- Common name: bamboo
- Botanical names for bamboo plants include: Fargesia and Phyllostachys.
- Family: grasses (Poaceae)
- Type: evergreen perennial
- Main attributes: evergreen foliage and sound
- Planting time: spring or autumn
- Height: 30cm-14m (1-50ft)
- Width: 60cm-10m (2-32ft)
- Aspect: varies
- Hardiness: H4 to H5
- Difficulty: easy to average
The largest grasses on the planet, in China and Japan bamboos form mesmerising forests of towering canes. These are so robust that they provide a building material that is stronger than steel and, since bamboo plants grow faster than any other plant, more sustainable than timber. Such oomph considered, selecting one for the garden ought to be well thought through. The right choice will provide a fuss-free mass of lush green leaves that rustles and sways on the breeze all year; the wrong choice could take over your garden and the garden next door.
Of the hardy species, some (such as good old Fargesia) are clumping (non-spreading), whilst others (including Phyllostachys) are runners (spreading). The site and climate they are planted in will affect how the runners behave: in cold regions, they often remain compact. The standard advice is to contain running types with a barrier, but since a barrier will hinder a plant, it's arguably better to buy one that's the right size and temperament for your garden.
Which bamboos to grow in a small garden or pot
Dragon head bamboo (Fargesia rufa, which reaches 2.5m) is a beautiful, leafy emerald bamboo with an arching habit. In its native China, it is one of the favourite foods of the giant panda, and in the UK, it is one of the best bamboos for most small gardens. As well as being clumping (non-spreading), it tolerates a variety of conditions, including drought, wind, and even dry shade; it responds well to clipping, if you want a short bamboo hedge; and it is excellent in a container. An even smaller gem is Shibataea kumasaca, which grows to 1-metre tall. In its native Japan, it is widely used for clipping into low hedges. Grow it in neutral to acid soil or ericaceous compost in a pot.
Many gardeners choose to plant the running (spreading) bamboos in pots, assuming this is a safe way to contain them. In some instances, for several years, it is. For instance, Indocalamus tessellatus, which has glossy tropical-looking leaves, does well in a pot. But the stronger forms – such as Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda or Bashania fargesii – can cause pots to crack or even explode; and rampant Sasa palmata f. nebulosa will grow through drainage holes if there is soil underneath; it's best not to court such beasts unless you have several acres.
Drought-tolerant bamboo
Fargesia robusta (5m) is one of the best non-invasive hardy bamboos and fares exceptionally well in periods of drought. It provides great privacy, maturing into a vertical dense mass of green canes (that are sheathed with white early in the season) and a cloud of light-green leaves. Its cousin Fargesia nitida is also resilient in dry weather.
For sun
The widely available fish-pole bamboo, Phyllostachys aurea (6m), is an elegant upright species that loves rich, retentive soil in an open site; its Latin name (aurea meaning golden) is a bit of a misnomer, since the culms are mostly green, only turning yellow-green in maturity; in cool areas, it will remain compact, but can spread in warm climates. It's also great in pots. Tall upright Semiarundinaria fastuosa is another sun worshipper and good for screening.
For shade
Charming and non-invasive, Thamnocalamus crassinodus 'Kew Beauty' (4m) has blue culms that gradually take on cinnamon tints. It dislikes drought and excess heat, so plant in light shade. Fargesia angustissima and Fargesia nitida also relish light shade or dappled shade.
For cold regions
The showy yellow-groove bamboo, Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis (6m), colours best in a cold climate, producing custard-coloured culms that blush coral-red when young and become striped with green, like sticks of rock; even better, it is unphased by poor soil, wind, and drought. For a small garden, the non-spreading Fargesia bamboos also fare well in cold areas, especially F. rufa, F. nitida, and F. robusta.
For screening and hedging
If you want a leafy boundary at speed for privacy and greenery, bamboo plants are an excellent choice. Some (such as Semiarundinaria fastuosa, which reaches 7m) look good left in their natural forms; others (including 4-metre Pseudosasa japonica) can be being clipped into a hedge. In a small garden or a mild area, select one that won't spread and clips well, such as Fargesia robusta or Fargesia rufa.
For golden canes
Capable of 6 metres, the allgold bamboo (Phyllostachys bambusoides 'Holochrysa') has incredible amber culms that glow shades of peach, yellow, and orange in sunlight. It likes elbow room and can grow with gusto in sheltered, warm gardens. Where space is tight, Semiarundinaria yashadake f. kimmei (4m) is the more manageable choice, producing a mass of slender, bare golden canes beneath high-sprouting leaves.
For black canes
The widely available black bamboo, Phyllostachys nigra (6m), is a Chinese species that can produce wonderful jet culms. In cooler regions, the colouring tends to be better and the plant will be well-behaved, remaining compact, but the leaves can scorch in extreme winter weather. A shorter option is the Chinese fountain bamboo, Fargesia nitida (3m), which has lovely grey and purple-black culms and tolerates drought, heat, cold, and shade.
How to plant bamboo
Most bamboos can be planted in sheltered sun or semi-shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil, but some have specific requirements, so check with your supplier. Borinda papyrifera and Fargesia nitida, for example, prefer light shade, while Phyllostachys nigra and Semiarundinaria fastuosa like full sun. Do not overly dig the soil before planting; rather gently fork the hole and add some peat-free compost. In pots, use a mix of loam-based (John Innes No 3) and multi-purpose compost. If planting in autumn, provide the plant with some winter protection (such as fleece); if planting in spring, water regularly in summer drought and heat.
How to grow bamboo
Buy from a specialist nursery, such as Whitelea, Bowdens, or Scottish Bamboo, to ensure quality and to ask which bamboos would suit your site.
For an easy life, purchase a form that is the right height and spread for your requirements because most bamboos do not look good trimmed from the top and containing their outward growth can be a headache.
Younger, smaller plants establish better and quicker than larger, older, more expensive bamboos.
Water when necessary – young, potted, and barrier-bound bamboos will require the most moisture.
Feed bamboos in pots during the growing season with liquid fertiliser. There is no need to feed bamboos in the ground, unless they are contained by a barrier.
Leave fallen leaves on the ground to nourish the plant. You could also mulch with peat-free compost in autumn or early spring.
Thin out old canes, when necessary, early in the season, and use them as garden supports. Bamboos are perennials and will produce new culms (canes) each year. Older canes can be removed to reduce congestion and improve the look of the plant.
How to control bamboo
Spreading forms of bamboo can be contained by inserting a bamboo barrier. However, a barrier will hinder the plant and protrude above the soil. So, ideally, buy the right bamboo for your site, so that a barrier is unnecessary. Be warned that barmier forms (such as Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda) will hop over a barrier and surge into the rest of your garden. Many running forms can be kept at bay by severing the wandering rhizomes with a sharp spade.
