Lucky Bamboo Plant Benefits: Green Living and Good Fortune

If you're searching for a low-maintenance plant that promotes green living at home, lucky bamboo might be the perfect choice. 

Lucky Bamboo Plant Benefits

This popular household plant not only adds a touch of elegance to your living space but also offers a range of benefits that can positively impact your well-being and surroundings. Let's explore the seven key benefits of keeping a lucky bamboo plant at home.

Lucky Bamboo Creates a Healthy Environment

Lucky bamboo plants are believed to be highly effective at purifying the air and promoting a healthy living environment. 

While some claims about their ability to reduce harmful toxins and increase oxygen levels are still under debate, one thing is certain—having household plants like lucky bamboo creates a happier and healthier atmosphere. 

Studies have shown that plants can enhance mental health, improve focus, elevate moods, and induce a sense of calmness, making them valuable additions to any living space.

Easy to Grow Indoors

For those who lack a green thumb, lucky bamboo is a great option. It's one of the easiest houseplants to grow indoors, making it suitable for both seasoned gardeners and novices alike. 

Lucky bamboo can thrive in various conditions, including low light and infrequent watering. 

With proper care, these plants can continue to flourish in your home for many years, even if you occasionally forget to water them.

Matches Well With Bamboo Floors

If you have bamboo floors in your home, adding a lucky bamboo plant can beautifully complement your modern-style interior decor. 

Whether placed as part of a centrepiece or on a bookshelf, lucky bamboo adds natural charm to any room. 

Moreover, the sustainable qualities shared by lucky bamboo and bamboo floors, such as being naturally pest-resistant and biodegradable, align with environmentally friendly living.

Good Luck Charm

Lucky bamboo plants have a rich history of being used as good luck charms, particularly in Feng Shui practices. 

Different arrangements of lucky bamboo stalks symbolize various forms of luck, such as prosperity, love, health, and positive emotions. 

Avoiding groupings in multiples of four is advised, as this number is associated with death. When given as a gift, lucky bamboo carries these positive effects, making it a thoughtful present for loved ones.

Aesthetically Pleasing and Versatile

Beyond their symbolic meanings, lucky bamboo plants are aesthetically pleasing and can be shaped into various patterns using ribbons or strategic lighting. 

They can enhance the visual appeal of any room, making them a versatile choice for home decoration.

Also, lucky bamboo is low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Its resilience means you don't need to invest significant time or money to care for it, making it an affordable and hassle-free addition to your home.

Promotes Green Living and Positive Vibes

By adding a lucky bamboo plant to your home, you not only bring in some greenery but also welcome positive vibes and good fortune. 

Cultivating an appreciation for nature and incorporating living organisms like plants into your living space can have a positive impact on your well-being and overall outlook on life.

Luck and Good Fortune

In conclusion, lucky bamboo plants offer a range of benefits that make them a wonderful addition to any home. 

So, why not consider bringing the benefits of lucky bamboo into your home today? Enjoy the perks of good luck and good fortune with this elegant and auspicious plant.

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.

What Bamboo Can I Grow?

Bamboo belongs to the grass family, a characteristic most frequently emphasised. There are at least 1,000 species known to botanists and more are being documented. The huge differences between bamboo running and clump-forming bamboo give bamboo growers a wide range of plants to grow in the garden. So, if you are asking the question 'What Bamboo Can I Grow', you've come to the right place.

Here we take a look at the standout bamboo cultivars that feature prominently in many gardens around the world.

What bamboo grows best near me?

Bamboo plants range from the Southeast Asian giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus), which may grow to be 30 metres tall, to the 45 cm long pygmy bamboo (Pleioblastus pygmaea).

Bamboo plants are common in Asia and are also native plants of North America, the Pacific, and Africa. Some species also are native to the United States and Mexico.

For Europe and the United Kingdom landscapes, the clump-forming bamboo species are greatly preferred over running types, which can be invasive. Also, running species grow best in warmer parts of Europe.

Here in the UK, many clump-forming bamboos such as  Fargesia murielae Simba perform well. Unlike popular belief, they can be slow to grow in the cooler areas however thrive when mature.

Feature bamboo: Bamboo murielae rufa is a variety of Fargesia cultivars from Southeast Asia. Plants grow rapidly and feature dense (umbrella) canopy, ideal for privacy screens.

What bamboo plant can I grow?

One of the award-winning running bamboo species in Europe and the UK is the Black Bamboo Nigra. 

The Black Bamboo is outstanding because it behaves like clump-forming bamboo in the cooler area. This cold-hardy bamboo plant grows 4 to 6 metres tall in rich soil. It produces chocolate dark stems where there is plenty of direct suns. 

For dense screens along boundaries, grow the bamboo plants 2 - 4 metres apart. 

The umbrella bamboo cultivars owe their elegance to densely packed leaves and arching foliage. Their sheer thickness bends the bamboo stems, giving the impression of cascading plumes of foliage that sway in the slightest breeze.

Where can I buy bamboo plants?

Clump-forming bamboo plants range in height and provide additional options. One of them is Seabreeze bamboo, which grows rapidly to 12 metres in height. It tolerates pruning well, so it’s often used as a soft hedge.

A favourite of bamboo lovers in mild areas is the Phyllostachys aurea (Fish-pole golden bamboo), a 2-4 metres slender stem bamboo that gives the best garden sticks. It is winter hardy to - 20 degrees Celcius. 

Potted plants of the bamboo mentioned are available online.

Grow Bamboo Plant in Container

Many gardeners grow bamboo in containers because it is a fast-growing screening and hedging plant.

Growing bamboo plant in containers is not hard if you know how to do it correctly.

Selecting a suitable container

The first thing you need to do is find a container that will be large enough for your bamboo plant. Select a pot with drainage holes, so the water can drain out when it rains or when the container overflows.

Also, select a container with a stable base, so that the plants do not wobble and fall as they grow tall.

Prepare the soil for growing bamboo in a container

The next thing you need to do is prepare the soil to fill the pot with bamboo, so they can grow well and become strong and healthy. You should mix compost with soil and sand because this will help with drainage and water retention.

After filling your pot with soil, add some fertilizer, which will help your bamboo grow quickly. Now all you have to do is put your container outside in a well-lit area.

Care for a new bamboo plant in a container

The bamboo plant that grows in a container is easy to maintain. The most important thing about the newly planted bamboo plant is that it needs to be watered regularly. 

The soil should also be kept moist and not allowed to dry out too much, but not overwatered either.

If the weather is hot, it should be watered every day if possible, or at least twice a week.

The location of the plant also affects its watering needs, as some areas are drier than others naturally.

Bamboo plants thrive in container

The bamboo plant is an evergreen, winter-hardy plant. It’s easy to grow in containers.

1) Bamboo is a sustainable plant that’s environmentally friendly.

2) It grows at an extremely fast rate, making it great for container gardens.

3) Bamboo is easy to care for, as it can be pruned or sheared when desired.

4) There are many different types of bamboo with different appearances and uses.

5) It is a fantastic container plant.

Growing bamboo in containers is a better way to stop the root from invading the garden and give it a vibrant natural look. It is also easy to maintain bamboo plants in containers.

10 Awsome Facts About Garden Bamboo Plants

Bamboos have features, structures and properties that are interesting to know, especially if you are a keen gardener. 

Some bamboo can grow to more than 10 metres high in the wild. There are over 10,000 known varieties of bamboo plants in the tropical jungles in Asia and the Pacific. 

The tropical bamboo plants can be found at Kew Garden Palm House in London.

Facts About Garden Bamboo Plants

Bamboos are winter-hardy and evergreen all year round. They are great screening plants and many of them thrive in the UK, either as clump-forming (Fargesias) or running (Phyllostachys).

Here are 10 interesting facts about garden bamboo plants for a bamboo grower in the UK. 

1. Evergreen all year round.
2. Roots are difficult to remove.
3. Grow well in pots and containers.
4. Can withstand cold British winter.
5. Splinters are sharp. Cuts can be nasty.
6. Are invasive and need care and attention.
7. Costs depend on the size and height and cost.
8. Great sticks for staking plants in the garden or fencing.
9. Are either running or clump-forming bamboo varieties.
10. Suitable for garden décor and centrepiece, borders, fences and privacy screens.

If you want to find out how fast bamboos grow, here is an article that gives Answers to 10 Common Questions about Bamboo.

GIANT TIMBER BAMBOO [Kew Garden Palm House in London]

Bamboo Plants UK - running vs. clump-forming

Running bamboo 

The Phyllostachys bamboo plants have horizontal underground stems called rhizomes. 

These running bamboo plants are great for tall borders and screens and are becoming popular in recent years because of the spectacular colours of the stems.

This variety is invasive and needs close attention to stop it from spreading.

Clump-forming bamboo 

Fagesias are fantastic garden and pot plants. They are non-invasive plants compared to their cousins, the Running bamboo plants. The running bamboo plants have great stem colourations, whereas the clump-forming have dense foliage.

Fargesia robusta and Fargesia nitida are among the best umbrella bamboo for screening because they have dense foliage from top to bottom. 

Awesome Garden Bamboo Plants

The evergreen foliage of the garden bamboo plants is adorable all season. 

Its strong and hardy stems make for a strong fence. The sticks are fantastic for staking beans and sweet peas.

The bamboo plants, whether grown as privacy screens, hedges or used as staking sticks, are growing in popularity among gardeners and homeowners in the UK.

Check out GBP Blog's archive and YouTube Videos for tips and tricks to Grow Bamboo Plants in the UK.  It has an updated collection of articles on ALL-YOU-NEED-TO-GROW-BAMBOO plants.

Can You Eat Bamboo Shoots?

Not all bamboo shoots are edible. Of the 1700 different kinds of bamboo plants, less than 200 are considered edible. 

Yet only a handful are delicious, they can be eaten raw or cooked.

Most of the are bitter and require thorough preparations before cooking and eating.

Dendrocalamus giganteus Giant Bamboo Shoot

10 edible bamboo shoots

These 10 edible bamboo plants grow in the UK, either in gardens or in botanical gardens as exotic tropical plants. You can actually grow them.

Most are featured here at Garden Bamboo Plants, follow the links for more details.

Delicious 

• Phyllostachys flexuosa Sinuate Bamboo [5/5]
• Phyllostachys vivax Chinese Timber Bamboo [5/5]
• Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda Walking Stick Bamboo [5/5]
• Phyllostachys nuda Nude Sheath Bamboo [5/5]

Phyllostachys vivax Chinese Timber Bamboo Shoot

Good

• Bamboo Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis [4/5]
• Dendrocalamus giganteus Giant Bamboo [4/5]
• Phyllostachys edulis Moso Bamboo [4/5]

Edible

• Phyllostachys atrovaginata Incense Bamboo [3/5]
• Fargesia robusta Umbrella Bamboo [3/5]
• Bambusa vulgaris Common Bamboo [3/5]

For more on edible ratings, check out this website https://www.guaduabamboo.com/blog/edible-bamboo-species.

Bambusa vulgaris Common Bamboo Shoots

Bamboo plants for sale, UK

Here is where to buy the clump-forming bamboo plants online.  

We listed some top UK Home and Garden bamboo suppliers like Crocus and YouGarden.

Also, check out Amazon bamboo suppliers.

When to harvest bamboo shoots?

New shoots can be harvested for culinary uses. 

There is approximately a three-year lead time before the edible bamboo plants reach harvestable growths.

Thereafter the plants will continue to produce new shoots every spring and throughout summer.

This will continue for the 60-80 years lifespan of the bamboo plant. 

Bamboo shoot nutrition facts

Bamboo shoots are high in fibres. They also contain calories, carbohydrates and a minute amount of potassium and manganese.

The edible bamboo shoots are great fibre supplements.

Image credit: @kindabluntish/Twitter

Dried bamboo shoots

Dried bamboo shoots are a traditional ingredient in many Asian cuisines.

They have unique flavours, high in fibre and nutrients. 

Some dishes are cooked with duck, pork and also fish or beef are tasty and delicious.

Fargesia nitida Black Pearl [Fountain Bamboo]

 Fargesia nitida 'Black Pearl' is a spectacular fountain bamboo with purply black culms and overarching green foliage. It is a clump-forming bamboo.

It grows well in shade and part shade, an ideal bamboo for north-facing gardens and balconies.

Buy black bamboos at Crocus.co.uk

Features

• Identity: Fargesia nitida 'Black Pearl', Black Pearl Bamboo, Fountain Bamboo.
• Culm: Coloured, green to purple and black.
• Leaves: Evergreen, fountain foliage.
• Mature Height: 3 – 4 metres.
• Spread: Grow out of the base clump 2 – 3 m, not invasive.
• Hardiness: – 25 degrees Celsius.
• Uses: Grows in pots and containers, prefers shade and part-shade.
• Care: add manure or good organic compost, avoid planting in windy sites.

Clump-forming bamboo plants for sale

Here is where to buy the clump-forming bamboo plants online.  

We listed some top UK Home and Garden bamboo suppliers like Crocus and YouGarden.

Also, check out Amazon bamboo suppliers.

Grow black pearl bamboo

The fountain bamboos are from the group Fargesia nitida. 

They are an adorable group because they have various colours that contrast beautifully with the natural garden colour, green.

The spectacular black pearl matches the light green undergrowth and lighter colours of the built environment.

So, grow this beautiful black bamboo in the backdrop of lighter colours.

Here are 3 tips for choosing a better site for growing Fargesia nitida Black Pearl: 

• Take a look at the stripy colours of the vegetation (or built environment).
• Match the colours to the colour dark culms and green leaves of  Fargesia nitida 'Black Pearl'.
• Then, plant the bamboo and pay attention to it in the first summer as it establishes itself.

Fargesia nitida Black Pearl Fountain Bamboo grows well in shade and part shade - thrives as an undercover plant, great for landscaping. 

Guide for growing Fargsia nitida bamboo

The four articles are packed with information, tips and step-by-step guides for growing bamboo in the UK.

If you want to know how to propagate bamboo plants from seeds or culm and rhizome cuttings or grow bamboo in pots and gardens, you'll find the info useful. Here are the links!

• 1. How to propagate bamboos from seeds
• 2. How to propagate bamboos from culm cuttings
• 3. How to propagate bamboos from rhizome cuttings
• 4. Popular Running Bamboos to Grow in pots and small gardens

You can find additional insights into bamboo growth requirements & care on our YouTube channel – Amazing Bamboo Plants.

Red Chinese Fountain bamboo [Fargesia nitida 'Volcano’]

 Fargesia nitida ‘Volcano’, the Red Chinese Fountain bamboo, is a stunning, non-invasive bamboo, its other names are Chinese Fountain Bamboo 'Volcano', Red Fountain Bamboo or Spherical Garden bamboo.

It has a beautiful reddish black stem and brown sheath which forms a beautiful contrast between the dense green leaves.

Best qualities of Red Chinese Fountain bamboo [Fargesia nitida 'Volcano’]

The 'Volcano' can grow to a height of 2 metres, and its clumped base can reach 1.5 to 3 metres wide.

A good choice for pots and containers or can be planted directly into the ground as a screen or hedge.

This clump-forming bamboo is non-invasive and prefers moist soil and full sun or partial shade. Avoid growing the Volcano Bamboo in waterlogged sites and strong winds.

 The foliage and edges can be pruned to give a compacted evergreen hedge, beautiful red black stems and non-invasive.

Clump-forming bamboo plants for sale

Here is where to buy the clump-forming bamboo plants online.  

We listed some top UK Home and Garden bamboo suppliers like Crocus and YouGarden.

Also, check out Amazon bamboo suppliers.

Fargesia ‘Volcanoe’ Fountain Bamboo features

• Identification: Fargesia nitida ‘Volcano’, Chinese Fountain Bamboo, Red Fountain Bamboo, Spherical Garden bamboo.
• Culms: purply-reddish and black stems, brown sheath.
• Leaves: slender, evergreen dense foliage.
• Mature Height: 1.5 - 2 metres.
• Spread: 1 metre, non-invasive.
• Winterhardiness: - 25 degrees Celsius.
• Uses: standalone plant, pots and containers, screen, roof terrace.
• Site: Part shade to shade

Some bamboo plants with similar features are Fargesia rufa, Fargesia nitida Gansu and Fargesia nitida 'Black Pearl'. Check this list for all the Fargesias.

Types of Fargesia Chinese Fountain Bamboos

We featured 7 common types of the Nitida group. A spectacular non-invasive bamboo plant, it will not send its shoots away from the parent plant.

The clumps form a dense upright wall to support the ‘fountain’ foliage.

Fargesia nitida is among the stunning Fargesia bamboos in the UK, owing their names to the appearances of the evergreen fountain-like foliage and coloured stems.

Benefits of Growing Chinese Fountain Bamboo

The Chinese Fountain Bamboo plants are great for shaded areas. If you have a North-facing garden this group of bamboos will thrive in it. 

This exotic Chinese bamboo is also good for screening, creating an evergreen backdrop or growing along an elevated site, but preferably in the shade. 

Create an exotic bamboo garden 

Here are some articles packed with tips and step-by-step guides for bamboo growers.

• 1. How to propagate bamboos from seeds
• 2. How to propagate bamboos from culm cuttings
• 3. How to propagate bamboos from rhizome cuttings
• 4. Common Fargesia Nitida Group of Bamboo Plants in the UK - Feature

If you find this article helpful, leave a comment and let us know what you think. 

And finally, we would appreciate it if you could follow us on our YouTube Channel – Amazing Bamboo Plants.

How to Grow Bamboo from Cuttings [12 MONTHS 6 VIDEO UPDATES]

I grow the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo, Phyllostachys vivax f. areosulcata from Rhizome cuttings in August last year.  The bamboo plants are a year old and are looking great.

It has been a year of learning to grow bamboo from cuttings. It requires care for the delicate new shoots where I kept the snails away, staked the new bamboo shoots and watered them during the warm summer months.

 

Height of the bamboo plants - measured

I measure the height of the bamboo plants at 2 weeks (August), 4 & 6 weeks (September) and 8 weeks (October). The growth pattern I observed was interesting. 

The fast-growing bamboo shoots reached over 60cm in 8 weeks (2 months).

By the end of the 12th month, the height of the longest bamboo was 106cm which means that the bamboo shoot grew only 40cm in 10 months.

But, something interesting happened during that time. [Watch the 1 Year Video Update to find out what happened]

VIDEOS UPDATES: How to Grow Bamboo from Rhizome Cuttings

This raw video list shows the work that I did over the period of 12 months, from the summer of 2021 to 2022.

Video 1: Grow Bamboo in the Propagating medium (2 weeks growth)

I used a bucket as a bamboo propagator. Planted the rhizomes in the bucket for 2 weeks until the roots and shoots germinated before transplanting them into Holding Pots.

Video 2: Bamboo Growing in the Propagating medium (4 weeks growth) New Growth Eaten by Slugs

I had to stop the slugs from eating the new shoots by applying slug & snail pellets.  It worked.

Video 3: Transplanting new bamboo from Propagator to Holding Pot (4 weeks growth)

Video 4: Calculating the Growth Rate of Bamboo in the Pots (8 weeks growth) - how fast does bamboo grow in a day?

In this video, I measured the height of the new bamboo shoots for 8 weeks and found the growth rate of this bamboo.

Video 5: How tall a bamboo grows in one year

From my observations, a new shoot will grow super fast in the first two months.

Then, put out branches and leaves and establish the rooting underground.

The first shoot can reach a metre to two metres, eventually doubling the height as it grows.

Video 6: What happens as a new bamboo plant grows? [Expected Height by Year]

Like most plants, a newly planted bamboo will not reach its full height in the first year.

Each year the bamboo will grow taller, in some cases twice as tall as the previous plant.

It will reach its matured height in 4-5 years and last for as long as 20-30 years.

Notably, a bamboo grove can last even longer due to the bamboo plant's re-generative growth behaviour, unlike the trees.

Important note about bamboo propagation

Different bamboo plants have different growth rates and patterns, features, soil, light & shade preferences.

Also, the propagation technique (seedlings, rhizome cutting, stem cuttings, etc) used will affect the growth of new bamboo plants. 

In this particular work, I am propagating the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo, Phyllostachys vivax f. areosulcata from Rhizome cuttings.

Use it as an informational guide to growing the tall Phyllostachys from the rhizome cuttings. 

Is it legal to grow bamboo plants in the UK?

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 lists nearly 40 non-native invasive plants. They must not be planted in gardens or caused to grow in the wild.

Other laws briefly stated in this post cover tall hedges and property damages.

Tall hedges

The Anti-social Behaviour Act, 2003, covers tall hedges but it does not cover garden plant invasion. 

Property damages

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, 2014 enables local authorities and police to issue community protection notices where plants cause damage to neighbours’ gardens and properties. 

The protection notice can be issued when it is shown beyond doubt that the individual in question has persistently acted in a way that has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those around them.

Is bamboo legal to grow in the UK?

Currently, no specific legislation covers the sale and planting of bamboo plants in the UK.

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

Not all bamboo plants are invasive

Of the two varieties, the clumping bamboo plants are non-invasive whereas some running bamboo plants are invasive. 

Black Bamboo, Scottish Bamboo and Phyllostachys aurea are running bamboo plants but behave like clumping bamboo in cooler climates. 

Running bamboo options

Choose the clump-forming bamboo, Black Bamboo, Scottish Bamboo or Phyllostachys aurea.

These bamboo plants have attractive stems and evergreen foliage.

 They are good for privacy screening.

Use root barriers to grow running bamboo

Running bamboo rhizomes have the potential to damage built-up areas and cross garden boundaries.

Grow bamboo plants in barriers. This is the best way to grow bamboo screens and hedges

Here are some ideas for bamboo root/rhizome barriers when growing running bamboo.

Black Bamboo Plants for Sale UK

Black Bamboo nigra is an award-winning bamboo for its unique features. 

The RHS described it as ‘one of the most elegant bamboos, with polished, damson-black mature canes and dark green leaves.’

Black Bamboo is a standout. It does behave like clump-forming bamboo in parts of the UK where it's cooler.

Black Bamboo Plants for Sale UK

Here is where to buy clumping bamboo plants. We listed some top UK Home and Garden retailers like Crocus and YouGarden.

Features of Black Bamboo Plants

• Identification: Phyllostachys nigra, Black Bamboo nigra, running bamboo (behaves like clumping bamboo in cooler climate)
• Site: Grow in full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers moist but well-draining loamy soil.
• Uses: Windbreak, pots and containers or individual plants.
• Winter hardiness: -15 to - 20 degrees Celsius.
• Height: Fast-growing plant, 4 – 6m.
• Spread: Invasive bamboo
• Foliage colour: Evergreen dark foliage all year round.
• Culm colour: Ebony expresso black

Black Bamboo Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'. (Also called the Olive Cane bamboo)

Black Bamboo Stems

Black Bamboo nigra is a fast-growing bamboo, known to be an invasive variety of running bamboo. It is a spectacular bamboo with ebony dark black to matured expresso black stems.

At an average height of 4 – 5m at maturity, the black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) is a tall and slender arching bamboo variety, fully hardy to -20 degrees Celsius.

Bamboo Nigra is known as one of the most distinctive bamboos of the Phyllostachys group. There are different cultivars of black bamboo nigra. Check out the full collection on GBP Blog.

How to Propagate Black Bamboo Nigra

The three ways to propagate Black Bamboo are

• seed propagation,
• separation of the clump-base and
• culm (stem) or rhizome (root) cuttings.

Bamboo seeds are often hard to buy near you because they do not flower regularly. The best way to propagate the black bamboo is by base separation or roots and culms cuttings.

Experiences of Propagating Bamboos

We tried the different ways of propagating bamboo and know that it requires a lot of prep and effort to get the bamboo growing. 

Yet, watching the germinating bamboo is often rewarding.

Black Bamboo Care

Although black bamboo is a low-maintenance plant, the new growths will require care and attention.

Beware that the slugs adore the tender new growths, they can widen them if left unprotected.

If you are propagating bamboo plants from rhizomes or culms cuttings or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding the slug killers.

Here is my YouTube video showing a 4-week-old bamboo attacked by slugs.

Grow Black Bamboo Plants UK

When growing the Black Bamboo Nigra, perhaps an important factor to consider is the invasiveness despite showing some common features of the clump-forming bamboo.

If you are growing bamboo in the garden, put it in an area where there is room to spread.

The old black bamboos will thrive in well-drained soil with high moisture and nutrients, but like most bamboos, they do not like compacted dry soils.

It will require re-potting when it outgrows the pot so if you want to keep it longer, use a large pot or container. As a rule of thumb, the size of the pot should be twice the size of the base clump.

If you see browning in the culms or the bamboo leaves turning yellow, check the soil. Here is an article on how to revive your bamboo plants in a case where there is a sign of distress.

Black Bamboo preferred sites

Although the Black Bamboo Nigra is an elegant variety, it is an invasive bamboo. As mentioned earlier, it requires a lot of space to grow.

The arching culms and evergreen dark leaves can spread 4 – 6m on average. It is important to take this into consideration when choosing a site to plant to grow the black bamboo nigra.

As a pointer, this peculiar bamboo is ideal as an individual plant in the garden or contained in large pots and containers for balconies and terraces.

World Bamboo Day 2024 Theme is "Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation, and Design."

Bamboo, often referred to as "the plant of a thousand uses," has long held a special place in the hearts and cultures of many communities around the world. Its versatility, strength, and rapid growth make it a remarkable natural resource with countless applications. 

World Bamboo Day, celebrated annually on the 18th of September, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of conserving bamboo plants and promoting the bamboo industry. While the theme for World Bamboo Day 2024 theme "Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation, and Design.". Let's take a look back at the previous year's theme and explore the significance of this remarkable day this year.

World Bamboo Day: 'It is Time to Plant Bamboo

In 2022, the theme for World Bamboo Day was "It is Time to Plant Bamboo," and it encouraged individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide to embrace the cultivation and conservation of bamboo. 

The hashtag #PlantBamboo served as a rallying cry for those passionate about the future of this remarkable plant. This theme highlighted the urgency of planting bamboo to counteract the declining bamboo populations in regions where they are native.

The Importance of Bamboo Plants

Bamboo has been an integral part of human civilization for centuries, used by indigenous communities for a wide range of purposes. From arts and crafts to building and construction materials, bamboo's uses are virtually limitless. 

Today, bamboo serves as a vital raw material for producing products such as paper and furniture. Its elegant, evergreen foliage has also made it a popular choice for outdoor garden plants.

One of the most remarkable features of bamboo is its rapid growth and regenerative behavior. Bamboo stands out as one of the top oxygen-producing plants and air purifiers in the plant kingdom. This characteristic makes it an invaluable asset in combating environmental issues such as deforestation and air pollution.

The Challenges Facing Bamboo Plants

Despite its many benefits, bamboo faces several challenges, including the rapid growth in demand for bamboo products, urbanization, and deforestation in regions like Asia, Africa, and Oceania where bamboo is native. 

These factors have contributed to the decline in bamboo populations, making conservation efforts more critical than ever.

The Aims of World Bamboo Day

World Bamboo Day serves several essential aims:

1. Raising Awareness: The day aims to increase global awareness of the potential of bamboo plants and their versatile applications.

2. Environmental Protection: It seeks to protect the natural environments in which bamboo thrives, promoting the conservation of these vital ecosystems.

3. Sustainable Use: World Bamboo Day encourages the sustainable use of bamboo resources to ensure that future generations can benefit from this incredible plant.

The Origin of World Bamboo Day

The roots of World Bamboo Day can be traced back to the World Bamboo Organization (WBO), which initiated the event in 2009. This decision was made during the 8th World Bamboo Congress held in Bangkok, where delegates from nearly 100 countries came together and agreed to celebrate the 18th of September each year as World Bamboo Day. 

The WBO's vision for this special day is to elevate bamboo's potential to a global audience, protect natural resources, promote sustainability, foster new bamboo industries, and support traditional uses for community economic development.

In conclusion, World Bamboo Day is a day to celebrate the incredible bamboo plant and its role in sustainable living, environmental protection, and economic development. While the theme for World Bamboo Day 2024 is "Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation, and Design.", the legacy of past themes like "It is Time to Plant Bamboo" reminds us of the urgency to conserve and grow bamboo for a greener and more sustainable future.

So, as we celebrate World Bamboo Day this year, remember to use the hashtag #GrowBamboo to join the global movement in support of this remarkable plant and its potential to change the world for the better.

World Bamboo Day Initiative

Here is what the WBO said about this special day

''World Bamboo Day is a day of celebration to increase the awareness of bamboo globally. Where bamboo grows naturally, bamboo has been a daily element, but its utilization has not always been sustainable due to exploitation. The World Bamboo Organization aims to bring the potential of bamboo to a more elevated exposure – to protect natural resources and the environment, to ensure sustainable utilization, to promote new cultivation of bamboo for new industries in regions around the world, as well as promote traditional uses locally for community economic development.'' [WBO website accessed 01/09/2022]

World Bamboo Day FAQs

When is World Bamboo Day observed?

World Bamboo Day is observed annually on the 18th of September. 

What is the aim of World Bamboo Day?

It aims to raise awareness about the importance of conserving bamboo plants and promote the bamboo industry.

When was World Bamboo Day initiated? 

It was initiated in 2009. 

Which organisation started World Bamboo Day?

It was an initiative of the World Bamboo Organization.

Is bamboo as strong as steel and concrete?

As a construction material, the tensile strength of bamboo is as strong as steel and sturdier than concrete.

MORE BAMBOO FAQs at GardenBambooPlants.com

How quickly does bamboo grow? 

At Kew Indoor Palm House, the giant bamboos grow grows to 2.4 metres in just 16 days, that's 15 cm per day.

Fargesia Scabrida Asian Wonder Bamboo [Clump-forming Bamboo]

Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder Garden Qualities: Asian Wonder Bamboo has an outstanding culm colouration, evergreen clump-forming bamboo. Ideal for hedges, privacy fences or large pots and containers. Asian Wonder thrives in the UK.

It's winterhardy and tolerant to different soil types.

Clumping Bamboo Plants for Sale

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

Find out where to buy clumping bamboo plants from the UK Home & Garden retailers online.

Bamboo plants for sale: Crocus and YouGarden

Common Features of Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder

• Identification: Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder, Fargesia robusta 'Asian Wonder', Red Umbrella Bamboo.
• Foliage: slender green drooping leaves.
• Culm colour: Beautiful purplish red, matures to green.
• Height: Small-medium bamboo, reaches 3m.
• Spread: Clump-forming, non-invasive bamboo.

Growth requirement

• Site: Full sun to partial shade, colouration not prominent in shade.
• Soil: well-drained, moist soil.
• Use: Hedge, narrow privacy fence, large pot and containers.
• Hardiness: very hardy, tolerant to -20 degrees Celsius.

Grow Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder

Fargesia Asian Wonder is a clump-forming Umbrella Bamboo, also known as the Fargesia Robusta Asian Wonder. 

This bamboo is a standout among the Fargesia group due to its beautiful stem colouration which starts purplish bright red and eventually changes to green as it matures.

The thick drooping leaves and upright culms are ideal for garden hedging or natural privacy fencing. It is also an excellent choice for individual plants and large pots and containers.

This clump-forming evergreen bamboo thrives in well-drained moist soil. It does not like compacted soils or very dry soil.

The leaves and culms' colourations are prominent where there is enough sun. 

To get the best of this bamboo, plant it where there is enough sunlight. Ideally, away from the shade of larger trees and buildings.

If you grow Fargesia Asian Wonder in pots and containers, ensure that it receives enough light.

Fargesia Bamboo Care

Asian Wonder, like other Umbrella Bamboo plants, is tolerant to different soil types and seasonal weather changes.

Although this bamboo is undemanding, it will need care. Its roots and leaves are susceptible to dry soil conditions and frozen soil.

If the bamboo leaves turn yellow or curl, or the culms browning indicate that the soil

• lacks nutrients, or
• is too dry, or
• is compacted.

Take immediate action to revive your bamboo before the new bamboo growths appear in Spring.

Add fertilisers or organic mulch such as bark or grass cuttings mixed with bark and twigs to keep the soil moist. Do something to improve the soil condition.

Bamboo protection

Here are some pointers for protecting bamboo when planting a new plant or propagating the cuttings. 

Although bamboo plants are undemanding, the new plants and tall plants are susceptible to natural threats.

Here are some tips for protecting Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder

• Grow the bamboo away from windy locations.
• Slugs like the new shoots and rhizome tips. Add Slug and Snail Killer (early in Spring) to protect the new growths.
• Apply NPK or organic fertiliser and mulch (early in Spring).
• Prune and remove old culms (4 – 5 years old) to promote new growth.
• Tie back or direct new culms into the cluster (Base-clumps).

Propagate Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder

There are four ways to propagate bamboo. Propagation by:

• Seed,
• Culm and Rhizome Cuttings,
• Culm-base Separation, or
• Conventional Branch Layering.

Propagating the Umbrella Bamboo plants by separation is probably the most reliable method in the UK, it gives the best result too.

Most Fargesia bamboo plants, including newly introduced varieties like Scabrida Asian Wonder, are tolerant to pests and diseases in the UK. 

Nevertheless, the new shoots and rhizomes tips are prone to slugs attacks. Slugs love the tender new growths.

When propagating bamboo plants, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer. The slugs can wipe off the tender growths if left unprotected. 

[This video shows Slugs damaging new bamboo shoots in one visit]

20+ Fargesia Bamboo Varieties

Umbrella Bamboos Fargesia scabrida Asian Wonder and Simba are known to have been in Europe, a fairly recent inclusion to the Fargesia nitida and Fargesia Murielae varieties.

Unsurprisingly, these bamboo plants are growing in popularity and are favourites among many UK gardeners.

Here are 6 umbrella bamboo plants that thrive in the UK, ideal for small spaces, gardens and contained spaces:

1. Fargesia murielae Simba Umbrella Bamboo
2. Robusta Campbell Umbrella Bamboo
3. Fargesia murielae 'Jumbo'
4. Nitida Obelisk Hybrid Umbrella Bamboo
5. Fargesia Nitida Winter Joy Fountain Bamboo
6. Fergasia murielae Standing Stone

Grow Clump-forming Bamboo Plants

Bamboos are amazing plants. They come in various sizes, shapes, colours, and formations.

Although some varieties (Phyllostachys) are invasive, they are easily manageable. Once established, you only have to check on them and enjoy the evergreen plant.

The Fargrsia murielae varieties are non-spreading, form clusters of rigorous stems and are evergreen all year round. They are best for hedges and privacy screens or in small gardens as ornamental plants.

The Umbrella Bamboo thrives in pots and containers, and in small spaces like the terrace and balconies. 

Let us know what your requirements are – we will suggest a bamboo that is right for you based on the qualities and features of the bamboo plants. 

We are active on YouTube. Join us. 

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.