By Julie Christensen
Native to Asia , bamboo might seem like a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , but it ’s actually a type of grass . There are over 1,400 species of bamboo , crop from dwarf varieties that delay under 2 metrical foot grandiloquent , to giant types that reach over 100 foot magniloquent . The plant are appreciate for their blind drunk canes and interesting leafage . Bamboo can be used to mould a privateness hedge or as a specimen plant in pots , in Asian garden and around consortium and ponds .
Before you plant bamboo , though , there are a few thing you should jazz . Bamboo fundamentally has two growth forms – running bamboo and clump bamboo . Running bamboo is a fearless , vigorous plant that can produce as far north as USDA works hardiness zone 4 or 5 , depending on the form . Running bamboo spreads through belowground rhizomes . Even in cold climates , it can become belligerent . In warm , mild climate , it ’s downright invasive . If you constitute running bamboo , plant it in a pot or in an field with natural barrier , such as an field surrounded by hardscape or an area bordering weewee . Make a deep 12 inches deep around the running bamboo and install a credit card or metal barrier . The rhizomes go down only 4 to 5 inch so this deep trench should keep the bamboo from spreading .
Clump bamboo is a lovesome plant that grows only in USDA industrial plant hardiness zone 6 through 10 . It has a very slow growth pattern and stays compact . Even after 20 years , it may only disseminate 3 or 4 inches . clunk bamboo is ideal if you want to make a statement , such as in a pot or as a specimen plant .
Planting and Growing Bamboo Plants
Most gardener start with a well - established nursery graft or a sectionalization . Plant bamboo in slightly acidulent soil that has been amended with compost and cured manure . Bamboo plants want moist , but well - debilitate soil . If you have very heavy , soggy soil , replace it or grow bamboo in a raised bed or container . infinite bamboo plants 3 to 5 ft apart .
big bamboo plant need full Lord’s Day . Smaller variety show can profit from partial subtlety , particularly in live climate . Water bamboo plant three to four times per calendar week during the first twelvemonth or two after planting . Established works are more drought - broad , but they still need weekly tearing . call back , bamboo spring up natively in woodland and swampland area . It grows best with consistently moist dirt .
Fertilize bamboo plants in former spring , late bounce and summer with ¼ cupful 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer per plant . An annual software of compost is also helpful . Mulch bamboo works with 1 column inch of Grant Wood chip mulch and allow the foliage to provide a natural mulch , as well .
Bamboo plant life are typically evergreen in mild climates . Their leafage do turn yellow and fall in other bound . This is a normal occurrence and no cause for alarm . Once the plants become established , they send up Modern shoot every summer . These shoot get taller and taller as the plant grows . Cut down older shoots from sentence to time , as they become unattractive and increase slows .
Special Considerations
Bamboo can be grown as a container plant or even a houseplant , but these flora will need supererogatory care . flora bamboo in a large container and expect to transplant it every five year . The roots are strong and have been love to break through plastic container .
Bamboo plant grown in container tend to dry out out more quickly than those arise in ground . They need watering almost every twenty-four hour period during warm weather condition . Nutrients also percolate out more quickly . fertilise bamboo in containers every three to five weeks . In cold weather , the plant might want supererogatory aegis , such as burlap .
Bamboo plants grown indoors need a bright , sunny emplacement and modest , slightly humid circumstance . Avoid placing them near heating blowhole , which will dry them out .
grandiloquent bamboo variety often need adventure , especially if you live in an area with hard wind . Plant them in a protect area to prevent break .
Want to learn more about growing bamboo?
Bamboo Frequently ask Questionsfrom the Missouri Botanical GardenContaining Bamboofrom Fine Gardening
Clumping Bamboo for landscapingon YouTube .
Bamboo plants for privacy screeningon YouTube .
Bamboo Growing 101on YouTube .
Julie Christensen learned about garden on her grandfather ’s farm and mother ’s vegetable garden in southerly Idaho . Today , she survive and garden on the high plains of Colorado . When she ’s not digging in the shit , Julie write about food , pedagogy , parenting and gardening .
