading to poor growth.
Selecting the Right Location
- Choose a location with 5 or more hours of direct sunlight for large bamboos. Smaller bamboo varieties may tolerate partial shade.
- Space plants 3-5 feet apart for a dense screen. This spacing ensures they have enough room to grow without crowding each other.
Soil and pH
- Use well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral pH of 7. Bamboo prefers soil that can retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Watering Tips
- Water frequently, soaking the soil to at least a foot deep. Bamboo enjoys moist conditions, especially during the growing season.
- For container-grown bamboo, ensure good drainage and repot every 2-5 years. Container soil can become compacted, restricting root growth.
Fertilizing Bamboo
- Apply a high-nitrogen, synthetic fertilizer in spring. Nitrogen promotes lush, green growth. Use a 21-5-6 ratio, which provides the right balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Follow with a balanced fertilizer in summer. Use a 10-10-10 formula to support overall health and vigor. Apply one pound per 100 square feet, ensuring even distribution.
Containing Bamboo
UMBRELLA BAMBOO Fargesia murielae
Given bamboo’s rapid growth, containment is often necessary, especially for running varieties. Containment methods help prevent bamboo from taking over your garden.
Root Barriers and Trenching
Install purpose-made bamboo root barriers around the planting area. These barriers prevent rhizomes from spreading. You can also create a shallow trench around the plant and prune extending rhizomes. Regular pruning keeps bamboo within its designated area.
Regular Cutting
Regularly cut bamboo stalks to isolate unwanted growth. This method works well for maintaining a manageable bamboo patch.
Caring for Bamboo
Proper care ensures healthy, thriving bamboo plants. Neglecting care can lead to poor growth, pest issues, and disease.
Watering and Mulching
Water mature bamboo 2-4 times weekly, depending on weather conditions. Bamboo needs more water during hot, dry spells. Apply organic mulch like grass clippings or other mulch alternatives to retain moisture and control growth. Mulch also helps keep the roots cool.
Winter Protection
Protect bamboo in winter with mulch or temporary barriers. Some bamboo species are sensitive to cold and need extra protection. Thin and prune annually to prevent overcrowding. Overcrowded bamboo can become weak and more susceptible to disease.
Pest and Disease Monitoring
Position bamboo behind garden hedges or trees for wind protection. Strong winds can damage bamboo stems. Monitor for pests and diseases, applying treatments only when necessary. Use organic methods where possible to minimize environmental impact.
