10 Questions about bamboo plants you should know before growing them

Bamboo plants are adorable. They are evergreen, fast-growing and are fantastic options for traditional hedges and screens.

But, many gardeners ask why these lovely plants are often hard to deal with.

We put together the top 10 questions asked by many gardeners and homeowners for you. 

Bamboo plants for Sale UK

1. Q. I want to grow bamboo, but they are invasive. What should I do?

A. Many homeowners and gardeners are worried that bamboos are invasive.  There are two varieties of bamboo plants. The running bamboos are invasive whereas the clumping bamboos are not invasive.

In addition, you can use bamboo root barriers or pots and still enjoy all the benefits of growing bamboo either in the garden or in pots. 

Bamboo plants can be a problem if left unchecked for 2 – 3 years as many large plants do. 

This is often the case due to neglect or when someone inherits bamboo from a previous owner. 

Perhaps it is important to note that bamboo plants are great pot plants, undemanding and providing the best natural covers. 

But to keep them in good shape, they’ll need attention. 

2. Q. How can I grow bamboo plants from cuttings?

A. Generally, though bamboo plants are undemanding, they will require your attention especially when grown in pots. 

So, prepare the pots and soil prior to growing the new plants.

• A large pot is necessary for bamboo as they are large plants. As they grow up and outwards, they’ll also expand at the bottom. So, a large pot or planter is ideal for growing them.

• Use well-drained and moist soil. All the bamboo plants we feature on GardenBambooPlants.com require well-drained and moist soil to grow well. Here is a detailed article on the best soil for growing bamboo and how to make it.

3. Q. When is the right time to grow bamboo plants?

A. The best time to plant bamboo is early in Spring, or around March. 

These are ideal times because the new shoots will be prominent. 

Importantly, the new bamboo plants in the pots will require attention. 

Keep a watch when they put out the new shoots so that the slugs do not destroy them.

4. Q How many bamboo cultivars to grow in the UK?

A. We feature over 70 bamboo plants. 

Most of the running and clumping bamboos thrive in the UK conditions. 

You can find out more about them by following the three navigation on this website.

• Use the search button on the right.
• Check the top Menus.
• Click here – running bamboos vs clumping bamboos.

5. Q. What kind of bamboo is best for the garden?

A. Clumping bamboo varieties are great garden plants, they spread more slowly and gradually. 

In the garden, they can be used as ornamental or patio pot plants. 

Fargesia Simba and Pleioblastus Distichus are the best for garden centrepieces.

6. Q. Is bamboo legal in the UK?

A. There are currently no restrictions on planting bamboo in the UK. 

The UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Updates 11 December 2014, now the Guidance to Invasive Non-native Plants) does not classify bamboos as an invasive species.

 

7. Q Can bamboo grow in pots and containers?

A. You can grow both Running and Clumping bamboo in pots and containers. 

Their growth and duration are limited to the size of the pots and will require care or repotting after 3 – 5 years.

In-depth Answer: Here is an article we wrote about the Best Bamboos for Pots.

8. Q. Does bamboo grow in shade?

A. Although most varieties of running and clumping bamboos like sunlight, they can also grow in shades. 

Some varieties of clump-forming bamboos are best for partial and full-shaded areas. 

When planting a variety of clump-forming plants to grow in the share, ensure that the soil is well-drained.

9. Q. How much water does bamboo need?

A. Old bamboo plants have natural water storage capacity through their hollow canes/culms and rhizomes (roots). Their deep roots and long canes will be able to store water and become drought resistant.

A. New bamboo will need water to grow until the roots and culms are well established. Water generously, but not too much water to avoid waterlogging. Lack of water or too much water can kill them.

10. When is the right time for pruning bamboo plants?

A. Summer checks: In the Summer, the plants would have grown to full height, and the rhizomes have reached far and wide or packed in clumps. 

Prune the culms and rhizomes, but not an ideal time to grow or re-pot the bamboos they may not survive the cold in Winter.

A. Spring checks: In the early Spring, the new shoots are an indication of how far the plants have grown and how healthy they are. This gives you an ideal opportunity to prune, re-pot or dig out the intruding rhizomes and canes.

Bamboo plants for sale UK

Here are reliable UK retailers that sell bamboo plants and get them delivered to you.

The red bamboo plants are a stunning addition to the garden. 

They are also ideal pot plants. 

The redness in new shoots and culms and change of colourations make these bamboos a standout.