Black Bamboo Flowering in the UK [Phyllostachys Nigra]

Black bamboo plants are flowering in the UK. These images I took at the Kew Bamboo Garden show the cultivar Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'  Black Bamboo flowering.

This is a phenomenon that happens once in 40 - 60 years, but for a short time.

It is an interesting time for bamboo growers in the UK. The flowering black bamboo will die. 

Images of Black Bamboo Flowering in the UK

Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) flower & dies

The black bamboo flowers every 40 to 60 years, Every black bamboo plant in the UK will flower at the same time.

After flowering, that generation of black bamboo plants will die completely.

The seeds can be collected and planted to start a new stand of bamboo growth.

Also, cuttings from the rhizomes can be used to grow a new generation of plants.

Cultivars of Black Bamboo

More than 10 cultivars of black bamboo plants grow in the UK. This article has the details of the common cultivars that you should know.

On a recent visit to Kew Bamboo Garden, I noted that some black bamboo cultivars have not flowered except for the Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'.

Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'

Can you grow Black Bamboo Plants?

You may propagate the seeds and cuttings in preparation for next year, but refrain from re-potting and transplanting matured bamboo plants until next spring.

This is a phenomenon that happens once in 40 - 60 years, but for a short time. So hold on until the flowering season has passed.

Having said that, some black bamboo cultivars have not been seen to be flowering this year, which includes Phyllostachys nigra, Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis and  Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’.

Yet, it would be a good idea to hold off until next spring before growing them.

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.

Green Bamboo Phyllostachys Bissetii For Sale

Green Bamboo Phyllostachys Bissetii was given the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its outstanding features.

It has deep green foliage and thick clusters of culms, grows very fast, provides a deep dark green luscious green cover, and adds tranquillity and greenery to the garden.

A great shade plant.

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 the bamboo plants from the UK Home & Garden retailers online.

Bamboo plants for sale: Crocus and YouGarden

Green Bamboo (Phyllostachys bisettii)

Features of Phyllostachys bissetii

• Identification: Green bamboo, David Bisset’s Bamboo, running bamboo.
• Site: Grow in full sun to partial & full shade.
• Soil: Green bamboo prefers moist but well-drained fertile soil.
• Uses: Screening and hedging, can be grown in large pots and containers or as an individual plants.
• Winter hardiness: - 15 - 20 degrees Celsius.
• Height: Fast-growing plant, 6 – 9m.
• Spread: 2 – 3m at the base.
• Foliage colour: Evergreen dark dense foliage all year round.

Green Bamboo (Phyllostachys bisettii) Vs. Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)

These two running bamboo plants are similar in appearance from afar. They both have evergreen foliage, winter hardy and spread. 

But they have different features. The green bamboo has shiny dark green stems, whereas the Golden Bamboo P. Aurea stems turn from green to golden yellow. 

The former is taller than the latter.

 Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)

Fast-growing Green Bamboo Phyllostachys Bissetii

Green Bamboo Phyllostachys bissetii is a running hardy green bamboo. It is a fast-growing bamboo reaching up to 5 metres and spread 3 metres.

The Green bamboo grows well in sunny spots as well as in the shade. The culms are dark green when grown in shade. 

It has tall evergreen culms, long spreading branches and slender leaves.

This green bamboo is ideal for tall hedges and screens. It can also be contained in large pots and containers or used as natural privacy screen blocks.

Propagate Green Bamboo Phyllostachys bissetii

There are two common ways to propagate Bamboo Bissetii, either by separation or by rhizome and culm cuttings. 

At GBP, we tried different ways to propagate the bamboo over the years and know that it requires a lot of effort to start. But, it is often pleasing to see the shoots germinating.

Bamboo seeds are often hard to buy near you because they do not flower regularly. The best way to propagate green bamboo is by separation.

Grow Green bamboo Phyllostachys bissetii

If you are growing your bamboo from the cuttings or purchasing them from the shop, there are certain factors to consider.

The green bamboo Bisetti thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of moisture. It can also grow in clay and chalk, but it does not like compacted soil.

Prepare the soil well before potting or plating the new bamboo in the garden.

Green Bamboo Bissetii Care

Winter's freeze and strong winds can affect the foliage, but not the culms. The leaves will turn brown and fall off but expect re-leafing on old growth.

Although is a low-maintenance plant, it will require care when propagating the cuttings.

The new growth will succumb to slug and bug attacks.

If you are propagating bamboo plants from rhizomes or culms cuttings, the best thing to do is to protect the new growths by adding the Slug Killer as soon as the new shoots appear.

Green Bamboo Screen Shade

The green colour of the bamboo ranges from deep dark green to light green depending on the sun it is receiving. 

In sunny areas, the leaves and culm are light green compared to those growing in the shade.

Although the Green bamboo plant is winter hardy to – 20 degrees Celsius, the leaves will turn brown and die in frost and frozen soil. 

If they show signs of distress, remove the damaged leaves and culms early in Spring for the new growth.

The thick culms of this running bamboo grow in dense clusters and provide a strong windbreak. The luscious green leaves are beautiful all year round.

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.

Phyllostachys Aurea Golden Bamboo [Fishpole Bamboo]

Phyllostachys aurea Fishpole Golden Bamboo is an all-rounder, slim running bamboo, that grows well in shade, part shade and sun, with spectacular evergreen slender leaves and light green stems that mature to golden yellow.

This is one of the best bamboo plants to grow for garden bamboo sticks because of its thick and slender tall stems.

 

Golden Bamboo Phyllostachys aurea UK sales

The RHS has recognised Phyllostachys aurea for its outstanding garden features.

Check out the UK bamboo suppliers.

• Identification: Phyllostachys aurea, Fishpole Bamboo, Golden Bamboo.
• Site: Tolerant bamboo, grows in full sun to partial shade and shade.
• Soil: Prefers moist and well-drained loose soil (sand and loam), doesn’t like compacted soil.
• Uses: Excellent for hedging, screening, windbreak, or pots and containers.
• Winter hardiness: Hardy to - 20 degrees Celsius.
• Height: Fast-growing plant, 2 – 4m.
• Spread: Running bamboo, allow space to spread or contain in large pots.
• Foliage: Light green to yellow foliage all year round.
• Stem: Slender bright green matures to golden yellow in full sun.

Phyllostachys aurea gives the best garden sticks

Uses Phyllostachys aurea Fishpole Bamboo

Although the fishpole bamboo is tolerant to shade, it grows well in part shade and sun. 

Sufficient sunlight will result in a significant transformation in the colour of the culms (stems) and foliage from green to golden yellow. 

This running bamboo behaves more like the clump-forming bamboo in the UK where it is cooler. Here are two other running bamboo plants that act like clumpers.

However, the rhizomes are invasive where the soil is loose and rich in moisture and nutrients, so grow it where there is enough space for them to grow.

The Phyllostachys aurea is an ideal bamboo for hedging, privacy screening and windbreak in the garden. It is also an excellent bamboo plant for medium to large pots and containers.

Notably, it does not like soggy soil and it definitely does not like compacted soil. It prefers well-drained loamy soil, loose and rich in moisture.

Propagate  Phyllostachys aurea

Bamboo growers are propagating Phyllostachys aurea from seeds and rhizome cuttings, and base separation.

However, bamboo seeds are often hard to buy near you because they do not flower regularly.

The 2 best ways to propagate Phyllostachys aurea

• is by base separation and
• from rhizome and culm cuttings.

This video shows the work we did at Garden Bamboo Plants UK.

Phyllostachys aurea Grow and Care Tips

The new growth will require care and attention. 

Slugs adore the tender new growths, they can wipe off the fresh leaves in one visit if left unprotected.

If you are propagating bamboo plants either from the rhizome or culm cuttings or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer. 

(Check out where to buy Bamboo and bamboo supplies)

Perhaps it is important to note that despite its clump-forming nature, the Phyllostachys aurea is a running bamboo.

The bamboo's horizontal rhizomes can spread to an average of 4m if left unchecked. It is best to give it space to grow.

Alternatively surround the roots with root barriers to restrict the rhizomes from spreading.

Better to grow Phyllostachys aurea where there is enough space, away from strong wind. 

It can also be grown in large pots and containers to contain its spreading.

Facts about Phyllostachys aurea

The matured Fishpole Golden bamboo will thrive in well-drained loamy soil with high moisture and nutrient contents.

Like most bamboo plants in the UK, they do not like compacted dry soils such as new building sites or roads and pathways.

In addition, the matured bamboos thrive on what is available in the soil, they will occasionally need feed and water. 

A regular check is recommended if you are growing them in containers.

The browning of the culms or yellowing of the leaves are signs of the plant in distress. Here is an article on how to revive your bamboo plants where they show signs of distress.

Check the soil by inspection or digging to 10 cm depth to find out if the soil is too dry. Add, mulch fertiliser or any plant feed if necessary.

If your Phyllostachys aurea plant outgrows the container and shows distressing signs, it is calling for you to separate the plants and re-pot them.

Also, prune the old culms ideally in early Spring for the new growth to take over.

We invite you to check out our YouTube Channel – Amazing Bamboo Plants.

Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo vs. Yellow Cane Bamboo

Yellow cane bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis) is a spectacular bamboo that closely resembles the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax aureosulcata). 

The two running bamboo plants have striking yellow stems with green stripes. 

Find out about this outstanding bamboo as compared to its cousin yellow bamboo plants.

Image credit: Val Bradley @valgardening/Twitter -  (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis)

Garden features

• Site: Grows well in full sun and partial shade.
• Soil: Well-drained chalk and loam soil, moist.
• Uses: Excellent for hedging, screening or large pots and containers. Do not do well in windy sites.
• Winterhardiness: Hardy to – 15 degrees Celsius.
• Height: 6 – 8m.
• Spread: Running bamboo, allow space to spread or contain in large pots.
• Foliage: Evergreen.
• Culm colour: Striking Golden yellow, green stripes on rims.

Yellow Cane Bamboo vs. Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo

The key features that set these two Phyllostachys apart are the thickness of the culms and minute colour variations, including the shape, size and height.

Predominantly, the Yellow Cane Bamboo had sturdy, thick and compacted internodes with larger green stripes, whereas the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo has elongated internodes, slender green stripes and is generally taller.

Read about the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax aureosulcata)

 

STEM of a Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax aureosulcata) - CLOSE UP

Grow Yellow cane bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis)

Yellow cane bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis) is a tall running bamboo that can reach an average of 8 metres in height. 

The lush evergreen leaves contrast beautifully with the golden yellow culms forming an impenetrable hedge.

Invasive, the Yellow Cane Bamboo need space to grow. 

Alternatively surround the roots with the root barrier to restrict the rhizomes from spreading.

Grow Yellow cane bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis) where there is enough space, away from strong wind, or in large pots and containers to contain its spreading.

Mature Yellow Cane Bamboo will thrive in well-drained loamy soil with high moisture and nutrient contents. Like most bamboo plants in the UK, they do not like compacted dry soils.

Although the old bamboo will thrive in most UK conditions, it will occasionally need feed and water. In addition, regular checks are vital to containing the invasive rhizomes from spreading.

Care for new bamboo plants

Although the Golden Grove Bamboos are low-maintenance plants, the new growth will require care and attention.

The slugs adore the tender new growths, they can wipe off the fresh leaves in one visit if left unprotected.

Protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer, if you are propagating bamboo plants from the rhizome or culm cuttings, or planting a recent purchase.

Maintain Yellow cane bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis)

The Yellow Cane Bamboo Plants are large tall plants. 

The bamboos' horizontal rhizomes can spread to an average of 4m if left unchecked. It is best to give it space to grow.

Alternatively surround the plants with thick Root Barriers. 

Better to grow them where there is enough space, away from strong wind. Grow in large pots and containers to contain its spreading.

So, now you should have an idea about the stunning Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax aureosulcata) and Yellow cane bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis.

Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo [Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis]

Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo [Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis] is a tall and thick running bamboo, best for tall hedges and screens. 

The golden stems have spectacular bright green stripes running vertically along the internode. This stunning bamboo is an all-rounder, you can grow it as a standalone plant,  garden centrepiece or tall screen. 

Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis is an RHS Merit Award-winning bamboo, that grows well in a mild temperate climate.

Buy bamboo plants and root barriers from UK suppliers here.

 

Common Features

• Identification: Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis, Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo, Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo.
• Site: Grows well in full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Well-drained loam soil, moist.
• Uses: Excellent for hedging, screening or large pots and containers. Do not do well in windy sites.
• Winterhardiness: Hardy to – 15 degrees Celsius.
• Height: a tall bamboo 10 - 12m.
• Spread: running bamboo (behaves like clumping bamboo in a temperate climate), 4 – 6m
• Foliage: Evergreen tall foliage
• Cane colour: spectacular green stripes, yellow, bright to matured dark orangey yellow.

Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo Tall Screen

Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo is an ideal bamboo plant for a tall hedge or natural privacy screen. The tall dense growth and golden yellow bamboo cluster are prominent outdoors.

This large tall bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis) is a recipient of the prestigious RHS Merit Awards, one of the award-winning Phyllostachys bamboo plants.

The others include

• 1. Phyllostachys aurea,
• 2. Phyllostachys Aureaculata bissettii, and
• 3. Phyllostachys nigra.

Propagate Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo [Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis]

Although the Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo is a low-maintenance plant, the new growth will require care and attention. 

Slugs can wipe off the fresh leaves in one visit if left unprotected.

If you are propagating bamboo plants either from the rhizome or cane cuttings or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer.

Care

The Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo can spread to an average of 6 metres (or more) during a humid Spring or hot Summer. 

This running bamboo needs space to grow. Always grow this bamboo in barriers to stop spreading.

The new rhizomes and canes can reach their full spread and height, respectively, during a warm Spring or hot Summer.

Although Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis varieties are undemanding, a fully grown bamboo will require attention because it's invasive.

The plants thrive in the cooler temperate climate where there is well-drained loamy soil high in moisture and nutrient contents. Like most bamboo plants in the UK, they do not grow well in compacted soil.

Maintain tall bamboo plants

This tall bamboo with dense evergreen foliage is susceptible to heavy snowfall and strong wind. To protect from falling, use strong ropes to tie them back.

You can contain the Golden Chinese Timer Bamboo in large pots and containers. 

This impressive bamboo may not grow to its full height in contained spaces, but planted in nutrient-rich soil with good moisture, it will surely exhibit its best features.

Here is a video to show you how to provide support for tall bamboo.

Is Scottish Bamboo Invasive? [Phyllostachys humilis Small Running Bamboo]

The Scottish Bamboo (Phyllostachys humilis) is a mini running bamboo with lush evergreen foliage forming on the culms from the ground up, an excellent bamboo for hedge and privacy screens. 

This bamboo grows exceptionally well in confined spaces. Commonly used as centrepieces and in Japanese Gardens designs. It's an RHS Merit Award winner for its desirable garden features.

Buy Bamboo Humilis Scottish Bamboo

The Scottish Bamboo Humilis (Phyllostachys Humilis) makes an ideal plant for contained spaces. In fact, it will do well in pots and containers or in small garden spaces.

The tough dense foliage can be pruned and trimmed to give a neat appearance. 

Neatly trimmed, the dense evergreen foliage will form a compacted small screen or hedge, best for small balconies, terraces, boundaries and hedges.

To buy the Scottis bamboo, check out the bamboo suppliers we listed here. Get your bamboo plants from the top UK Home and Garden retailers like Crocus and YouGarden.

Phyllostachys humilis bamboo features

• Name/s: Phyllostachys humilis, Scottish Bamboo.
• Site: Grows well in full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Well-drained clay, sand or loam soil.
• Uses: Privacy screen, pots and containers, grows well in confined spaces.
• Winterhardiness: Hardy to – 25 degrees Celsius.
• Height: small bamboo 3 – 5m.
• Spread: 3m (behaves like clump-forming bamboo in cooler climates)
• Foliage: Evergreen dense foliage
• Culm colour: Bright green

Phyllostachys Humilis behaves like clump-forming bamboo

The Phyllostachys humilis is also called the Scottish Bamboo. At 5m, it is small compared to the other Phyllostachys bamboos.

An outstanding small bamboo plant, its green dense foliage starts from the ground up. The slender cluster of outer leaves can be pruned to give a compacted and impenetrable screen.

Although the Scottish Bamboo is a running bamboo, it behaves like clump-forming bamboo in a cooler temperate climate. 

Another running bamboo that behaves like a clump-former is the Black Bamboo Nigra. 

Scottish Bamboo Care

The Scottish Bamboo is a low-maintenance bamboo, the mature plants are undemanding.

This miniature running bamboo will thrive where there is well-drained loamy soil, high in moisture and nutrient contents. 

Like most bamboo plants in the UK, they do not grow well in compacted soil.

A hardy plant, the Scottish Bamboo can withstand temperatures of – 25 degrees Celsius, but lower temperatures can damage the new shoots and leaves.

Prune Scottish Bamboo hedge and screen

The leaves are rich green in direct sun but turn light green where there is less light. 

For the best result, grow then in areas where there is plenty of light or in part shade. They will struggle to grow where there is heavy shade.

The majority of the Phyllostachys bamboo plants are not tolerant to pruning because of the thinning of the leaves up the culms. 

However, the Phyllostachys Humilis Scottish Bamboo is one of the few bamboos that you can prune to give the best effect.

They are best for screens and garden hedges.

Propagate Scottish Bamboo

Although the Phyllostachys Humilis Scottish Bamboo is a low-maintenance plant, the new growth will require care and attention. 

Slugs can wipe off the fresh leaves in one visit if left unprotected.

If you are propagating bamboo either from the rhizome or culm cuttings or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer.

Squirrels are also a threat to the new bamboo shoots. [VIDEO]

Merit Award Winning Bamboo Plants UK

Like the Phyllostachys Humilis Scottish Bamboo, here are other award winners to check out: Merit Award Winners and Chinese Bamboo plants.

Scottish Bamboo or Phyllostachys humilis is a small running bamboo. Like Black bamboo, it behaves like clump-forming bamboo in cooler climates. 

Phyllostachys edulis Moso Bamboo [Tall Bamboo Plant]

 Phyllostachys edulis Moso Bamboo is also referred to as Phyllostachys pubescens or Tortoise-shell bamboo. Moso bamboo is a very tall running bamboo.

Moso bamboo is a running bamboo which means it can spread quickly.

It can grow to 10 metres in European weather. A stunning large bamboo plant, ideal for a walkthrough, large garden and woodland forest.

 Phyllostachys edulis Moso Bambo for Sale

The giant timber bamboo plants are hard to find in pots online. Some UK suppliers may sell them on request or source them for you. 

Here is where to buy Giant Timber bamboo plants online. We listed some top UK Home and Garden bamboo suppliers like Crocus and YouGarden.

Also, check out Amazon bamboo suppliers.

Edulis Moso Bamboo features

• Identification: Phyllostachys edulis, Moso Bamboo, Tortoise-shell Bamboo.
• Site: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: sand and clay or loam soil.
• Uses: Walkthrough, large garden, woodland forest.
• Temperature hardiness: - 20°C.
• Height: Very tall bamboo, 8 - 10m.
• Spread: Large running bamboo.
• Foliage: Evergreen Bamboo.
• Culm colour: Silver grey to light green, matures to yellow.

Grow Chinese Moso Bamboo

The Edulis Chinese Moso Bamboo is one of the largest Phyllostachys bamboo plants. It grows well in temperate to sub-tropical regions where the average temperature is 10 degrees Celsius.

This running bamboo is recorded to have grown over 3 metres in a day. It is among the fast-growing bamboo.

An amazing bamboo, it can reach its full height in the first 3 -5 years and remain evergreen for more than 10 years.

The Edulis Moso Bamboo brings the semi-tropical feeling to large gardens and open woodland spaces. 

It is a stunning bamboo that stands out wherever it is planted and does well as an individual plant.

The best to plant it out in the garden is early Spring as the new tips and leaves are growing.

Moso Bamboo Care

Although the Moso Bamboo is hardy to -20 degrees Celsius, it is susceptible to very cold weather, frozen soil, heavy snow, and particularly, strong wind.

The leaves will turn brown and fall off the stems if the weather gets below the UK Zone 7 temperature range.

In addition, the tall frames of this bamboo will struggle to support its height and weight if it grows in areas where there are strong winds. Therefore, carefully select a site away from the direct wind.

(Check out the Japanese Timber Bamboo 'Midake', a Bamboo that shares the same features as Moso Bamboo).

The matured Edulis Moso Bamboo plants are undemanding, they’ll thrive in clay, sand, or loamy soil once the roots and rhizomes are established in the soil.

However, it is important to monitor the growth of this large bamboo. It can get messy if left unchecked. Apply mulch early in Spring to promote new growths.

Alternatively, adding mulch in Autumn may be required to protect the top layer from frost and cold if you expect a cooler Winter.

Propagate Chinese Moso Bamboo Seeds, Base-culms  and Cuttings

Get the Moso Bamboo Seed on Amazon.

You can propagate the tall Chinese Moso Bamboos in three ways: by calm-base separation, seeds propagation or rhizome and culms cuttings.

The Moso Bamboo will demand your attention because it is a large bamboo.

Seeds are hard to find in the UK. So, check at your local nurseries, garden centres or online marketplaces that may have the seeds. 

To give the bamboo seeds the best chance to grow, plant them in a propagating medium before transplanting them into holding pots and to the soil where they’ll grow.

If you take out a mature plant with the root hairs and rhizomes intact, you can put it straight into the ground where it’ll grow.

Large Bamboo Plants to grow in the UK

In the UK, this ginormous bamboo is known to grow at a rate of 20 cm a day and reach an average height of  10 metres. 

The new shoots can extend 5 to 8 metres before putting out branches and leaves. The Moso Bamboo are amazing Phyllostachys.

Specimen of this bamboo can be seen in the beautiful Kew Gardens London or the Trebeh Gardens Cornwall.

Check out the popular bamboo plants in the UK, including the Phyllostachys group of bamboo.

• Merit Award Winners.
• Chinese Bamboo plants.
• Featured Bamboo plants in the UK.

Phyllostachys nuda Snow Bamboo [Running Bamboo with Pink Shoots]

 Phyllostachys Nuda Snow Bamboo is a tough running bamboo that thrives in UK weather, does reasonably well in moist well-drained soil and prefers clay and sand or loam soil. 

This running bamboo has pinkish new shoots and evergreen foliage. 

Matured dark green stems are a standout in heavy snowfall hence the name Snow Bamboo. It is winterhardy to – 20 degrees Celsius.

Phyllostachys nuda for Sale 

Here is where to buy Giant Timber bamboo plants online.  

We listed some top UK Home and Garden bamboo suppliers like Crocus, YouGarden or other suppliers on Amazon.  

Phyllostachys Nuda Bamboo Features

• Identification: Phyllostachys Nuda, Snow Bamboo, Nude Sheath bamboo.
• Site: partial shade or shade.
• Soil: sand and clay or loam soil.
• Uses: windbreak, hedges, screens and in pots and containers.
• Winterhardiness: a cold hardy bamboo to - 20°C.
• Height: 5 - 7m.
• Spread: Medium-sized running bamboo, very invasive.
• Foliage: Evergreen Bamboo, spectacular in snowfall.
• Culm colour: sturdy dark green to almost black, zigzag stems, spectacular white rim near culm node.

Phyllostachys Nuda Snow Bamboo

The spatial feature of this bamboo indicates that it requires space to grow, is tolerant to cold and will do well in any soil condition.

The short sturdy internodes along the culms make it a strong-standing bamboo. 

It can carry as much as its own weight and is tolerant to heavy snowfall and wind, an ideal plant for a windbreak, dense hedging or screening.

Perhaps it is important to note that if left unchecked, the Nuda Snow Bamboo will invade other spaces very quickly. 

Always use Root Barriers as a control measure before planting this bamboo. Someone once said, 'do not expect your Nuda Bamboo to behave, like a hyper toddler it will explore any given space.'

Although the Nuda Snow Bamboo is very invasive, compared to the other Phyllostachys bamboo plants,  its delicate new shoots are easy to mow. 

Alternatively, the shoots can be stamped on to contain them from spreading.

Is running bamboo legal in the UK?

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 bamboo as an invasive species.

Care for Phyllostachys nuda

Once Phyllostachys nuda Snow Bamboo establishes itself, add mulch and organic fertilisers, if and when necessary, to promote further growth. 

Under the right condition, this bamboo will spread aggressively, so monitor its growth in the first year. Cut or stamp on any new shoots that may have gone out of the way.

The best way to control the spreading of Nuda Bamboo is to use a Root Barrier, an effective shield for stopping the rhizomes from spreading. 

If mowing and root barrier are less effective, dig out the rhizomes completely.

Remove the old culm every 2 – 3 years to promote new plants. 

The young Phyllostachys nuda Snow Bamboo plants are adorable to watch as they grow due to the colour of the sheaths and the bright green stems.

The new sheaths have a vibrant dark pinkish colour, they fall off revealing shiny green culms (stems) which turn darkish green as they mature. 

The bamboo is, indeed, an amazing bamboo.

Bambusoideae Phyllostachys Bambusoides [Japanese Timber Bamboo]

 Phyllostachys bambusoides is a large, tall bamboo from the sub-family Bambusoideae. 

It grows to over 10m in height, ideal for a walkthrough, large garden, or woodland forest. 

This running bamboo is also called Giant Timber Bamboo (other names include Medake and Japanese Timber Bamboo).

Bambusoideae Timber Bamboo for Sale

The giant timber bamboo plants are hard to find in pots online. Some UK suppliers may sell them on request or source them for you. 

Here is where to buy Giant Timber bamboo plants online. We listed some top UK Home and Garden bamboo suppliers like Crocus and YouGarden.

We list some Giant Timber Bamboo Seeds suppliers on Amazon. 

Phyllostachys Bambusoides (Bambusoideae) Features

• Name: Phyllostachys bambusoides, Madake, Giant Timber bamboo, Japanese Timber Bamboo
• Site: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Prefers fertile and well-drained, moist soil
• Uses: Walkthrough, woodland forest, large garden.
• Winterhardiness: - 10 to – 15 degrees Celsius.
• Height: 15 - 20m, tall upright bamboo.
• Spread: 5 – 7m, running bamboo.
• Foliage: Evergreen Bamboo with spectacular slender long leaves.
• Culm colour: Thick woody stems, green to golden yellow when matures.

Grow Phyllostachys Bambusoides Japanese Timber Bamboo

The Giant Japanese Timber Bamboo belongs to the bamboo sub-family Bambusoideae, known widely as the Phyllostachys Bambusoides, Japanese Timber Bamboo or Medake.

This impressive bamboo is one of the largest bamboo plants that adapt to the temperate region. 

It thrives in full sun to part shade where the soil is moist but well-drained. Ideal plant for large botanical gardens, walkthroughs and woodland forests.

The Giant Japanese Timber Bamboo loves mild temperatures and high ceilings if grown indoors. 

Alternatively, keep it in pots and containers and place it on the patio or terrace where there is enough sunlight.

The giant timber bamboo plants also thrive in contained spaces and will be reasonably taller than other Phyllostachys varieties. Therefore, take its spread and height into consideration, before choosing a site for planting.

The Giant Timber bamboo and Edulis Moso Bamboo are the two common bamboo plants from the gigantic sub-family Bambusoideae. P. bambusoides can grow in the temperate European climate, including the warmer parts of the UK.

Specimens of these two large bamboo plants can be seen at the beautiful Kew Gardens London or the Trebeh Gardens Cornwall.

Protect tall bamboo plants

The Timber Bamboo is hardy to – 20 degrees Celsius, but unlike its large cousin the Moso Bamboo mentioned earlier here, this bamboo does not like the cold. 

This giant bamboo is susceptible to frost and frozen soil. Prolonged temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius can completely damage this giant.

To save your bamboo from any irreparable damage, add a thick layer of organic mulch or move it to a sheltered site where the cold and frost will not affect it.

Act quickly if you see the browning of leaves or culms. 

If they are growing in pots, cut the long culms and put the plants in a sheltered site. That way, the plant will survive and put out new growth in Spring.

Propagate Giant Timber Bamboo

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

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

However, propagating bamboos from the cuttings and by separation is, by far, the two popular ways to get successful plants in the UK.

We list some Giant Timber Bamboo Seeds supplies on Amazon. 

Phyllostachys bambusoides (Japanese Timber Bamboo)

The Phyllostachys bambusoides (Giant Japanese Timber Bamboo) can be hard to find in the UK. 

The best places to see these impressive evergreen bamboo plants are the botanical gardens. Kew Gardens and Trebeh Gardens.

Check at your local Garden Centres or Nursery and ask for the Phyllostachys bambusoides. Or mention the names Medake, Giant Timber Bamboo, and Japanese Timber Bamboo.

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]