Bambusa malingensis Seabreeze Bamboo for Privacy Screen

Seabreeze bamboo, also known as Bambusa malingensis, is a popular choice for creating a privacy screen in outdoor spaces. Its tall, slender stalks and lush green foliage make it an attractive option for any garden or backyard. However, growing bamboo plants can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the right methods. In this article, we’ll explain how to successfully grow Seabreeze bamboo for a privacy screen.

Seabreeze bamboo is clump-forming bamboo

First, it’s important to note that Seabreeze bamboo is a clump-forming bamboo. It will not spread aggressively like some other types of bamboo. This is great news for those who are concerned about bamboo taking over their garden or backyard. In fact, it does still require plenty of space to grow and reach its full potential.

The first step is to choose a suitable location. This type of bamboo thrives in full sun or partial shade. It’s best to plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. 

Also, consider the soil type and drainage when choosing a location. Seabreeze bamboo prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, you may need to amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage.

Check out where to buy bamboo in the UK, here

Planting Seabreeze bamboo

Once you have chosen a suitable location, it’s time to prepare the soil. Start by removing any grass, weeds, or other debris from the area. 

Then, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of your bamboo plant. Mix some compost or other organic matter into the soil that you removed from the hole. This will improve the soil’s fertility and drainage.

Next, it’s time to plant your Seabreeze bamboo. Gently remove the bamboo plant from its container and loosen any tangled roots. Place the plant in the hole and fill in around it with the amended soil. Water the plant well and keep the soil consistently moist until the plant is established.

In this video, I filled the gaps in the bamboo screen and explain what to do when removing bamboo from pots.

 

Monitoring new bamboo plant

Once your Seabreeze bamboo is planted, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that it grows strong and healthy. This includes regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning.

Watering is crucial, especially during the first few weeks after planting. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. 

As the plant becomes established, you can reduce the frequency of watering. However, it’s important to keep an eye on the soil moisture level and water as needed.

Caring for Seabreeze bamboo

Fertilizing is also important for Seabreeze bamboo. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions, usually once a month during the growing season.

Pruning is another important step in maintaining your Seabreeze bamboo. Prune off any dead or damaged stalks and remove any yellow or brown leaves. This will promote healthy growth and encourage new stalks to sprout.

With proper care and maintenance, your Seabreeze bamboo will grow quickly and create a lush, green privacy screen in no time. As it grows taller, you can also add a trellis or other support to help it maintain its shape and keep it upright.

Have you heard about Alphonse Karr bamboo? One of the outstanding yellow bamboo plants, find out.

Bambusa malingensis Seabreeze Bamboo for Privacy Screen

All in all, growing Seabreeze bamboo for a privacy screen is a great way to add some greenery to your outdoor space. 

However, it does require proper care and maintenance to ensure that it thrives. 

By choosing a suitable location, preparing the soil, and keeping up with regular care & maintenance, your bamboo will provide the privacy screen you envisioned.

Which bamboo is best for privacy screens? [Fargesia Vs Phyllostachys]

Homeowners and gardeners are wondering which bamboo plant would be most suited for screening purposes.

Some bamboo plants, called running bamboo plants, can become a serious problem if planted in the garden without a barrier.

There are many cultivars of running and clump-forming bamboo. The common ones are the Phyllostachys and Fargesia bamboo plants.

So, which bamboo plants is best for privacy screens? 

Which bamboo is best for privacy screens?

Many gardeners play it safe and opt for the clump-forming Fargesia over Phyllostachys. 

The Fargesia bamboo plants hold more foliage which offers more density for screening whereas the Phyllostachys is more about the stem colour and height.

Different Fargesia cultivars will produce different thicknesses and heights so it really depends on your need for screening.

For Fargesias, the Fargesia Umbrella bamboo plants produce thick screens and Fargesia Robusta cultivars are mostly tall. 

Some Phyllostachys bamboo plants like the Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) and Scottish Bamboo (Phyllostachy Humilis) are running bamboos but behave like clump-forming bamboos in cooler climates.

Bamboo charm and elegance

The charm of the foliage and elegance is quickly lost when you see roots and shoots emerging in all parts of the garden, interfering with the built structures. 

Even worst when they cross the boundary over to the neighbour's side and cause some 'neighbourly discussions'.

Most Phyllostachys bamboo plants have running rhizomes that spread. But, there are cost-effective ways to grow running bamboo for screening.

You can still enjoy the charm and elegance of these beautiful plants by building a rhizome barrier before growing them. 

Use bamboo root barriers

When growing the running bamboo plants within barriers you won't have problems with them invading all parts of the garden, built structures and neighbour's side.

There are many different ways to create bamboo barriers from growing bamboo in planter boxes, pots and containers to building raised structures and securing bamboo roots within roots barriers.

Fargesia murielae Jumbo Umbrella Bamboo [Clump-forming]

Fargesia murielae Jumbo is a fast-growing, tall Umbrella Bamboo with evergreen foliage and light green culms. It grows well in contained spaces and likes sunny spots and partly shaded areas.

This clump-forming bamboo thrives in pots and containers, ideal for terraces, balconies and patios. 

Also an excellent choice for an individual plant or a garden centrepiece.

Fargesia murielae Jumbo for Sale

Standing Stone Bamboo is a beautiful ornamental bamboo, an ideal choice for tall-growing hedges or screens, or as an individual plant.

To buy Fargesia Murieliae Simba, here is where to buy clumping bamboo plants. We listed some top UK Home and Garden retailers like Crocus and YouGarden.

Click on the link/s where you’ll be directed to top UK Bamboo Suppliers. 

You can check the latest prices before buying the bamboo that suits your budget. (Let us know if you have a particular choice of bamboo that we can help with).

Fargesia Bamboo Features

• Identification: Fargesia murielae 'Jumbo', Umbrella Bamboo.
• Foliage: Lime green, broad leaves.
• Culm colour: Tall yellowish-green arching stems.
• Height: 3 – 5m, fast-growing.
• Spread: Clump-forming, non-spreading bamboo.
• Use: Hedge, screen, individual plant.

Growth requirements

• Site: Sun to part shade.
• Soil: well-drained moist, loam or sand and clay.
• Hardiness: - 15 degrees Celsius.

Grow Umbrella Bamboo Fargesia Murielae Jumbo 

Fargesia murielae Jumbo is one of the popular Umbrella Bamboo plants to grow in the mild temperate region including the UK. 

This clump-forming bamboo can grow to 5m, producing beautiful lime green leaves and greenish-yellow culms.

The Fargesia murielae Jumbo is, in fact, a very versatile plant fit for many purposes both indoor and outdoor. 

Its fast-growing nature makes it the best candidate among the Fargesia murielae variety for hedges and screens.

Arching stems and evergreen foliage gives the ‘umbrella’ effect when planted as an individual plant or as a garden centrepiece.

Jumbo Bamboo is not massive at all compared to other large bamboo plants. 

But it is a tall plant if you compare it to the Fergasia murielae and Fargesia nitida varieties. 

It is a well-behaved non-invasive bamboo, best for terraces, patios, small gardens and ceramic/clay pots and containers. Grow in spots where there is 4 - 5 hours of sunlight.

Nurture Fargesia murielae Bamboo Plants

Growing bamboo in a non-native climate requires care and protection, especially when they are newly planted.

Although bamboo plants are tolerant, there is a number of natural threats. Mitigating these early threats is the best thing to do to protect the new growth. Here are the common dangers:

• The new leaves, shoots and rhizomes tips are susceptible to slug attack.
• Frozen soil can cause damage to the root hairs and rhizomes.
•  Strong winds can damage the new culms.

Protect Fergasia Murielae Bamboo Plants

To avoid the natural threats to your bamboo plants, do these:

• Apply Slug and Snail Killer around your new bamboo,
• Add organic mulch.
• Tie the culms to poles/stakes (See this video – How to Protect Bamboo from Heavy Wind and Snow)

The Jumbo Bamboo plants do not need fertilisers if you are using nutrient-rich soil. Generally, bamboo plants thrive in well-aerated loam, sand and loose clay soil.

This clump-forming bamboo loves moist soil, but not waterlogged soil because the root hairs will decay very quickly in it, not what you’d want to see.

Propagate Fargesia murielae Jumbo

There are three ways to propagate bamboo plants:

• from the seeds, or
• by culm and rhizome cuttings, or
• by culm separation.

20+ Fargesia Bamboo Varieties

Fargesia murielae ‘Jumbo’ (umbrella bamboo) is a tall arching, clump-forming bamboo, closely resembling Fargesia nitida varieties, but with yellowish-green stems.

These 5 Fergasia Bamboo plants have features similar to the Umbrella Bamboo ‘Jumbo’.

1. Rufa Bamboo
2. Nitida Black Pearl
3. Robusta Campbell
4. Nitida Jiuzhaigou Bamboo
5. Fargesia Scabrida Asian Wonder Umbrella Bamboo

Umbrella Bamboo UK

We did extensive research on the popular bamboo plants in the UK and, carefully, gathered the qualities and features so that you can find the one that suits you.

Check out our collections of over 20 Fargesia murielae and Fargesia nitida bamboo plants on our Featured Bamboo page. 

These bamboo plants are amazing, they come in various sizes, shapes, colours, and formations.

The Fargesia clumping bamboo plants are non-spreading, forming clusters of rigorous stems and clumps. There are best for small hedges and privacy screens. 

They thrive in pots and containers, and in small spaces like the terrace and balconies.

Someone said, ‘there is just the right bamboo for every garden’. Study the features carefully and identify a clump-forming bamboo that is suitable for your garden.

Fargesia Robusta Pingwu - Why It Is Called Green Screen [Clump-forming Bamboo]

Fargesia Robusta Pingwu is a low-maintenance clump-forming, non-invasive, evergreen bamboo. 

This small to medium bamboo plant has lime green upright canes that mature to light yellow. The new shoots and branches appear pinkish with the dark shiny green leaves.

Fargesia Pingwu is ideal for hedging, screening or planting in pots. Its common name is 'Green Screen' and the reason is obvious - its large evergreen leaves provide perfect green foliage all year round.

Its low upright culms and vibrant evergreen foliage can withstand temperatures as low as – 15 degrees Celsius, a very hardy plant. 

Grows well in the UK and European temperate areas.

Buy Fargesia Robusta Pingwu

We compiled a list of reputable Home & Garden retailers in the UK where you can buy the right bamboo at the right price. 

Check out the bamboo plants for sale here.

Fargesia Robusta Pingwu: Dark shiny green leaves, upright green to yellow canes.

Common Features of Fargesia Robusta Pingwu

• Identification: Fargesia Robusta Pingwu, Green Screen, Umbrella Bamboo
• Foliage: Evergreen, deep dark green.
• Culm: upright, green to yellow when mature.
• Height: 3 - 4m at full height
• Spread: 1.5 – 2m, clump-forming.
• Use: Screen, hedge, containers
• Perennial: 10 -20 years.

Bamboo Growth requirements

• Site: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: loam, sand, and clay.
• Moisture: Well-drained and moist.
• Hardiness: - 17 degrees Celsius, hardy bamboo.

Grow Clump-forming Bamboo Screen

Nature painted this clumping bamboo pretty well using contrasting green and yellow. 

Commonly known as the 'Green Screen' for its dense green dark leaves and bright green/bright yellow canes. 

It is a standout in Spring and Summer when the colours are prominent.

Fargesia Robusta Pungwu is non-invasive and undemanding compared to the other Fargesia Robusta Bamboo plants. A medium-sized bamboo, it grows in tightly packed clumps and can spread just 2m and reach 4m high.

Pingwu grows at a rate of 0.5 to 2.m metres in one growth year in the UK. 

On average, this fast-growing bamboo can reach maturity at 3 -5 years. After that, it will remain evergreen for an estimated 10 – 20 years.

Uses of Fargesia Robusta Pingwu

This clump-forming non-invasive bamboo is the best choice for small to medium hedges and privacy screens. 

In fact, the broad dark green leaves and arching branches and upright culms provide make it the best choice for any cover.

It is also an ideal bamboo for small to medium pots and containers.

Also, it will do well in part-shaded areas. Use it as a standalone or undercover plant. It will also perform well in pots.

Fargesia Robusta Pingwu Care

Although bamboo plants are tolerant, there is a number of natural threats growers should be mindful of.

Mitigating these early threats is the best thing to do to protect the new growth. 

Here are the common natural threats that are likely to affect the growth of your Fargesia Robusta Pingwu:

• New leaves, bamboo shoots and rhizomes tips are susceptible to slug attack.
• Frozen soil damages the exposed root hairs and rhizomes.
• Strong winds damage the tender new culms.

Protect Fargesia Robusta Pingwu

To avoid the natural threats to your bamboo plants, do these:

• Apply Slug and Snail Killer around your new bamboo.
• Tie the culms to poles/stakes
• Add organic mulch.

Generally, the bamboo plants thrive in well-aerated loam, or sand and loose clay soil but the older plants will require fertiliser and moisture, at least, once in Spring. 

Check to see if they are putting out new shoots, or whether the leaves and soil are in good condition.

This clump-forming bamboo loves moist soil, but not waterlogged soil.

The root hairs will decay very quickly in waterlogged soil. Something to avoid if you are growing a new bamboo purchase.

Propagate Fargesia Robusta Pingwu

There are three ways to propagate bamboo plants:

• from the seeds, or
• by culm and rhizome cuttings, or
• by culm separation.

Some people have successfully used the conventional ‘Layering’ as the fourth way to propagate large bamboos. 

However, propagating bamboos from the cuttings and by separation is, by far, the two popular ways many gardeners use in the UK.

Slugs were capable of wiping out the tender growths in one visit when left unprotected. 

To protect the new bamboo shoots and rhizome tips, add Slug and Snail Killer around the new plants.

5+ Robusta Bamboo to choose from

Fargesia Robusta Pingwu is an Umbrella Bamboo that resembles other Robusta Bamboo plants that we feature of Garden Bamboo Plants (GBP). Pingwu's best features among the Robusta Bamboo group are the copious amount of leaves and bright yellow stems, non-invasiveness and tight upright formation.

Here is a unique selection of Small to medium Fargesia Robusta Bamboo plants under the Umbrella Bamboo label.

1. Fargesia Robusta Campbell
2. Scabrida Asian Wonder
3. Fargesia murielae Bimbo Small Bamboo
4. Frosty Bamboo Angustissima 
5. Robusta Bamboo Collection

Fargesia Robusta Campbell

Bamboo Plants for Hedge, Screen or Contained Spaces

Bamboo plants are tolerant and tough, they provide the evergreen perennial effect. 

These plants are fast-growing and longer-lasting. They provide the best greenery cover all year round.

Bamboo plants are known to grow at an average rate of 0.5 – 1.0m in Spring and Summer, reaching their full maturity within 3 – 5 years. 

Interestingly, these hardy plants remain evergreen for up to 20 years, even more. 

Fargesia Robusta Pingwu clumping bamboo thick leaves and dense foliage form a formidable evergreen screen, that is why it is called the 'Green Screen' bamboo.

Fargesia Robusta Formidable Best for Hedges and Screens [Clump-forming Bamboo]

Fargesia Robusta Formidable is ideal for low hedges and screens. Also a fantastic container plant.

Its upright culms and arching evergreen foliage can withstand temperatures as low as – 15 degrees Celsius, a very hardy and drought tolerant.

Buy Fargesia Robusta Formidable

We’ve compiled a list of the reputable Garden retailers in the UK where you can buy the right bamboo at the right price.

You can buy clump-forming bamboo plants from top UK retailers.

Characteristics Fargesia Robusta Formidable

• Identification: Fargesia Robusta Formidable, Umbrella Bamboo
• Foliage: Evergreen dense foliage.
• Culm: upright, brown sheath, green culm.
• Height: 3 - 5m at full height (avoid growing in windy sites)
• Spread: 2 –4, clump-forming.
• Use: Screen, hedge, containers, oriental garden, individual plant.
• Perennial: 10 -20 years.

Bamboo Growth requirements

• Site: Full sun to part shade.
• Soil: loam, sand and clay.
• Moisture: Well-drained and moist.
• Hardiness: - 15 to - 10 degrees Celsius, hardy bamboo.

Grow Formidable Green Screen Bamboo

Robusta Formidable resembles the popular Fargesia Robusta Campbell, however, it is smaller, shorter and broader in appearance.

It is difficult to identify these two Robusta Bamboo varieties from images. 

The best way to tell the difference is to compare them side by side, Campbell is tall and slim whereas Formidable is compact. 

As the name suggests, both bamboo plants are fast-growing, robust clumping bamboo plants.

Fargesia Robusta varieties can be quite demanding compared to the other Fargesia group of bamboo plants. 

The Robusta Bamboo plants produce a lot of new shoots after the first or second year of growth. It will form tight clusters of culms and thick evergreen foliage.

Formidable grows at a rate of 0.5 to 2.m metres in one growth year in the UK. 

On average, this fast-growing bamboo can reach maturity at 3 - 5 years. 

After that, it will remain evergreen for an estimated 10 – 20 years.

Uses of Fargesia Robusta Formidable

This clump-forming non-invasive bamboo is the best choice for small to medium hedges and privacy screens. 

In fact, the broad dark green leaves and arching branches and upright culms provide make it the best choice for any cover.

It is also an ideal bamboo for small to medium pots and containers. One reason why it makes a good container plant is its compact nature. It adapts well to confined spaces.

Another reason this bamboo is ideal for pots and containers is that it produces an 'umbrella' effect with its arching branches and upright (compact) stems.

Fargesia Robusta Formidable Care

Although bamboo plants are tolerant, there is a number of natural threats growers should be mindful of.

Mitigating these early threats is the best thing to do to protect the new growth. Here are the common natural threats that are likely to affect the growth of your Fargesia Robusta Formidable :

• New leaves, bamboo shoots and rhizomes tips are susceptible to slug attack.
• Frozen soil damages the exposed root hairs and rhizomes.
• Strong winds damage the tender new culms.
• Bamboo plants will occasionally need mulch as fertilizer.

Propagate Fargesia Robusta Formidable

There are three ways to propagate bamboo plants from the seeds, or by culm and rhizome cuttings, or culm separation.

Some people have successfully used the conventional ‘Layering’ as the fourth way to propagate large bamboos. 

However, propagating bamboos from the cuttings and by separation is, by far, the two popular ways many gardeners use in the UK.

Choose from our Fargesia Robusta Bamboo Collections 

Fargesia Robusta Formidable is an Umbrella Bamboo that resembles other Robusta Bamboo plants that we feature on Garden Bamboo Plants (GBP).

Formidable's best features among the Robusta Bamboo group are the copious number of leaves and bright yellow stems, non-invasiveness and tight upright formation. Best for hedges like this (VIDEO)

Here is a unique selection of Small to medium Fargesia Robusta Bamboo plants under the Umbrella Bamboo label.

1. Fargesia Robusta Campbell
2. Scabrida Asian Wonder
3. Fargesia Robusta Pingwu
4. Frosty Bamboo Angustissima
5. Robusta Bamboo Collection

Bamboo Plants for Hedge, Screen or Contained Spaces

Our work on bamboo on this site shows that there is, in fact, the right bamboo plant for every garden and contained space.

Bamboo plants are tolerant and tough, they provide the evergreen perennial effect. 

These plants are fast-growing and long-lasting and provide the best greenery cover all year round.

Bamboo plants are known to grow at an average rate of 0.5 – 1.0m in Spring and Summer, reaching their full maturity within 3 – 5 years. 

Interestingly, these hardy plants remain evergreen for up to 20 years, even more.

Fargesia Robusta Formidable is a clump-forming bamboo best for hedges and screens.

Fast-growing Evergreen Outdoor Privacy Screen - All You Need To Know

An outdoor Bamboo Screen is the best way to shield off unattractive features near the hedge and add a space of admirable greenery. 

Many gardeners and homeowners prefer garden bamboo screening because they have desirable features such as dense evergreen foliage, height, spread and hardiness.

About this article: This article is a guide for finding suitable bamboo plants for privacy screens. The bamboo plants are placed into tall, short and medium. If you want an 8 ft privacy screen or a modest natural bamboo screen, check out the original article here.

Garden Bamboo Hedging Screen Ideas

A privacy screen can be thin or thick, tall, short or medium. They come in many shapes and sizes. 

The common bamboo plants in the UK have dense evergreen foliage and come in various sizes.

You can find the perfect bamboo Phyllostachys or Fargesia for screening. 

To help you, we group the bamboo into different ‘height’ and ‘spread’ categories so that you can use the suggestion as a guide when selecting a bamboo plant for screening.

Height of bamboo privacy screen - Idea #1

Bamboo plants often grow (very quickly) to a full height in the first 3 years and remain evergreen for 10 to 20 years. 

Some bamboo plants are tall, best for the tall bamboo privacy screens that are about 8ft tall.

Others are short or fall in between tall and short bamboo. The options are endless.

We group the bamboo into 

• tall (6 metres+), 
• medium (4 metres to 6 metres), and
• short (1 metre to 4 metres).

Note that the online bamboo suppliers and bamboo retailers will clearly show the average height on the labels. 

We use them as the standard heights (and spreads) and do not guarantee that the bamboo plants will reach their full potential because soil condition and the environment can affect their growth.

The new bamboo plants will require some care and attention to grow to the maximum heights.

Also, the bamboo plants are tolerant and hardy, but they will succumb to slug attacks and poor soil conditions. So as any good grower should do, always prepare the site before planting.

 Check out the guides on how to prepare the site for growing bamboo plants.

Bamboo privacy screen choose the right spread - Idea #2

Another important feature of bamboo plants to consider for privacy screens is the ‘spread’. The spread is basically how wide the bamboo can spread from the parent plant to shield off the unsightly structure.

Some varieties of clumping bamboo are perfect options for low hedging privacy screens but may not be ideal for blocking an overlooking-window high up. So, it is vital to take into consideration all you want the plant to do.

Notably, the running bamboo plants are invasive and will spread if left unchecked. They are ideal for a tall narrow screen. On the other hand, the clump-formers do not have running rhizomes. 

Although they are considered non-invasive, the clumps and culm (or cane) clusters will outgrow the designated site.

We group the bamboo plants, both running and clumping bamboo, into 3 categories - see here. The groupings are based on their average spread. 

We hope that the groupings will help you to identify the bamboo plants by how far they spread from the parent plant.

Dense culm clusters thick hedging bamboo screens - Idea #3

The clumping bamboo plants rarely grow to 6 metres and are much denser than the running bamboo. They thrive in the UK climate.

The bamboo plants in this category are predominantly clump-forming with either thicker culms or produce masses of culms in Spring. 

As the name suggests, the clumping bamboo canes (culms) tend to grow into a tight cluster around the parent plant, forming a formidable tight screen.

If you are screening a short wall or the neighbour's shed, the clump-forming bamboos are the best options. However, you may have to buy more than one plant to provide a good cover. 

As a rule of thumb, plant the clump-forming bamboo no more than 1.5 metres to give you are dense hedging screen.

Here are the 5 bamboo plants that tend to form clusters of ‘Dense-culms and provide small to medium garden bamboo screens.

Arching bamboo for dense privacy screens - Idea #4

The ‘dense foliage' category is made up of tall and arching running bamboo plants commonly referred to as the Umbrella Bamboo. 

Their new shoots grow very fast and tall to about 2 – 3 metres before putting out branches.

The dense arching bamboo plants tend to reach a height of about 4 to 6 metres, ideal for thick screens. 

For example, these bamboos provide an evergreen cover (or screen) for boundaries, walls and low buildings.

‘Upright’ bamboo for tall privacy screen ideas - Idea #5

Check out where to get this bamboo here.

This category is an extension of the Tall garden bamboo hedging screen listed above. 

Additionally, this extra list separates the tall upright bamboo plants from the arching plants. 

Take it as an exclusive list of only the popular Phyllostachys running bamboo plants, except the clumping bamboo Standing Stone.

As the name implies, upright bamboo plants tend to grow straight up. Some can reach over 6 metres if the conditions are right.

Many of these upright bamboo plants tend to do well when they are planted away from the direct wind, providing the best natural screen all year round. 

Here are the 5 upright bamboo plants that thrive in the UK, in fact, most of them are on crocus.co.uk.

How to select the best privacy screen - Idea #6

The bamboo privacy screen is the best way to create an admirable natural green space in the garden. 

Here is a risk-analysis checklist, a guide to selecting bamboo hedging plants, to help you choose the best garden natural privacy screens.

This table is a tool that will surely help you to identify the right garden hedging bamboo screen. Here is how to use the table:

• firstly, make a shortlist of  suitable bamboo plants,
• secondly, use what you know and your expectations of the bamboo and
• finally, use the 5 bamboo plants we stated to identify, by elimination, the bamboo you want.

You will select the right bamboo if you follow these 3 simple steps.

How to grow bamboo for a privacy screen? - Idea #7

Bamboo growers have always asked ‘how close to a structure or the neighbour’s side should they plant bamboo?’.

Some bamboo varieties can destabilise the structures or creep into the neighbour’s side.

If you a going to plant a bamboo hedging screen near the boundary, you’ve got to choose the site well.

There are several factors that will affect your choice of site for planting the running bamboo screen. 

If you can control the bamboo from the start, it will become easier as they grow, but how close to the neighbour’s side should you plant a hedging bamboo?

Guide for selecting the right garden bamboo hedging screen

So we have covered many tips and ideas and presented several suggestions for selecting bamboo for hedging garden screens. Here is the 'Guide' to help you make your decision!

Note that the questions are structured especially for you to eliminate the undesirable bamboo plants, leaving only the best option for you. Download the PDF version - Guide for Selecting Garden Hedging Bamboo.

Right garden bamboo privacy screen matters

Finding the best, even better the right, bamboo is what matters the most. 

So, use your preferences to find the right bamboo for garden screening.

Other factors to consider are, for example, how high the bamboo should grow and how much space is available for it to spread. 

These important factors have been included in this article, so you will not go wrong when selecting a fast-growing evergreen outdoor privacy screen.

Furthermore, growing bamboo on the hedge as a privacy screen sometimes means that you will have to plant the bamboo close to the neighbour’s side. 

All these risk-benefit analyses are important as you choose bamboo for your garden.

Conclusion

To conclude, the right option for a Fast-growing Evergreen Outdoor Privacy Screen depends entirely on your situation and choice.

We create the risk-analysis table as a tool for helping you choose the right bamboo. 

So, use the suggestions in this article to help you identify the best home and garden hedging privacy screen.

Related articles on Evergreen Outdoor Privacy Screen

Readers' note: This article is so long that we split it into several parts. Here are the related parts that you may also like to read:

• Part 1: EVERGREEN BAMBOO SCREENS FOR BALCONY AND TERRACE
• PART 2: FAST-GROWING EVERGREEN OUTDOOR PRIVACY SCREEN - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW [WIth ImageS]
• Part 3: HOW CLOSE TO THE BOUNDARY CAN YOU GROW BAMBOO PLANTS?
• PART 4: BAMBOO PRIVACY SCREEN CARE AND MAINTENANCE
• Part 5: HOW DOES A BAMBOO PLANT GROW? [VIDEO]

How close to the boundary can you grow bamboo plants?

Bamboo plants are great because they are fast-growing and beautiful natural plants.

They are also invasive, but not all bamboo plants do spread. We advocate for bamboo root/rhizome barriers when growing the running bamboo plants.

Here are some tough questions that you should ask when growing bamboo along the boundaries and build-up areas.

 

How close to the pavement to grow screening bamboo?

Careful when growing privacy screening bamboo near patios and pavements. 

The patios and pavements laid with sand do not stand a chance against the rhizome’s tips. The tips will invade the tiny gaps and force their way through the pavement blocks.

Choose a suitable clumping bamboo to plant near patios and pathways. 

If you choose running bamboo, create a barrier. Alternatively, dig a small trench or a raised base (bed) to protect the pavement.

How far away from the neighbour’s side to grow bamboo?

Grow the bamboo in a barrier and at least a metre away from the boundary. This ‘one-metre’ space provides Access Way to the bamboo plants and will help you to monitor the growth of the new shoots and rhizome tips.

The key point is that the Access Way helps you to spot and stop running rhizomes and shoots growing into the neighbour’s side. In other words, leave a gap between the boundary and where you chose to plant the bamboo.

If you wish to grow a bamboo privacy screen close to the boundary, use a raised base (bed) or dig a narrow trench to stop the bamboo from creeping onto your neighbour’s side.

Related articles on Evergreen Outdoor Privacy Screen

Readers' note: This article is so long that we split it into several parts. Here are the related parts that you may also like to read:

• PART 1: EVERGREEN BAMBOO SCREENS FOR BALCONY AND TERRACE
• PART 2: FAST-GROWING EVERGREEN OUTDOOR PRIVACY SCREEN - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW [WITH IMAGES]
• PART 3: HOW CLOSE TO THE BOUNDARY CAN YOU GROW BAMBOO PLANTS?
• PART 4: BAMBOO PRIVACY SCREEN CARE AND MAINTENANCE
• PART 5: HOW DOES A BAMBOO PLANT GROW? [VIDEO]

Solve Bamboo Problems with ‘Access Way’

Many people want to grow bamboo, but they fear it might spread uncontrollably.

Reassuringly, there is no need to worry if you want a quick result for a bamboo screen. Try to understand how a bamboo plant grows and use the 4 tips to grow healthy bamboo plants.

The tips are based on our experience dealing with running bamboo plants growing along the boarder. They are effective in keeping the rhizomes from spreading. 

• Create an ‘Access Way’: The hedging bamboo plants are controllable if you create an ‘Access Way’. The access will enable you to monitor the new growths that are not behaving.

• Trim the new shoots: Trim the new bamboo shoots close to the ground, usually in Spring, when the new plants are germinating. (You will need the access way to monitor the new shoots).

• Control the new rhizome tips: To stop the running bamboo rhizomes from misbehaving, dig the new rhizome tips and remove them, immediately.

• Selective pruning: This applies to both the running and clumping bamboo where you can remove the old culms to promote new growth. You can also direct the new growth into the foliage to create a dense hedge.  the video of our work running bamboo. We tie back the Phyllostachys aureosulcata Spectabilis and create a dense hedging screen)

Importantly, without any access to the hedging bamboo screen, it is going to be hard to control them as they grow. 

Here are some suggestions and care tips that will help you with your choice of bamboo covers.

How close to the neighbour's side should you grow bamboo plants? How these questions and answers with tips will help to avoid any potential neighbour's dispute.

Yellow Cane Bamboo Plants UK

In this article, we take a look at the question many of our readers ask - what yellow bamboo plants can I grow in pots? 

5 Yellow Cane Bamboo Plants that will thrive in contained spaces like pots and containers. These bamboos are also popular in the UK. 

So let’s find out what these bamboos are and why you should grow them in pots.

Popular bamboo plants UK

There are two types of bamboo plants – the running bamboos and the clumping bamboos. 

We have details of over 70 bamboo plants on GardenBambooPlants.com. 

There, you'll find a fine collection of bamboo plants that do well in the UK, including the Common Green-culm Bamboos and Black Bamboos.

Check out all the collections of Yellow Bamboo and Red Bamboo

Should you grow yellow cane bamboo plants in pots?

Bamboos are evergreen and long-lasting. Best to grow in sites where they’ll provide a permanent cover such as in the garden or along the boundary or as hedges and privacy screens. 

 The yellow cane bamboos are fantastic pot plants. 

Though these plants do not flower regularly, the golden yellow canes are naturally beautiful. 

Below, is a list of 5 golden yellow cane  bamboos and the benefits of growing these bamboos in pots.

Benefits of growing bamboos in pots

• Movable: Most bamboos in pots are not easy to move because they are large and heavy plants. The Phyllostachys yellow bamboos (see below) will require additional help or tool to move them around, like this Hand Truck from B&Q. However, the great thing about growing bamboo in pots is that you CAN actually move and adjust the pots to your heart’s desire with a bit of help.

• Maintainable: Bamboo are undemanding plants. You can prune the number of culms and greenery you want on the potted bamboos, and they’ll keep producing new shoots year on year. That is why they are great privacy plants.

• Protection: Bamboo plants are hardy and can withstand cold and frosts. Though they are generally tolerant to insects and bugs, the new shoots are susceptible to slug attacks. So, growing them in pots and elevating them above the ground is the best protection.

• Root barriers: The running bamboos are invasive, especially the golden Chinese timber bamboo, Yellow Bamboo Vivax and other bamboos listed below. Pots provide the barrier and stop them from invading other spaces.

• Indoor and patio plants: Bamboos in pots can be used as natural screens for balconies, patios, porches, and verandas. They also provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere for the outdoor sitting areas and are good conversation starters when friends and family visit you.

What yellow cane bamboo plants can grow in pots?

There are several yellow bamboo plants from the families of running and clumping bamboo you can find on GardenBambooPlants.com. 

This list is in fact a fine collection of the golden yellow cane bamboo plants, not only popular in the UK but preferred by many homeowners and gardeners. 

Click on the links to find out about growth requirements.

 

1. Bamboo Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis
2. Phyllostachys aureosulata ‘Aureocaulis’
3. Golden Yellow Chinese Timber Bamboo Vivax
4. Fishpole Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys Aurea)
5. Golden Groove Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulata ‘Spectabilis’)

These links provide an in-depth collection of the features, growth requirements and care tips for each of the bamboos mentioned. 

The featured articles here will give you a better understanding of the height, spread and other specific details for growing the bamboo plants.

What are the yellow cane bamboo cultivars that grow in the UK?

 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 using the three navigation methods here.

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

All in all, the golden yellow cane bamboo plants are adorable. 

They are undemanding when grown in pots. 

They provide a calm and warm atmosphere in the outdoor spaces and in the garden. 

The benefits of growing the 5 yellow cane bamboos in large pots outweigh the fact that they are invasive.

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.

How to grow red bamboo plants?

Red bamboo plants are a stunning group of plants, though not so common as the black bamboo plants. 

Most of the red bamboo plants are from the clumping variety. 

Check out these articles for the 5 best read bamboo plants that grow well in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and other parts of the temperate regions where there are four seasons.

Grow red bamboo plants in the garden

Bamboos are evergreen and long-lasting, best grown in sites where they’ll provide a permanent cover such as in the garden as ornamental plants, or along the boundary as hedges and privacy screens. 

The red bamboos are a standout. 

So, grow them somewhere obvious where you will admire them all year round. 

It is a good idea to use root barriers if you are growing the running red bamboo plants because this will stop them from spreading. 

Alternatively, grow them in pots. See below why growing bamboo plants in pots is a great idea.

Grow red bamboo plants pot?

The red bamboos are fantastic pot plants. Though these plants do not flower regularly, the red canes are naturally beautiful.

• Movable

Most bamboos in pots are not easy to move because they are large and heavy plants. 

The red bamboo plants will require additional help or tool to move them around, like this Hand Truck from B&Q. 

However, the great thing about growing bamboo in pots is that you CAN actually move and adjust the pots to your heart’s desire with a bit of help.

• Maintainable

Bamboos are undemanding plants. 

You can prune the culms and leave the greenery you want on the potted bamboos, and they’ll keep producing new shoots year on year. 

That is why they are great natural privacy plants.

• Protection

Bamboo plants are hardy and can withstand cold and frosts. 

Though they are generally tolerant to insects and bugs, the new shoots are susceptible to slug attacks. 

So, growing them in pots and elevating them above the ground is the best protection.

• Root barriers

The red running and clumping bamboos are either invasive or will expand at the base. 

Either use the large heavy pots or root barrier to stop them from spreading.

• Indoor and patio plants

Bamboos in pots can be used as natural screens for balconies, patios, porches, and verandas. 

They also provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere for the outdoor sitting areas and are good conversation starters when friends and family visit you. 

You can grow the red bamboo in the garden and use root barriers to stop them from spreading. 

Alternatively, you can use the pots to grow these bamboos. 

Either way, the red bamboos will give your garden and home a different but natural appearance.

Red bamboo Plants UK

Red bamboo plants are native to China and eastern Asia. These bamboo plants are hard to find. 

However, some cultivars of the red bamboos are now growing in the UK. 

You can get them online or at a garden nursery near you. These bamboos are best for small gardens or pots when planted as individual plants. 

Most cultivars are non-invasive clumping bamboos, we’ve also seen several variations of the running red bamboos.

The variations of burgundy red in new shoots and culms, including changes of colourations make these bamboos a standout.

What are red bamboo plants?

Apart from the common bamboos with green and black culms, you can also find yellow and red stem bamboos. 

They come in different sizes, shapes heights, and colours. The red bamboo plants generally have red colouration in their shoots or stems. 

Though they may not be red, the name red bamboo is used to identify them as belonging to a group of bamboos with some redness in them. 

There are a few bamboos that really appear to be red. Their shoots and young culms show the distinct crimson or burgundy red. 

The colourations will eventually fade as the stems (culms) age. The changes are what make these bamboos special! 

At GardenBambooPlants.com, you’ll find over 10 red bamboos with the features mentioned above. Here are the 5 best red bamboos with prominent red colourations.

5 bamboo plants with red stems and shoots

This is a fine collection of 5 red bamboo plants, not only popular in the UK but is also preferred among many homeowners and gardeners. Click on the links to find out about growth requirements and details of the shoots and culms colourations.

• 1. Fargesia Scabrida (Asian Wonder)

Fargesia Scabrida (Asian Wonder) - Clumping Bamboo

 

• 2. Phyllostachys rubromarginata

Phyllostachys parvifolia running bamboo

 

• 3. Fargesia Murielae Red Zebra

Fargesia Murielae Red Zebra Bamboo clumping bamboo

 

• 4. Fargesia nitida Volcano (Red Chinese Fountain Bamboo)

Fargesia nitida volcano the Red Chinese Fountain Bamboo (Clumping Bamboo)

 

• 5. Fargesia nitida Jiuzhaigou

Fargesia nitida also called Red Panda (Clumping Bamboo) 

 

 These links provide an in-depth collection of the features, growth requirements and care tips for each of the bamboos mentioned. 

The featured articles here will give you a better understanding of the height, spread and other specific details for growing the bamboos.

Check out the 5 best red bamboos plants and other common running and clumping bamboos that grow well in the UK.

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

They are also ideal pot plants.

Tall bamboo plants UK - How to Grow Them

The tall bamboos are an ideal option for a natural privacy hedge. 

These bamboos have thick foliage and are tall, best for screening unattractive features. 

Many gardeners and homeowners prefer garden bamboo hedges because they are fast-growing. 

The dense evergreen foliage, height, spread and hardiness give the garden and out spaces a natural green appearance all year round.

 

Tall bamboo plants for privacy hedging

At GardenBambooPlants, we feature over 70 running and clumping bamboos that you can grow in the garden or in pots. 

They come in different stem colours, sizes and heights. 

If you want a natural bamboo privacy hedge, check out these 5 tall running bamboos. They are 6m or more in height.

Upright, tall and large bamboos for privacy hedge

This category is an extension of the tall garden bamboo hedging screen listed above. 

Additionally, this extra list separates the tall and upright bamboo plants from the arching plants. 

Take it as an exclusive list of only the popular Phyllostachys running bamboo plants, except the clumping bamboo Standing Stone. 

As the name implies, upright bamboo plants tend to grow straight up. 

In fact, some can reach over 6 metres if the conditions are right

Many of the tall and upright bamboo plants do well when they are planted away from the direct wind, providing the best hedge screening all year round. 

Check out the bamboo for sale in the UK at crocus.co.uk.

How to grow tall bamboo plants

Here are three options for ensuring complete control over your garden hedging privacy screens.

• Build Raised-base: The raised base will help you to spot the rhizome tips and trim them before the tips creep into the small gaps in the pavement or the neighbour’s side.

• Dig narrow trench 0.3m to 0.5m deep: The running bamboo rhizomes tend to grow on the top layer of the soil. As the name implies, the rhizomes are running horizontally, not deep into the soil. A narrow trench will help you to monitor the rhizomes and trim them as they grow out. The narrow trench acts as an open root barrier.

• Plant the bamboo in large pots: If you are growing bamboo plants for balcony privacy screening, plant them in large pots or containers. This is the best way to contain the bamboo.

Guide for selecting the right garden bamboo hedging screen

So we have covered many tips and ideas and presented several suggestions for selecting bamboo for hedging garden screens. 

Here is the 'Guide' to help you make your decision! 

 Note that the questions are structured especially for you to eliminate the undesirable bamboo plants, leaving only the best option for you. 

Download the PDF version - Guide for Selecting Garden Hedging Bamboo.

Quick links to bamboo plants for privacy and hedging

So, what kind of bamboo is best for privacy? 

Depending on what you like, here are some suggestions of living bamboo plants for creating an ideal privacy space and garden hedge.

• Award Winners Best Features
• Bamboo plants for balcony privacy
• Small Bamboo Plants for Privacy 0.5m-4m
• Why are umbrella bamboos the best living privacy covers?
• Medium height bamboos for natural privacy screens 4-6 metres

Where to buy tall bamboo plants?

The tall bamboo plants are great for creating a tall living screen for privacy. 

They come in different sizes and colours, too. 

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

Tall bamboo privacy hedge

The tall bamboo plants are tall plants. They are a great option for tall privacy hedges.