Slender Weavers Bamboo Problems? The 128 Correct Answer

With your purchase you will receive easy-to-understand planting instructions on how best to prepare your garden, plant and care for your new bamboo. Go home confident and stress-free! Our guides were written with over 25 years of bamboo experience to help you get the best results in the shortest amount of time!

We pride ourselves on the quality customer service we offer and ensure all our customers are armed with the instructions and advice to get the best results from their bamboo. We offer extensive knowledge and support before AND after your purchase. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We also stock all the wonderful planting products that we recommend for use with bamboo. If bamboo loves it, we’ve got it!

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Bamboo can be left in its natural beautiful state and can be low maintenance plants, especially when well established. However, if, just like hedges or trees, you want to “manicure” your plants and achieve a specific look, you can! Read below how best to care for your bamboo, depending on your needs.

How to get rid of bamboo roots in your garden

How to block Bamboo

Bamboo – this is amazing stuff. Fast growing*, the largest member of the grass family**, tough as steel, edible (at least for pandas) and beautiful. But putting the wrong variety of bamboo in a home garden can be a recipe for disaster. Bamboo comes in two types, clumping and running. As you can imagine, clumping pretty much persists while running bamboo, well, runs. Left unchecked, running bamboo will spread to your yard and your neighbor’s yard if you’re not careful. This kind of scenario doesn’t add much to your popularity. Luckily, there are bamboo root barrier solutions, whether you’re planting bamboo from scratch or dealing with an established bamboo that’s thriving

How does bamboo spread?

Bamboo spreads by forming rhizomes (underground stems). These can grow very quickly under the right conditions, forming new shoots many meters away from the mother plant. Luckily, most bamboo rhizomes tend to sit in the top 20cm of topsoil, reducing the effort required to get to the bulk of the migrating shoots.

Using a bamboo root barrier to prevent spread

The best way to prevent bamboo from spreading is to control the rhizome. A suitable root barrier, such as FlexiRoot UV10 HDPE root barrier, can be used to contain the rhizomes of a new planting. The barrier is best left open along one side or section; This allows for drainage and provides an opportunity to trim the rhizomes once a year. This can be done by cutting through the rhizomes with a spade and digging out/pulling out each piece of the cut sections. The top of the barrier itself must be about 15 cm above the ground. A bark mulch can be used to fill the area to hide the visible bamboo root barrier. FlexiRoot UV10 HDPE root barrier has a built in resistance to damage from sunlight making it ideal for situations where part of the bamboo root barrier remains exposed after installation.

If you’re already faced with a runaway rhizome scenario, with bamboo shoots in places they shouldn’t be, you’ve got a slightly trickier, but not impossible, task. Full containment would be the way to go, but using a permeable bamboo root barrier (not a weed mat!) to allow for good drainage. After digging a trench around 50cm around the bamboo stand and removing any pieces of rhizome that you find, the barrier can be installed and the trench backfilled. BioRoot-X Barrier is a truly versatile bamboo root barrier product that allows drainage while preventing roots and rhizomes from emerging.

* The world record for fastest growing plant belongs to a bamboo, which has been shown to grow up to 91 cm per day. If this bamboo were driving a car, it would be going 0.00002 miles per hour. Not bad for a plant.

**According to the RHS Dictionary of Gardening, the tallest bamboo ever found in the tropics was found at 40 m (130 ft). If you sat on top of the London Eye, you would be face to face with the top of the stalks!

For further help and information call our friendly team on 0203 174 2187 or 01202 816134 or contact us online.

Bamboo plants for screening and hedging

Bamboo is the perfect choice for a fast growing hedge as they are very dense and bushy. Many people think bamboo hedges are difficult to maintain. The bamboos we use for hedging are all non-invasive clumping species. This means your privacy screen doesn’t spread underground but grows in the same spot, so your hedge won’t affect the neighbors or the rest of your garden, but will keep you private. These non-invasive clumping bamboo hedges come in all sizes and can be customized to suit your situation.

Bambusa Textilis Gracilis is the best bamboo for hedges and bamboo screens

Bamboo gracilis is the most popular screen or hedge plant for garden/fence.

Bamboo Gracilis is the most popular and best screen or bamboo hedge plant. If the gracilis is a clone of another gracilis plant and not grown from seed, the plant will grow almost identical to the cloned plant. Be careful when buying bamboo hedge from seed as bamboo screen plant can grow significantly different than the plant you are expecting. We sell all of our bamboo hedges as clones so you get what you expect. Be informed when you buy bamboo.

Click here to view Bamboo Gracilis for stock photos and plants to understand what size they can grow to.

Bambusa Nana for bamboo hedge and privacy screen.

A selection of bamboo for hedging and screening

Bamboo umbrellas in pots

The right bamboos in large pots are a good mobile screen for your patio or around your swimming pool, put them where you need them. Bambusa ventricosa Budda Belly, Bambusa ventricosa Kimie yellow Buddy Belly and Bambusa vulgaris wamin Buddy Belly are the best bamboos for pot cultivation. Other species also grow in pots but need a lot of care. Please see my FAQ pages for tips on caring for your bamboos in pots.

Enjoy your bamboo hedge.

$67.50

$10 flat rate shipping per order to Sydney

Slender Weaver’s bamboo plants grow extremely fast and are the perfect bamboo to use as a privacy screen or hedge.

This is the best bamboo for growing a screen in Sydney.

The plants for sale are typically 1.5 to 1.8 m tall with 3 to 6 culms

Fast growing, cold and drought tolerant, the best screen bamboo.

Slender Weavers bamboo plants for sale are approximately 1.5m tall with 2-6 culms (depending on propagation method) and grow to 3-4m in height within 12 months and 6-8m in the following year.

They will grow just as well on the coast as in western Sydney.

Slender Weaver’s bamboo plants in Sydney will grow from a 200mm pot to full height in a few years.

Plant four to four feet apart for faster growth.

Please read this page to learn why the initial bamboo size in a same sized pot makes no difference in the time it takes to reach maturity/provide a screen.

Bamboo is an excellent container plant. It offers an upright, evergreen screen for many uses. We have developed a special container for growing bamboo, the Sugi Bamboo Planter, as our flagship (60″ x 24″). Other options include galvanized metal storage tanks, cedar crates, and large cloth pots (Root Pouch).

The following points must be considered for long-term health and maintenance:

Smaller stolons generally grow better in containers than larger ones; Clumpers can thrive very well in containers, but they need partial shade to stay healthy. Good stolons for containers are Pseudosasa japonica, Phyllostachys aureosulcata, P. nigra and P. aurea. For clumping bamboo, most Fargesia make a beautiful container plant with a fountain-shaped plume of foliage. Groundcovers like Sasa make beautiful short, bushy container accents. The Fargesia and most Sasa definitely need afternoon shade or the leaves will burn. Use well-draining potting soil and ensure the container is well-draining at the bottom.

Expected height/stem diameter

Limited root space = limited height & smaller diameter. In general, the expected height is 1/2 to 3/4 of the maximum height. For example,

Black bamboo (a walking bamboo) can grow over 30 feet tall in the ground, but often won’t get taller than 15 feet when grown in a container. Clumping bamboo often reaches 10 feet in a planter as opposed to 12 to 15 feet in the ground. Clumping bamboo is shade-loving.

Resilience:

Bamboo grown in containers is less hardy than grown in soil. Container bamboo, especially those that are not well adapted to hot sun and cold winters, require more care in placement as they can be damaged if the pot overheats or freezes. A bamboo that is hardy to 0 degrees in the ground may suffer cold damage at 10 degrees if grown in a container. The larger the container, the more cold-resistant your bamboo will be.

Irrigation:

We recommend watering your containers when the top of the soil appears dry, until water comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom. Always monitor your plants for signs of dehydration, such as: B. leaves curling. In extreme heat we often water our bamboo every day, but in normal weather we water 2 to 3 times a week in summer or during longer dry periods. 1 to 2 gallons of water per session is usually sufficient, but this amount increases if the container is larger or the bamboo is root bound.

Soil/fertilization:

Bamboo does best in a neutral to slightly acidic, well-draining but moisture-retaining potting soil. We recommend fertilizing 3x per growing season (spring – summer) with a nitrogen-rich grass fertilizer, for example: 20-5-10 (NPK) with added iron. We also offer an 8-2-2 Organic Bamboo Fertilizer (this is a custom blend we developed at Bamboo Garden) to mix in with the potting soil. Always follow package directions for amount and frequency of use.

Repot/Share:

Depending on the size of the container, you will need to repot or divide every 5-10 years to maintain the bamboo’s optimal health and vitality. With our Sugi bamboo planters, bamboo can grow well for up to 10 years. If left uncared for, root bound bamboos can escape or even break their container. Repotting/dividing is best done in spring. Dividing means cutting the bamboo root mass in half and repotting the divisions into separate containers. Smaller divisions can also be made at this point. Our Sugi bamboo planters have the bottom removable so the bamboo can be squeezed out from underneath, which is a great advantage for easy transplanting.

Container:

We recommend using our Sugi bamboo planter as it offers good insulation from both heat and cold and offers easy maintenance due to the trapezoidal shape and bamboo barrier linings. If metal storage tanks are used for bamboo, we recommend insulating the inside with Bamboo Barrier. Metal stock should also have additional drainage holes (1/2 diameter and ~2 per square foot) to ensure proper drainage. We recommend placing all containers on brick foundations to avoid eventual clogging of drainage holes or container deterioration.

Bamboo barriers:

Bamboo rhizomes can stick to porous surfaces like wood or clay. Therefore, we recommend lining each container with Bamboo Barrier to make removing your bamboo easier and to extend the life of the planter. Bamboo Barrier also provides extra insulation from heat and cold.

Clumping bamboo plants are often considered the safest option for those just starting out with bamboo. And this is the truth.

So what is clumping bamboo? What is the difference between the more popular walking bamboo and this species? How do I care for clumping bamboo? These and many other questions are answered in this article.

What is clumping bamboo and what does it look like?

You can classify bamboo into two types: clumping and running bamboo. The names come from their root system, which is the main distinction. While stolons spread horizontally with their rhizomes (think grass), clumping bamboo grows primarily vertically.

The name basically tells you what it looks like. The root is a lump and the stalk (culm) grows upwards from it. You could think of it as tubers like potato plants because it looks very similar.

The root bundle (sympodial or pachymorphic rhizome) is fairly shallow and about 30 cm deep. The thinner roots can go up to 60-90 cm deep.

Spring is the hunting season. Then fresh stems shoot out of the buds. In summer and autumn they then become larger and wider.

Is Clumping Bamboo Invasive?

No it is not. The way the roots do it it only spreads between 5 and 30 cm per year. That’s pretty modest when compared to walking bamboo. Runners can spawn new shoots several meters away from current culms.

When bamboo spreads clump, it develops more buds, or “clumps,” which shoot up as new culms. These are very similar to the existing ones, making them look like a “U”. For this reason, clumping bamboo is considered the safer option and is preferred for privacy screens.

How fast clumping bamboo grows in height and width depends on the species and growing conditions. Small clumps can only grow 30-90 cm high and a few centimeters outward.

What species or genera are clumping bamboos?

There are fewer clumping genera than running-type genera.

Fargesia – Small sturdy clumping bamboo

This is one of the most popular clumping genera. There are several species (86), differing in appearance and hardiness. The most common species are Fargesia Rufa, Nitida, Murielae and Robusta.

In general, Fargesia is small and quite hardy, being native to the mountains of China. The plants have dense foliage, making them a popular choice for privacy screens. The culms are quite thin, which is why they often bend outwards. So the plant looks like a fountain.

Fargesias generally love the shade. So planting them in direct afternoon sun will not do them any good.

Depending on the species, they can grow to between 2 and 5 m and spread by 10 to 15 cm per year. Read more about Fargesia bamboo here.

Bambusa – Cold-sensitive clumping bamboo

This clumping genus of bamboo has 149 recognized species, which are usually large. The most common varieties are Bambusa Ventricosa (Buddha’s Belly), Bambos and Multiplex.

Bambusa varieties, like Fargesia, are very popular. These subtropical and tropical plants are not hardy and like it rather hot (e.g. in the southern USA).

Unlike Fargesia, the culms are thicker, stronger and have thicker walls. The leaves are smaller but grow on numerous branches.

Bambusa species generally like more sun than Fargesia. Some Bambusa varieties can grow up to 17m tall, while others only grow to 3m.

Borinda – Medium-sized, hardy, clumping bamboo

Species in the genus Borinda are large, clumping bamboos native to temperate climates. They are relatively new as some species have been listed under the genus Fargesia or Yushania. However, they show different flowers and shorter rhizomes.

Borinda cultivars grow to between 2 and 4 m in height and develop long internodes. They tolerate colder temperatures like Fargesia but can grow taller than Fargesia varieties.

Chusquea – Cold sensitive solid clump

The special feature of this clumping bamboo is the culm. They are solid and not hollow like other genera. This genus is also known as the South American Mountain Bamboo and includes 135 recognized species.

The most popular and unique species is Chusquea Culeou because it is hardy and has been successfully grown in the northern hemisphere.

Thamnocalamus – The sunbathers

This genus is closely related to Fargesia. Previous species known under this genus have been changed to other genera. Now there are only 4 species recognized as Thamnocalamus. These varieties grow to between 4 and 7 m in height and love the sun.

Yushania – Half-running Bamboo

This clumping bamboo loves medium to high altitudes. It develops wider rhizomes than normal clumps, making it a semi-rambling bamboo. Therefore, they can become invasive in warmer regions.

Species of the genus Yushania (86) are temperate and subtropical bamboos. This means that they tolerate low and warm temperatures.

Indocalamus – Small thicket-like bamboo

Indocalamus species have very large and glossy leaves that form dense foliage. This makes them look bushy. They don’t get very big either, only up to 2 m.

Otatea – Cold Sensitive Unique Clumper

The genus Otatea is native to North America, particularly Mexico. The name derives from the Aztec word for bamboo. The 10 species of this clumping bamboo have been found along the Pacific coast, volcanic ridges, and highlands.

The best-known species is the Mexican mourning bamboo, which has a unique appearance. It has fine leaves that look like drooping needles, giving it the weeping appearance.

Which clumping bamboo species are edible?

The most popular bamboo species that provide edible shoots are Phyllostachys edulis (running bamboo) and Bambusa vulgaris (clumping bamboo). Although there are many more edible runners, here are a few more clumping bamboos that you can eat:

Fargesia robusta

Many of the Bambusa genus, such as Bambusa Bambos and Bambusa Oldhamii

Thamnocalamus Aristatus

Yushania Maling

How to plant clumping bamboo plants?

Before you start planting, you should know the requirements of your bamboo plant. Each species has different sun, water, wind, and soil needs. So I’ll assume for the rest of this section that you’ve done that research.

Most clumping bamboos are suitable for both soil and containers. So I’ll explain each one individually.

How do you plant clumping bamboo in the ground?

Plan the placement of the plants. Keep in mind that clumping bamboo doesn’t fill up space as quickly as running bamboo. That means you need more plants that you group closer together if you want a quick privacy screen. How far apart you plant them depends on the species. Large species need more space than small ones.

Dig a hole in the ground slightly larger than the plant and about 1 inch deeper than the pot provided.

Pour the hole properly.

Take the bamboo plant out of the pot and carefully place it in the hole. Be careful and do not damage young shoots! If the plant is root bound, cut off the pot and then stick the plant into the hole.

Straighten the stalks if anything is kinked or pointing in an undesirable direction.

Fill in the space around the plant and pack as you go. Don’t leave air pockets by pressing down the soil, but be careful not to hurt fresh shoots!

If you wish, add a portion of organic fertilizer.

Make a berm to drain the water from the stalks. It should be twice the size of the pot it came in and 5 to 8 cm tall. In this way, the water is directed around the entire plant.

Add a layer of mulch. This keeps the plant moist and acts as a shelter.

Do I need root barriers to clump bamboo?

This type of bamboo does not spread as much as running bamboo. Therefore you do not need a root barrier. Still, you need to do some maintenance to keep the plants healthy. For example, you should cut roots, divide plants and cut back. More on that later in the article.

Tips for planting and growing clumping bamboo in containers or planters

Choose a location with partial shade. Container bamboo is susceptible to dehydration, heat, and cold.

Use a large flower pot or container. It should be no smaller than 20 x 20 inches. If you have a slender and long planter, it should be at least deep.

If the planter is too small, the plant will be root bound. Divide or put in a larger pot are the only solutions.

Clumping bamboo will outgrow their pots every few years. You must be careful to repot them.

Planters must have enough drainage holes.

Fertilize tub bamboo twice a year (Feb – spring and summer/late summer).

Water it enough. Container bamboo will dry out sooner than bamboo grown in the ground.

Read more about bamboo planters here!

Clumping Bamboo Care – How to Maintain a Healthy Plant?

Bamboo is not a complicated plant. Like any other plant, it needs more attention in the beginning (after planting). Once the plants are established it’s pretty easy.

What do you feed clumping bamboo?

Bamboo does not necessarily need fertilizer. If grown in soil, it should get enough nutrients from the soil.

We recommend feeding bamboo from containers in case the surrounding soil is not as nutritious.

You can use organic compost or fertilizer. You can make it yourself or buy it. Learn more about fertilizing bamboo here!

How do you split clumping bamboo?

Perhaps your plants have grown a bit too narrow or your bamboo planter needs to be divided. You should only do this in early spring, before the new shoots sprout.

What you need for this job:

Sharp spade or shovel

hand scissors

Sharp handsaw

Water the soil or pot 24 hours before. This makes sharing easier.

Dig a trench about 30 cm deep with the spade. It should also be 30 cm from each stick so that you are next to the root clump. Then angle the shovel to get under the root ball. Lift it off the ground.

When you have container bamboo, you don’t always have to dig. You may be able to remove the bamboo from the container and move on to the next step.

Now saw the plant in half. You can also use the spade if you don’t have a saw. If you want to split it up further, you can. You can also clip onions with garden shears to trim the root system.

Should I circumcise them?

yes you should Clumping bamboo grows very densely. If you want to get an attractive presentation, you should trim away dead or unwanted stalks and branches. Thinning also helps reduce the density of the display.

Pruning branches is a good way to maintain an upright plant. Some species have heavy foliage, causing the culms to bend. You can cut off some branches if you want to reduce the bend.

If you want to maintain a certain height, you can also cut back culms. Remember they just stay that way. You won’t grow up from there. If you still want to do this, cut just above a knot. Otherwise you will produce a brown final internode.

Pruning the roots every year or two could be another good routine. This way you can ensure that the bamboo is growing in the right place and not spreading to the wrong side. Bamboo clumping is much easier to predict, making it easier to keep in one place.

How do I remove clumped bamboo?

Ok, sometimes all you have to do is remove clumped bamboo. I get it. In this case you need a spade and a lot of energy.

Dig a trench next to or around the bamboo plant. It should be about 12 inches from the sticks and 1 foot deep. Angle the spade and ram it under the root ball. With a rocking motion, you should be able to loosen the plant to remove it.

Now check the ground if you got everything out. Do not leave young shoots or a whole rhizome.

But what to do with the removed plants? If you’re going to dispose of the plants, I wouldn’t recommend just throwing them in the trash like that. Ask your local waste disposal authority what to do. They should give you the correct answer. If this is not available I would suggest that you cut off the roots and burn them. So they can not continue to grow on the landfill. If you have a trash can for organic matter, you can toss the rest, if not all, in it.

If your soil has good drainage, you can dig a hole larger than your pot and then partially fill it with the soil mixed with compost and some dolomite. If your soil is high in clay and has poor drainage, consider planting in a mound of good quality soil mixed with compost.

Clumping bamboo

If you’re looking for a fast-growing plant that can act as a tall privacy screen or barrier, then you may have considered clumping bamboo. This type of bamboo gets its name from its tendency to clump together rather than spread out (like the running varieties).

Interested in learning more about clumping bamboo plants and the different types available? Continue reading!

What is clumping bamboo?

As mentioned earlier, clumping bamboo is bamboo that clumps together. Clumping bamboo is non-invasive and features a bunch of stalks that “clump” together to form the one round plant. This non-invasive bamboo plant can be used as a privacy screen or as an eye-catching ornamental for your garden.

Types of Clumping Bamboo

There are different types of clumping bamboo that you can choose from. To narrow down your choice, think about how tall and wide you want your bamboo to grow when fully mature. Some of the varieties of clumping bamboo are as follows:

Slender weaver bamboo

A popular variety of clumping bamboo is slender weavers. This plant has slender, light green or yellow stems with rich green leaves that grow high above the ground. Due to its tight clump formation, it can serve excellently as a privacy screen. This strain tends to get quite tall at its mature height, reaching around 6 or 7 feet tall, so keep that in mind when choosing a planting spot. Slender weavers can be grown in either full sun or partial shade and are frost tolerant. Established slender weavers are drought tolerant, and the plant needs free-draining soil to do best.

Chinese dwarf bamboo

Those looking for a more densely clumping bamboo variety may be interested in Chinese dwarf bamboo. This bushy, clumping bamboo makes a great privacy screen or barrier and can grow up to 8 feet tall if left unpruned! Chinese dwarf bamboo likes full sun or part shade and is both drought and frost tolerant. Much like slender weavers, they need well-drained soil. These plants can also be grown in a pot for easy moving!

ghost bamboo

This elegant variety of clumping bamboo has light green stalks covered in white powder. As they mature, these culms turn light green or yellow, creating an amazing array of colors derived from established plants. These plants can grow up to 12 feet tall if left unpruned, but can be maintained at a more reasonable height with regular pruning (if desired). Once established, ghost bamboo tolerates both frost and drought. These plants tend to have tall, exposed stalks, with foliage beginning to grow high off the ground.

Timor Black Bamboo

Are you looking for a particularly unique, eye-catching variety of bamboo as the centerpiece of your garden design? Check out the black variety Timor. This plant has black, shiny culms that contrast its light green leaves. These spears start out green and mature to their black color over time. Timor Black’s stunning appearance makes it ideal as an ornamental plant for a garden. This variety also tolerates some frost. It typically reaches a height of 10 to 12 meters and is drought tolerant once established. Just remember that Timor Black does not like to be grown in pots and should be grown directly in a garden.

China Gold Bamboo

Chinagold has pretty golden stems with green leaves. This variety of clumping bamboo tends to be a bit shorter than many other varieties, only reaching around 20 to 28 feet tall at its tallest point. This plant can reach its full height in as little as three years, allowing you to create a quick screen for an area. They need to be well watered when newly planted, but once established they become drought tolerant. These plants are low maintenance and their bushy tops can make them look great either as a standalone feature or in a sieve row.

Tips for growing clumping bamboo

While each variety of clumping bamboo may have different individual needs, there are some general tips you can use when planting and caring for your clumping bamboo, regardless of the species.

Do not leave the plant for too long

Once you’ve picked up your new bamboo from your local nursery or had it delivered from an online shop, try not to wait too long to plant it! It is best to plant the bamboo in the desired location. If this is not possible, put the plant in a spot with some shade and water it well. One way to ensure your bamboo can be planted quickly is to prepare the area where you plan to plant it in advance.

Plant in well-drained soil

Bamboo likes to be in soil that drains well. Be careful not to grow bamboo in an area that has become blocked by rainwater or has drainage problems. Bamboo plants tolerate water as long as they are in a spot where the water can drain.

Leave the leaves alone

Resist the urge to pick up any leaves that fall off and fall to the base of the plant. This can help protect the roots of the plant. As these leaves decompose, they also add nutrients back to the soil for the bamboo to absorb.

Learn about the needs of your specific strain

Once you’ve chosen the clumping bamboo variety you want to plant, do a little research on the plant’s characteristics and needs. Each species of bamboo can differ in what it needs for healthy growth, and finding out the relevant information can help you meet your plant’s needs!

Use compost to plant bamboo

Taking care of the right plants is very important for optimal growth and health. Use garden compost or manure to work into the soil around your new bamboo planting while digging the initial planting hole. Work the new compost into the bottom of the hole to improve drainage and place the bamboo in the hole so that the top of the root mass is level with the top of the soil. Make sure the hole is 1.5 to 2 times the width of the bamboo root mass.

Mix in the remaining compost with the local soil when you refill the hole. This provides a nutrient boost and improves drainage in the soil around the bamboo roots. Lay a 2-3 inch layer of compost over the top of the bamboo. Water the new planting thoroughly.

Soil selection for optimized planting

Most bamboos do best in moderately acidic loamy soil. If your soil is very heavy, you can add organic matter. The material can be dug into the ground where you want to plant the bamboo, but you can also mulch very heavily and let the earthworms do the work by building a berm of nutritious soil (which also helps with bamboo control). Bamboo is a woodland plant and does best when a mulch is kept over the roots and rhizomes. Spread two or more inches of mulch around the area around the bamboo and where you want the bamboo to grow.

It’s best not to rake or sweep up the bamboo leaves from under the plant as they keep the soil soft and moist. Leaves also recycle silica and other natural chemicals necessary for the bamboo. Almost any organic material makes a good mulch. A low-growing, shade-tolerant groundcover plant that allows the leaves to fall through to form a mulch without being visible will work if you find dry leaf mulch uncomfortable. Grass is one of the best organic mulches as it is rich in nitrogen and silica. Homemade or commercial compost is great too. In our nursery we use a large amount of chopped trees from pruning services. This can harbor pathogens that may affect some trees or shrubs, but the bamboo loves it.

*We sell a Teufel Soil Products organic blended compost that contains all the essential nutrients including active microbes, worm droppings, seaweed meal and composted manure and bark chips. We have been using this product for several years and it has had consistent quality and excellent results on our bamboo.

Grow bamboo in containers

Bamboo is an excellent container plant. It offers an upright, evergreen screen for many uses. We have developed a special container for growing bamboo called Sugi Bamboo Planters as our flagship offering. They provide containment for up to 10 years before the bamboo needs to be transplanted.

Other options include galvanized metal storage tanks, cedar crates, and large cloth pots (Root Pouch).

The following points are important for the long-term health and conservation of container grown bamboo:

Expected height/stem diameter

Limited root space = limited height and smaller stem diameter. In general, the expected height is 1/2 to 3/4 of the maximum height. For example, Black Bamboo (a running bamboo) can grow over 30 feet tall in the ground, but often won’t get taller than 15 feet when grown in a container. Clumping bamboo often reaches 10 feet in a planter as opposed to 12 to 15 feet in the ground.

resilience

Bamboo grown in containers is less hardy than grown in soil. Container bamboo, especially those that are not well adapted to hot sun and cold winters, require more care in placement as they can be damaged if the pot overheats or freezes. A bamboo that is hardy to 0℉ in the soil may suffer cold damage at 10℉ if grown in a container. The larger the container, the more robust your bamboo will be.

irrigation

We recommend watering your containers when the top of the soil appears dry, until water comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom. Always monitor your plants for signs of dehydration, such as: B. leaves curling. In extreme heat we often water our bamboo every day, but in normal weather we water 2 to 3 times a week in summer or during longer dry periods. 1 to 2 gallons of water per session is usually sufficient, but this amount increases if the container is larger or the bamboo is root bound.

soil/fertilization

Bamboo does best in a neutral to slightly acidic, well-draining but moisture-retaining potting soil.

We recommend fertilizing 3x per vegetation period (spring – summer) with a nitrogen-rich grass fertilizer: 20-5-10 (NPK) for example with added iron. We also offer an 8-2-2 Organic Bamboo Fertilizer (this is a custom blend we developed at Bamboo Garden) to mix in with the potting soil. Always follow package directions for amount and frequency of use.

Repot/Share

Depending on the size of the container, you will need to repot or divide every 5-10 years to maintain the bamboo’s optimal health and vitality. With our Sugi bamboo planters, bamboo can grow well for up to 10 years. If left uncared for, root bound bamboo can escape from its container or even break. Repotting/dividing is best done in spring. “Dividing” means cutting the bamboo root mass in half and transplanting the divisions into separate containers. Smaller divisions can also be made at this point. Our Sugi bamboo planters have the bottom removable so the bamboo can be squeezed out from underneath, which is a great advantage for easy transplanting.

container

We recommend using our Sugi bamboo planter as it offers good insulation from both heat and cold and offers easy maintenance due to the trapezoidal shape and bamboo barrier linings. If metal storage tanks are used for bamboo, we recommend insulating the inside with Bamboo Barrier. Metal stock should also have additional drain holes (1/2 inch diameter and ~2 per square foot) to ensure adequate drainage. We recommend placing all containers on brick foundations to avoid eventual clogging of drainage holes or container deterioration.

bamboo barrier

Bamboo rhizomes can stick to porous surfaces like wood or clay. Therefore, we recommend lining each container with a bamboo barrier to make removing your bamboo easier and to extend the life of the planter. Bamboo Barrier also provides extra insulation from heat and cold.

Although you don’t have to worry about damaging your bamboo no matter how you cut it, you must consider where on the cane you make your cut for aesthetic reasons. Pick a joint on the stem and cut just above it, as anything left above a notch will wither and die back to that notch. If you simply cut the canes down to the ground to get rid of bamboo or for annual pruning, this is not a problem.

Once a bamboo grove begins to mature, pruning contributes to its overall health. This is done to prevent the overpopulation of canes and the removal of canes that have reached the end of their life cycle. Sticks usually last about 10 years. Removing these canes and other unwanted canes will help stimulate new growth and make room.

Pruning is not usually necessary until the bamboo is established. This is generally after the 3rd to 5th growing season. The time it takes for bamboo to become established can depend on many factors such as planting area, species, climate zone, water, sunlight and soil. If you’re not sure, go slow and just remove a few and wait for the reaction in your next growing season. You can always remove more, but it’s difficult to force new growth.

Most people already know that bamboo is a beautiful, exotic plant that comes in a variety of colors to brighten up the landscape. But let’s dig a little deeper and examine the planting benefits and care instructions, as well as containing the spread.

Is Bamboo Invasive?

Bamboo is associated with being an invasive plant that can quickly take over an area. But not all bamboo species are invasive. It is actually extremely easy to care for and grows very well in containers as the perfect houseplant.

What is bamboo?

Bamboo is a fast-growing type of grass that is often confused with a tree. It is the tallest member of the grass family and has hollow shoots that grow straight up and produce leaves. It is considered one of the fastest growing plants in the world, with some bamboo species growing at a rate of 36 inches per day. Bamboo is often the top choice for something that is low maintenance and uncomplicated. It’s perfect for beginners – indoors or outdoors. Plus, bamboo stalks also act as a great accent piece to add a burst of color to any landscape.

Why should you plant bamboo?

Different types of bamboo

There are over 1,000 different types. Bamboo comes in a variety of different colors, with stems ranging from black and gold to light and dark green.

Some varieties, like multiplex bamboo, have a growth rate of 10 feet or more per year and can be made into a privacy fence in a snap.

privacy fence

Planted in rows, bamboo makes an attractive privacy hedge that can easily be maintained at a certain height. You don’t have to worry about hurting your bamboo when you prune it to keep it at your desired height as it will regenerate quickly.

Environmentally friendly

Bamboo can also benefit the ecosystem. Planted in groups, bamboo prevents soil erosion on slopes and hills. The plant’s regenerative properties make it an eco-friendly resource for paper, food, furniture, homes, and more.

indoor and outdoor plants

If you are short on space or have a desire to bring bamboo into your home, don’t hesitate! Just put it in a container. Potted bamboo looks great on porches, patios and as interior decoration. Bamboo in containers not only thrives in low light indoors, but also brings fresh air, peace and happiness.

How to stop the spread of invasive bamboo

Clumping vs. Running Bamboo

Running plants are the varieties that spread over large areas. They have roots called rhizomes that spread horizontally from the root system and produce new shoots. The rhizomes stay close to the surface and can be found about 10 to 12 inches below the soil line.

One way to stop bamboo from running is to get a clumping variety. Clumping bamboo will not send out rhizome roots. Instead of spreading out over several meters, they become a few centimeters wider. Clumping strains tend to have a faster growth rate because they get taller instead of spreading outward.

There are a number of solutions when it comes to easily caring for running strains.

How to control Bamboo running

You can plant running bamboo in a container to keep it indoors or outdoors. To make a bamboo privacy fence, plant it in a long container or plant several containers side by side. It’s still filling in to form a solid living wall. You can keep it in the ground by mowing around the edges of its planting spot. Driving over new shoots does not harm the plant or the mower. Another option would be to dig a trench about 10 to 12 inches deep around your plant. The roots of the plant that are spreading stay close to the surface, and you can see them sticking out through the sides of the trench. If you see them, cut them off with hand shears, pruning shears, or a sharp shovel. Another common solution would be to plant your bamboo in a raised planting bed surrounded by walls or cement.

Bamboo plant care

Bamboo plants outdoors

To grow bamboo outdoors, plant it in an area that gets full to partial sunlight. Bamboo grows in a variety of lighting conditions, but it grows fastest in full sun. Keep in mind that young plants may need protection from the harsh summer heat if planted during the summer months.

Your plant will adapt to your natural soil, even if it’s sandy or clayey, as long as it drains well. Make sure your plant gets about an inch of water per week, either from rain or by hand. By placing a 3-inch layer of mulch around your plant, you help the soil retain moisture and nutrients. And give your plant some balanced organic fertilizer at the beginning of spring each year.

Potted bamboo plants

If you plan on storing your bamboo in a container, make sure it has drainage holes at the bottom. Water your potted plant until you see liquid draining from the bottom of the pot. Keep in mind that potted plants need water more often than those that are planted in the ground.

Bring your container plant indoors as soon as the cold weather arrives, or insulate the pots with mulch and wrap the container in an insulating material (like jute).

Check out our bamboo collection for more bamboo inspiration!

frequently asked Questions

Should I Plant Bamboo for Privacy?

Bamboo creates excellent privacy for your landscape. Planted in rows, it forms a dense hedge that keeps out unwanted noise or unsightly views while giving you the lush privacy you’re looking for.

What is a clumping bamboo?

Clumping bamboo has a shorter root structure and does not send out rhizome roots like running bamboo does. Clumping strains grow outwards from a central plant and tend to have a faster growth rate because they get taller instead of spreading out wide.

What Are the Benefits of Clumping Bamboos?

Clumping bamboos are non-invasive and usually easier to control. They won’t spread as widely as running varieties, which is what many people prefer.

frequently asked Questions

CAN I TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT MY BAMBOO QUESTIONS?

Yes you can. We are happy to take your call and provide you with expert advice on the bamboo you would like to buy. We can also give you hints and tips on how to get the most out of your bamboo as key is in preparing your garden bed or what type of soil to use in a planter. Call Mike on 0419 871 844; Our opening hours can be found on our website under the heading “Contact”.

HOW FAST WILL MY BAMBOO GROW?

Your bamboo growth will depend on the type of bamboo you chose, how you prepared your garden bed, or what type of soil you used for your planter. Growth also depends on the weather and how much water it gets. But in general, you can expect your bamboo to reach its full height within 2-3 growing seasons.

CAN I EAT MY BAMBOO?

All types of bamboo form shoots, but these are only edible if you carefully prepare them beforehand by boiling the shoots several times and changing the water in between. Cooking reduces the bitter taste and breaks down the potentially toxic chemical toxins. In general, the larger bamboo species are tastier than the smaller varieties.

CAN I PRUNE MY BAMBOO TO REDUCE THE HEIGHT?

Yes you can. But within reason.

Removing the canopy allows more light to enter the “heart” of the bamboo – facilitating foliage growth from inside the clump. The result will be a much denser leafy plant. But there are limits to how much of a bamboo’s height you can remove and still end up with a good, healthy, happy plant.

Perhaps it’s best to remember that you could always choose a shorter style; This way no pruning is required.

Go to our Bamboo Facts section of our website and select Care and Maintenance for more information.

HOW MUCH SUN DOES MY BAMBOO NEED?

Most bamboo species, with a few exceptions, prefer to grow in full sun. Because of this, bamboo produces most of its foliage where there is maximum sun exposure, which is obviously at the top of the bamboo. If the bamboo is free standing and a good amount of sun reaches the base of the bamboo then it will also have good bushy foliage down to the ground.

However, when bamboos are planted in close proximity to each other or in the shade of other trees, little sun reaches the lower parts of the culms, which then results in less foliage growth at those lower levels. The bamboo will only put energy into leaf growth where there is good sunlight and thus the maximum opportunity for photosynthesis.

Another growth trait caused by bamboo growing in the shade is that it grows taller than it would otherwise grow in full sun. Since the bamboo wants the light, it will try to get it by growing bigger. A bamboo growing in the shade will always grow larger than the same species growing in full sun.

It’s important to understand both of these growth traits, as a given species of bamboo can look very different depending on the amount of sunlight it receives. Planting them in shady areas or close together will make them taller and less bushy below. When planted in full sun and widely spaced, they will be shorter and have thicker, bushier foliage down to the ground.

If you want to encourage more leaves on the lower tiers of the bamboo, you can make this easier by cutting off the tops of the bamboo, allowing more light to reach the underside. Also, simply thinning out the bamboo by removing old culms (by cutting them off completely at ground level) also helps to allow more light into the clump. This can be a minor snag 22 as you are removing culms (thus reducing the amount of foliage). However, the extra light reaching the rest of the bamboo culms will more than make up for this with the extra leaf growth it will encourage.

IS ALL THE BAMBOO IN MY NEIGHBOR’S GARDEN WILD?

No, definitely not! Only the running bamboo is invasive and can grow out of control and cause headaches for you and your neighbors. All of the bamboo we stock (with the exception of Nigra Black) is a clumping species and therefore only spreads within its typical footprint. Visit our Bamboo in Stock page on our website which contains the description of each species we sell.

Clumping bamboo has very tight, shallow, and non-invasive root balls, so they’re pretty safe to plant near fences, pipes, or pools. Since bamboo belongs to the “grass family”, bamboo roots do not expand like tree roots. If there are leaks in your pipes, bamboo roots will not enter the pipe and will expand their roots to aggravate the crack. This problem is ONLY caused by tree or palm roots, not clumped bamboo roots. Bamboo has a fine surface root system that doesn’t seek out and block drainpipes.

The root ball is generally only 500mm deep or less and they have no running roots.

However, due to the varying growth width (aka footprint) of clumping bamboo species, it’s important that you use the right species for your planting area. We can tell you which type is best for your area.

IS BAMBOO A HORRIBLE WEED?

Bamboo has a bad reputation due to the proliferating/invasive species of bamboo. Melbourne has been cursed with the highly invasive Golden Bamboo for many decades. If planted without borders, it will fulfill its duty to conquer the entire territory. However, this is a good looking, indestructible plant, fantastic for screening or even as a specimen plant on its own in just about any condition. If planted in a controlled area and checked for emergent rhizomes and their removal every few months, you won’t have any problems with it. Clumping bamboo species are a different plant altogether and don’t deserve the bad rap that the runny type has. Their roots form a clump and do not run away. Many people do not understand that such a bamboo plant with non-invasive properties exists. In fact, clumping bamboo is far less obtrusive than most trees and shrubs planted in any garden.

DELIVER?

Yes we do.

We can arrange delivery of your plants anywhere in Australia.

Prices and delivery times vary depending on your location and the size of your order.

On our website you can calculate the shipping costs when you add an item to your shopping cart. Or call us for a quote!

Once delivery has been arranged please be patient as it may take a few days before we are able to dispatch the delivery.

Please note that Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory have strict quarantine regulations which will incur additional charges.

WILL MY BAMBOO FIT IN MY CAR?

You’d be surprised how many bamboo pots fit in a standard sized vehicle! Most bamboos are very flexible and can therefore be bent/curved and laid down to fit in a small space without affecting the plant in any way, especially if you can fold down your back seat. You may even be able to create a larger storage area if you have a foldable trunk compartment. If you want we can certainly help you pack your bamboo in your car.

Larger pot sizes and more mature plants can be more difficult to mount. So if you’re looking for large plants we recommend a ute or trailer to make packing easier and make sure you have a tarp or sheet to cover them to avoid windburn on the journey home.

CAN YOU HELP ME PLANT MY BAMBOO?

We do not currently offer landscaping, but you can visit our handy and informative Plant Prep section of our website. It explains how to prepare and plant your bamboo so you get the most out of your plant. Feel free to pass this guide on to any landscaper you hire to ensure you get a great result!

IS BAMBOO A TROPICAL PLANT?

There are over 1200 varieties of bamboo around the world, growing from very cold temperate climates to the hot tropics. Most of the cold growing varieties are running types. There aren’t many clumping strains that thrive in this climate.

However, our stock only contains bamboo which is best suited to Melbourne’s climate and all but one (Nigra Black) are the clumping variety.

WHY IS BAMBOO SO EXPENSIVE?

Bamboo very rarely produces seed, so most propagation methods are by division or cuttings, both of which are labor intensive and slow to achieve a successful result.

Also, it takes a lot of time and effort for us to take care of our stock and make sure it stays healthy and ready for you to plant.

CAN BAMBOO BE A HOUSE PLANT?

We do not recommend growing bamboo indoors. Yes, it is possible, but there are many things to consider:

Light: lots of natural light but no direct sun through glass.

Soil: an open mix that contains moisture and nutrients.

Watering: very difficult to keep the right level of moisture in the soil. Overwatering quickly harms a plant, dehydration harms it even faster. Water may splash onto your floor/carpet.

Humidity: Indoors in Melbourne, the air is usually dry. Bamboo loves high humidity.

Air Flow: An open window nearby is very beneficial

Bugs: thrive on a houseplant. Spider mites, scales, mealybugs, etc. are difficult to control

DOES BAMBOO REQUIRE A LOT OF CARE?

Once planted in the right spot and given adequate water and nutrients for the first few months, your bamboo can be cared for like any other garden plant. A quick cleanup of dingy older culms is recommended to keep your bamboo looking its best.

IS BAMBOO GOOD FOR MONITORING MY NEIGHBORS?

Bamboo is an excellent screen plant. Thick, tall hedges are easy to achieve as bamboo is the world’s fastest growing plant on land. Semi-mature plants can be purchased and can provide an instant screen for your neighbors, or if you are patient, smaller younger plants can be planted and after a season or two the job is done. With its small footprint and rapid growth, nothing else compares.

$67.50

$10 flat rate shipping per order to Sydney

Slender Weaver’s bamboo plants grow extremely fast and are the perfect bamboo to use as a privacy screen or hedge.

This is the best bamboo for growing a screen in Sydney.

The plants for sale are typically 1.5 to 1.8 m tall with 3 to 6 culms

Fast growing, cold and drought tolerant, the best screen bamboo.

Slender Weavers bamboo plants for sale are approximately 1.5m tall with 2-6 culms (depending on propagation method) and grow to 3-4m in height within 12 months and 6-8m in the following year.

They will grow just as well on the coast as in western Sydney.

Slender Weaver’s bamboo plants in Sydney will grow from a 200mm pot to full height in a few years.

Plant four to four feet apart for faster growth.

Please read this page to learn why the initial bamboo size in a same sized pot makes no difference in the time it takes to reach maturity/provide a screen.

Standing, stagnant water is one of the main things that attracts mosquitoes. If you live in an area that gets heavy or frequent rains, make sure your yard has good drainage.

A dirty bird bath is not a pleasure for humans or birds, but it can be a major attraction for mosquitoes. Here are some easy steps to keep your bird bath clean.

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dcwcreations/Shutterstock

garden waste

According to Tailor Made Lawns, yard debris is a favorable breeding ground for mosquitoes because it protects them from wind and other elements. The list includes grass clippings; overgrown vegetation; Stacks of sticks, twigs and branches; pile of leaves; tall, uncut grass; compost heap; and unkempt natural areas and shrubs.

Regular mowing and debris removal should help alleviate a mosquito problem.