Tall bamboo plants in the UK

Bamboos are amazing plants, they come in different sizes, heights and colours. 

Some are clumping whereas others are running. In particular, tall bamboo plants are best for privacy screening. 

Let’s take a look at the 10 tall bamboo plants for sale in the UK and where you can get them.

 

10 tall bamboo plants – all you need to know

Here at GardenBambooPlants.Com, we provide information about running and clumping bamboo. They are available for free. 

We summarised the information and make it easy for our visitors to select the right bamboo. 

You can identify the uses, spread, colour, height and details of the tall bamboos that grow in the UK. 

Click on the image to find out more about the 10 tall bamboos we featured here.

 

Tall Bamboo Plants for Sale in the UK

Buy tall bamboo plants online from the UK home and garden shops. 

We are affiliate partners with renowned UK suppliers of bamboo plants and products. They deliver the highest quality plants that are ready for planting upon arrival.

Our relationship with the top UK bamboo sellers enables us to find the bamboos that you'll love. 

We refer you straight to the sales page where you can make your buy safely and securely. 

Rest assured that when you buy tall bamboo plants online, you get the best service they offer to customers.

How tall do bamboos grow?

Bamboo plants come in different heights. The Fargesia clumping bamboos are shorter than the Phyllostachys running bamboos. 

The common bamboos that grow in the UK range from 0.5 metres to 15 metres such as the Dwarf Fargesia bamboos and Chinese bamboos, respectively. 

Also, the giant bamboo (Gigantochloa verticillate) growing inside the Kew Garden Palm House is 20 metres tall, they had to snip the top off. So, there is a range of heights. 

Here at GardenBambooPlants.Com, we classify the bamboo collections into the following categories:

• Tall bamboos (6 metres+).
• Medium bamboos (4 – 6 metres).
• Small bamboos (0.5 – 4 metres).

Follow the links for more information.

How to use tall bamboo plants for screening

Some tall bamboo plants are running whereas others are clumping. They are perfect for tall privacy screens. They are undemanding plants and will grow well in the UK climate. 

The image from Kew Royal Botanical Garden shows the tall natural screen, contrasting perfectly with the plants at the front. 

Other uses include landscaping, potting plants or adding a unique focal point to your garden.

Grow bamboo, enjoy the evergreen foliage

Bamboo plants are becoming a popular oriental plant and it’s easy to see why. They are fast-growing plants, undemanding and provide the evergreen cover all year round. 

You can use bamboo roots/rhizome barriers or grow them in pots to stop them from invading other spaces. 

Here is the best advice on how to grow bamboo plants, and provide the right care and maintenance.

We hope that this article points you in the right direction, where you can find the best tall bamboo plants.

Best Small Bamboo Plants for Small Gardens UK

 The Bamboo Garden at Kew Gardens London has an amazing collection of Chinese and Japanese bamboo. 

The garden holds over 130 different types of bamboo plants. In addition, the Tropical Glass House has three tropical giants.

Important: All the images are copyright materials covered under our Content Protection Notice. Contact us for more information.

 

Pleioblastus agenteostriatus Variegated Bamboo

It's a beautiful small running bamboo. 

This photo was taken in winter, the leaves have green and white stripes. 

In summer, these leaves are going to turn dark green contrasting beautifully with the whites. 

This spectacular variegated bamboo forms low patches with slender dark green culms to just 1 metre in height. 

The distinctive characters are in the green variegated leaves.

Pleioblastus agenteostriatus Variegated Bamboo

Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda

Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda or Walking Stick Bamboo is a running variety. 

It is large and can grow to 6 metres in the wild. 

Its culms are used as walking sticks for many centuries in China and Japan.

Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda

'Bamboo' Pleioblastus viridistriatus

Pleioblastus viridistriatus is a running variegated bamboo. 

It's perfect for gardening borders and privacy screening. 

It has beautiful purple-green culms for landscaping and adding colours to the garden. 

Check out other variegated bamboo plants.

'Bamboo' Pleioblastus viridistriatus

Sasa nipponica

Sasa nipponica is an evergreen small bamboo that can grow to 1 metre in height, hardy and evergreen. 

It has slim culms and is comparatively small compared to other bamboos. One of the best to grow in small gardens, driveways or as ground covers and undergrowth. 

This small bamboo is undemanding and thrives in the UK climate.

Sasa nipponica

Pleioblastus fortunei

Pleioblastus fortunei (or Pleioblastus pygmaeus or Dwarf Bamboo) is a small bamboo. 

There are two types, one has variegated leaves, and the other does not have variegated leaves. 

Pleioblastus fortunei 'Variegata' is the variegated cultivar whereas Pleioblastus pygmaeus or Dwarf Bamboo is not variegated bamboo. 

Check carefully if you are buying the Pleioblastus fortunei online.

Pleioblastus fortunei

Small Bamboo Garden Kew London

Kew’s Bamboo Garden is the best place to see magnificent bamboo plants. 

As mentioned, there are over 130 running and clumping bamboo plants. The giant timber bamboo is about 20 metres tall, reaching the top ceiling of the glasshouse. 

When you’re in Kew Gardens, this is definitely a must-see. These 13 bamboos are our top picks. We hope you like the images and videos. 

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Facts about lucky bamboo plants [Draceana sanderiana]

Lucky bamboo plants do not belong to the real bamboo family, Poaceae. They are related to the tropical water lily plants, scientifically called Draceana sanderiana. 

Its other names include Chinese Water Bamboo and Friendship Bamboo. 

These plants are versatile monocots with succulent stalks, which are completely different from hollow bamboo canes. 

They are native plants to the tropical regions of the South Pacific, Southeast Asia and parts of West Africa; and grow abundantly near streams or natural water pools. 

The lucky bamboo plants thrive in water and that’s why they are one of the top houseplants. 

They are traditionally given as gifts, symbolising success, health, goodness and wealth.

1. How fast do lucky bamboo plants grow?

Lucky bamboo is a relatively fast-growing plant. It can grow to 8 cm in a month, reaching its maximum height in one year.

2. How tall does lucky bamboo grow?

Lucky bamboo can grow to about 100 cm and spread 20 cm. But it also depends on whether the bamboo is growing in water, gravel or soil. Other indoor conditions can also affect its growth.

3. How long do lucky bamboo plants live?

It’s hard to say but like other indoor plants, its longevity depends entirely on the care they receive. The indoor bamboo plants can live up to 5 years where conditions are the best. 

Also, your plants can live longer if you re-pot them from water to soil.

4. What to do if lucky bamboo leaves and stalks turn yellow?

Separate the affected plants and re-grow them. 

Is your lucky bamboo turning yellow? You can potentially lose it if you do not take immediate actions to save it. 

The article gives clear instructions on How to revive dying Lucky Bamboo Plants in 3 easy steps.

See the link below on how to revive lucky bamboo plant leaves turning yellow.

 

5. Can I grow lucky bamboo in soil?

Absolutely, you can grow lucky bamboo in soil. You can also grow them in gravel and water.

6. What is the best way to propagate lucky bamboo?

The best (and probably) the only way to grow lucky bamboo is by using the ‘cuttings’.

7. Is lucky bamboo poisonous to cats?

Lucky bamboo is poisonous to cats and other pets when ingested. So, keep it out of reach of pet animals.

8. How can I grow lucky bamboo in water?

For best results, use distilled water and clear glass vases to grow lucky bamboo. Read about the best ways to grow them.

9. What is the difference between ‘propagating’ and ‘growing’ lucky bamboo?

These terms are used interchangeably, but propagating lucky bamboo refers to the initial phase of getting the plants to root and put out leaves before planting. 

Whereas, ‘growing’ is often used when re-potting (planting) a lucky bamboo that has already been rooted.

10. What is the ‘one thing’ I must do when planting lucky bamboo?

The top tip is to use distilled water every time whether you are propagating or growing lucky bamboo or replenishing water.

Why is lucky bamboo popular?

Though lucky bamboo plants are poisonous to cats, they are becoming popular, and it is easy to see why. 

They are fantastic indoor plants, undemanding and adored by traditional gardeners in many parts of the world. Their vibrant shiny green colour is hard to miss. 

They are such happy plants. They’ll grow where you put them.

How to grow lucky bamboo indoor plants

How to grow lucky bamboo indoor plants: Lucky bamboo symbolises the beauty of life. Traditionally, it is a symbol of hope. Today, they are one of the great house plants you can grow.

This article gives insight into the best practices on how to grow lucky bamboo plants in water, soil and gravel.

10 Bamboo Facts You Should Know (CLICK HERE).

How to grow healthy lucky bamboo from cuttings?

Lucky bamboo plants are visually appealing in glass vases, cover pots and containers. Traditionally, the stalks are cultivated in groups of 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 21. 

Each group symbolises hope and well-being. It is bad luck if the stalks are not planted in these symbolic groups. Here are the three ways to grow healthy lucky bamboo plants.

1. Can lucky bamboo grow in water?

Reassuringly, lucky bamboo plants thrive in water and it’s clear to see why they are popular vase plants. Follow these steps to grow or re-pot the bamboo plants.

• Firstly, separate the stalks carefully, and avoid ripping the roots and leaves.
• Place the stalks in a clear glass vase. Space them out evenly.
• Then, add distilled water and plant food. Add plant rooting powder if available to promote root growth.
• Place the glass vase away from direct sunlight until fresh roots and leaves appear.
• Move the plants to the ideal site when they’ve shown signs of growth. Now, enjoy your plants.

Top tip: Use a clear glass vase to plant lucky bamboo in water and enjoy the roots as they emerge and find their way around it. Replace the water when it becomes saturated (unclear). Use less tap water because of the presence of chlorine which can kill your plant. Feed the lucky bamboo with plant food occasionally, at least twice a year.

2. Can lucky bamboo grow in soil?

Lucky bamboo grows pretty well in well-drained soil. So, use well-drained potting soil. This is probably the best medium for growing healthy lucky bamboo when re-potting the old plants or propagating new ones. 

Use pots that can hold the lucky bamboo with good spacing in between the stalks. 

Water regularly because potting soils are well-aerated and tend to lose water very quickly.

• Firstly, get some regular cover pots that have holes at the bottom, and fill them with well-drained potting soil.
• Separate the lucky bamboo plants neatly.
• Put 2, 3 or 5 in pots. Space them out evenly so that they stand upright.
• Then, add distilled water. Do not overwater.
• Place the potted plants in a shaded location, away from direct sunlight, until the plants have shown signs of growth.
• Finally, move them to a designated site indoors. Do not move the plants around regularly as the movements can damage the plants.

Top tip: Lucky bamboo plants are not fussy plants. But they dislike waterlogged soil. So, when growing lucky bamboo in soil, use well-drained potting soil and water regularly.

3. Can lucky bamboo grow in gravel?

Absolutely, lucky bamboo also thrives in gravels, pebbles and rock chips.

• Firstly, find a clear glass vase, and fill it with enough gravel so that it can completely cover the roots.
• Put 2, 3 or 5 lucky bamboo stalks in the vase, and space them out evenly so that they stand upright. Then, add distilled water until it reaches the top of the gravel.
• Then, place the glass vase in a shaded site until the roots are well established. (Avoid placing the new plants in direct sunlight)
• Finally, move the bamboo plants to the desired location after signs of growth are visible.

Top tip: Wash the gravel thoroughly before using it. You can also use plant rooting powder to promote root and leaf growth. Generally, lucky bamboo plants do occasionally require plants feed, not more than twice a year. They are undemanding and will thrive in indoor conditions.

Buy lucky bamboo plants for sale

Get quality plants from UK retailers online. 

Yellowing of leaves and stalks is a sign that the lucky bamboo plant is under stress because of one (or more) of the following limitations. 

The five limitations are the common causes of stress in lucky bamboo plants.

• 1. Lack of freshwater
• 2. Direct sunlight
• 3. Low indoor humidity
• 4. High indoor temperature
• 5. Rotting stalks

Your plants will be happy if you can identify (and improve) the five limitations that inhabit the growth of lucky bamboos. 

Check the linked article, we cover the best conditions for thriving bamboo plants, so that you can minimise the yellowing of leaves and stalks. 

Grow lucky bamboo indoor plants

All in all, lucky bamboo plants are not fussy about where they grow or what medium they grow in. They are undemanding plants and will happily thrive in water, soil or gravel. 

To help the bamboo plants enjoy a stress-free environment, create a conducive indoor atmosphere. 

We hope this article helps you to grow your lucky bamboo. 

If you have any questions, leave a comment below. We’ll be happy to help.

5 evergreen garden plants for shade

Most plants require light to grow, that is why they may not do well in heavily shaded areas. But, there are some exceptional plants that thrive in shaded sites. 

The 5 plants we cover in this article are popular shade-loving plants because they tend to adapt exceptionally well to different shaded sites. They are evergreen and long-lasting. 

If you are looking for evergreen shade plants to grow in pots or in the garden, you’ll love these 5 plants.

Bamboo plants for shade

There are different cultivars of bamboo plants, grouped into running and clumping varieties. They are hardy and extremely tolerant to shade. This is because most bamboos are native to subtropical and tropical Asia and the Pacific. 

Bamboo plants usually grow under the forest canopy where there is little or no light.

Many garden bamboo cultivars in the UK and the US display this feature prominently, which makes bamboo one of the top shape-loving plants. 

Also, the small bamboo cultivars are best planted as ground covers. 

Here are some suggestions of bamboo that thrive in shaded areas, and small variegated bamboos to use as ground covers. 

Caution: The running bamboos will spread. Always use a bamboo barrier when growing them in the garden. Alternatively, grow them in pots or containers.

 

Sarcococca (Christmas box)

Sarcococca, also known as the Christmas box, is a dense evergreen shrub.

It bears sweet-scented white flowers in winter. 

The contrasting white flowers with dark green leaves are adorable. The flowers attract bees and butterflies.

This flowering shrub is extremely shade-loving and drought tolerant, a fantastic undercover plant.

Buddleia (Butterfly bush)

Buddleia, also known as the Butterfly bush. 

This beautiful sweet-scented shrub has cultivars that are evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous. They adapt extremely well to shade and dry soils. 

You can trim the branches to give a lush bush. Buddleia is a popular flowering plant for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden.

On Sale at YouGarden.

Viburnum tinus

Viburnum tinus is a dense, evergreen shrub that also grows well in shade. It has dark, glossy leaves. 

The leaves contrast beautifully with the clusters of small pinkish-white flowers. 

They appear throughout the winter and spring. It is a popular flowering shrub because it is easy to grow and adds greenery to the garden throughout the year. 

You can use this beautiful plant for ground cover or hedging.

Ceanothus (Californian Lilac)

Ceanothus, also called Californian Lilac, is an evergreen flowering shrub. 

This beautiful plant has scented flowers that appear late in spring through to summer. 

It can grow in shade to part shade, adaptable and hardy – a fantastic shade hedging plant.

Apart from bamboo, which is grass, the other shade-loving plants are shrubs with beautifully scented flowers. In fact, they are bees and butterfly ‘magnets’.

All in all, if you want to grow a shade-loving plant, these 5 plants will not disappoint.