Bamboo root barriers are vital for containing invasive bamboo plants. This article presents 5 bamboo root barriers for stopping invasive bamboo plants so that you can choose what is best for you.
5] Best way to grow running bamboo plants (plastic root barriers)
Bamboo work is hard work without bamboo barriers.
Solid plastic bamboo root barriers
A solid plastic bamboo root barrier or narrow trench can stop the bamboo from spreading if you did not create a root barrier before planting the bamboo plants.
Building a bamboo root barrier is probably the most common intervention if you have not put any root barrier in the first place when planting your bamboo.
But what are the options for root barriers?
Many DIY shops and online garden shops sell various root barriers. The best thing to do is to choose solid plastic sheets of bamboo root barriers.
These barriers are flexible and bendable, tough and can last over 20 years.
To lay the bamboo root barriers, firstly, dig a narrow trench 30cm to 50cm along or around the bamboo.
This is the ideal depth because bamboo rhizomes are in fact horizontal stems and do not grow deep into the dirt like other plants with taproots do.
Secondly, lay the tough plastic root barriers neatly into the trench with 10 cm to 15 cm layer above the ground level.
The external layer will stop rhizomes from growing over the barrier as leaves and dirt build up over time.
Top right picture shows a layer of bamboo barrier above the ground.
The bamboo root barriers can cost anything from £30 to £250 depending on how thick and strong the plastic barrier is.
An alternative to the reinforced plastic root barriers is patio slabs.
We use the patio slabs, they proved to be good barriers too.
You may have to cover the gaps between the slabs properly as you lay them down because the rhizomes will still make their way through any tiny gaps in the slabs.
Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?
We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants.
Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.
Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.
Why it is important to put in bamboo root barrier before growing bamboo?
Maintaining bamboo plants is surely hard work. The intricate overlay of the rhizome and root network makes it difficult to dig, pull and remove the bamboos.
You’ll have to do it bit by bit until you remove the whole lot or use a machine or additional help.
It is vital to put in place a root barrier before planting bamboo in the garden, especially if you are growing the running bamboo near the boundary, driveways or close to the house.
All in all, bamboo root barriers are vital for containing the invasive running bamboo and large clumping bamboos.
The 5 formidable ways of building the bamboo root barriers will help you to contain the bamboo from spreading in the garden.
Always put in the root barrier before planting your bamboo.
Leave a comment and let us know about your personal experiences and what you think about bamboo and bamboo root/rhizome barriers.
There are cheap ways to build bamboo root barriers and stop bamboo rhizomes from spreading. Most of them will require genuine effort.
Planning before planting bamboo is the most effective way to control bamboo.
In this article, you’ll discover the 5 effective and cost-efficient ways to stop the running bamboo plants from spreading.
This may sound too much. However, it requires a bit of forethought about how far the bamboo will grow. The bamboo plants have the average area they are likely to cover at maturity.
Here is an example of the features of the Black Bamboo Nigra. It will give you an idea about the bamboo you are planting.
When it comes to growing running bamboo, prevention is better than cure. So, the long-term maintenance plans and suggestions below will help you to grow and enjoy bamboo screens and hedges.
Inheriting bamboo plants – what to do
The argument for having a maintenance plan prior to growing bamboo does not hold strong if you inherited bamboo.
In fact, it can be frustrating given the amount of work you need to do to remove bamboo or stop it from spreading. It can also be a costly exercise.
But, there are quick hacks for keeping the bamboo plants under control. It takes only a couple of hours per year.
You will need the tools for maintaining the bamboo plants.
5 cost-effective ways to stop bamboo from spreading
1. Use a bamboo root barrier when planting bamboo
Using a rubber root barrier is a common method for stopping bamboo rhizomes from spreading. It is also the most flexible way to grow bamboo plants because you can grow them in any direction.
The bamboo root barriers are great when growing bamboo along the boundary, near built areas and anywhere near the house.
Always put in a root barrier prior to planting the running bamboo. It will lessen the maintenance work as the bamboo grows.
This article has more information on bamboo root barriers and how to use them.
2. Grow bamboo in heavy-duty pots
The easiest method to stop bamboo from spreading is to plant it in a pot. The roots are pot-bound and will not spread. They are great pot plants for patios, balconies and any outdoor spaces.
Most of them can be used as natural privacy screens or windbreaks.
The heady-duty rubber pots are best as they are strong. If you need more information on selecting pots for planting bamboo plants, check out this article.
3. Grow bamboo in a raised bed
This is a less common way of containing bamboo plants, but it can be pretty effective when done right. You can build an elevated raised bed from any material, yet brick raised beds are best.
Understandably, the bamboo rhizomes do not grow deep into the soil.
A raised bed of about 50 cm is ideal for spotting any shoots that are creeping out the allotted space.
The elevated beds are a nice way to grow bamboo as a centrepiece or as an individual plant.
4. Dig a trench around the perimeter of an existing bamboo
Making a trench is a cost-effective method, especially when you have an overgrown plant.
However, it will require close supervision, especially in spring when the shoot and rhizome growths are prominent.
You will have to physically check for new growths and cut them off. It is a simple yet effective way to stop bamboo from spreading.
You should dig about a 30 cm perimeter around the plant as the bamboo roots, unlike plants, do not have a tap root that grows deep. The rhizomes are at the top layer of the soil and easy to spot as they grow over the trench.
Maintain the trench once or twice a year, ideally at the beginning of spring and at the end of summer.
5. Use patio slabs, metal sheets or heavy-duty rubber materials as rhizome barriers
Alternatives to rubber root barriers are patio slabs, heavy-duty plastics or metal sheets.
They work pretty good alternatives to the root barriers that you often have around the house or in the garden.
You should dig a trench 30 – 50 cm deep and lay them along with it. It works perfectly every time.
You can use any of the methods for containing bamboo plants and stopping them from invading the garden or the neighbour’s side.
Always use a bamboo root barrier when growing the running bamboo plants.
Here are some UK shops where you can get the bamboo root barrier: B&Q and YouGarden.
Benefits of growing bamboo plants
Bamboo plants are problematic because they tend to spread. However, there are two types of bamboo plants – running bamboo and clumping bamboo plants.
The running bamboo spreads and that is why growers should use root barriers when growing it.
Yet both types of bamboo plants have many benefits.
They are also resilient plants that they can grow in shade or on tough soil. They are evergreen which means you will enjoy the natural greenery all year round.
The two most common features of bamboo are that its fast-growing and also long-lasting. They come in all sizes, shapes, colours and heights. Fit for any purpose.
So, if you want a quick screen to cover any unsightly features in the garden, bamboo is the go-to plant.
Stop bamboo from spreading
Regardless of whether you've inherited bamboo or want to grow a new plant, these 5 ways of building bamboo barriers will help you.
Always build bamboo rhizome barriers when growing the running bamboo plants.
One top tip though is to ensure that the soil is not too compacted, especially in the new building sites.
Bamboo plants do not like compacted soil or soil that is high in pH.
In such cases, prepare the area well by adding compost or loam soil before planting the running bamboo.
Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?
We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants.
Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.
Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.
Why it is important to put in bamboo root barrier before growing bamboo?
Maintaining bamboo plants is surely hard work. The intricate overlay of the rhizome and root network makes it difficult to dig, pull and remove the bamboos.
You’ll have to do it bit by bit until you remove the whole lot or use a machine or additional help.
It is vital to put in place a root barrier before planting bamboo in the garden, especially if you are growing the running bamboo near the boundary, driveways or close to the house.
All in all, bamboo root barriers are vital for containing the invasive running bamboo and large clumping bamboos.
The 5 formidable ways of building the bamboo root barriers will help you to contain the bamboo from spreading in the garden.
Always put in the root barrier before planting your bamboo.
Leave a comment and let us know about your personal experiences and what you think about bamboo and bamboo root/rhizome barriers.
Spring is the best time to check the trench, clear any leaves and dirt and trim the rhizomes.
we listed four other containment methods for those homeowners who may have inherited bamboo or others that have not placed a barrier before planting the bamboo.
For the benefit of bamboo growers and homeowners, it is perhaps important to either build bamboo barriers prior to planting bamboo in the garden.
Top tip for planting bamboo plants
Before planting the running or clumping bamboos, you should build a barrier especially when growing them as hedging plants.
This is an important containment measure because as the runners and clumpers grow, they’ll either spread or expand, respectively.
Barriers can be root barriers, trenches, raised beds or contained structures – any that works for you. Lay root barriers around matured bamboo plants.
The problem with bamboo invading other spaces is due to a lack of care and attention. Bamboo like other plants will grow as long as the conditions are ideal.
Many bamboo growers are using the bamboo root barriers successfully. These barriers are often put in place before or after planting.
Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?
We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants.
Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.
Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.
It is important to create a bamboo barrier when you are planting the running bamboo. This will save you a lot of work when your plants mature.
Best of all, once you’ve planted bamboo in the pots and containers they’ll grow for years without having to worry about the bamboo invading other spaces.
Note that bamboo plants do not like waterlogged and dry soils. Choose heavy-duty pots and containers that have well-drained bottoms.
The underground parts of bamboos such as the rhizomes, base buds and roots will quickly occupy the spaces in the containers.
These are the common shortfalls of growing bamboos in pots and containers, but they are the best solutions for growing the running bamboos for privacy screens, garden hedging and for small outdoor spaces.
You can still grow bamboo in pots and containers and enjoy them. So, ensure the soil remains well-aerated, moist and well-drained. This will keep the bamboo happy, and they’ll thrive for many years.
Here are practical tips based on our experiences over the years and provide practical solutions to many problems bamboo growers face when planting bamboo in contained spaces.
5 Ways to Create Bamboo Root Barriers
Bamboo root barriers are vital for containing invasive bamboo plants.
We present 5 methods for stopping invasive bamboo plants so that you can choose what is best for you.
For clumping bamboos, raised beds are perfect because they enable you to see the new base buds, nodes and culms which make it easy to thin the bamboo when they expand out of the beds.
Building raised beds does not have to cost a lot of money.
You can use the solid materials that you already have such as patio slabs, rocks, bricks, treated timber or any solid material you find in the shed.
The running bamboos have rhizomes that grow away from the parent plants. That is why they are often referred to as invasive bamboos.
The clump-forming bamboo plants are non-invasive. As the name implies, the rhizomes are compact at the base, forming clumps.
You can grow both varieties and enjoy them.
There is no need to worry if you grow them right.
Find out how to grow running bamboos without worrying about their invasiveness.
How to grow running bamboos in the garden
You can grow running (invasive) bamboo plants in the garden, such as hedges, privacy screens, pot and container bamboos, bamboo for sticks and balcony screens.
There are hundreds of bamboo plants that grow well in the UK.
Each bamboo is suitable for gardens and can be used for different purposes.
The running bamboo can be a concern because of the potential impacts on the other structures.
Here at gardenbambooplants.com, we advocate for planning before planting.
This means taking two actions.
Firstly, survey the nearby site. The initial survey does not have to take longer than 10 minutes. Yet, it is important to control the bamboo from the start.
So, find out
what is near the potential bamboo site;
what are the likely impacts on the built environment; and
whether it’s necessary to grow running bamboo there.
Secondly, use a root barrier. Regardless of where you are going to grow the running bamboo plants, a root barrier is vital to spreading.
Take precautions when growing running bamboo
The steps above will stop the running bamboo plants from invading the built areas or neighbours' gardens.
Survey the garden site and use root barriers before planting.
Do not grow the running bamboo close to the paths and buildings.
As a rule of thumb, grow the running bamboo at least 5 metres away from any built area.
Another option is to grow the running bamboos in large heavy-duty pots. The pots will act as barriers so that there is no need to spend extra money on root barriers.
Also, you can move the pots and place them wherever you want.
The disadvantage is that you may have to re-pot the plants every 5 or 10 years.
Not bad because it’s less work than digging up the running bamboo rhizomes in the garden.
Where to buy running bamboo in the UK?
Your nearest garden centres will have supplies of running bamboo plants.
Ask for the features and growth requirements, and what you expect of the plant.
Get their professional opinion on what to do to stop the bamboo from invading other built areas.
Many labels on the running bamboo plants do not have a warning on them.
So make sure to find out how far the running bamboo is likely to spread.
Check out the clumping and running bamboo plants at the beautiful Secret Garden at Blenheim Palace, Oxford, UK.
Facts about clumping and running bamboos
Though the clumping bamboo plants are non-invasive, they pose risk to the built environment.
The base expands over time, which can damage patio or fence structures.
Also, their culms and leaves can cover the garden when neglected over time.
Likewise, the running bamboos will run into the neighbour's side or invade the garden if you neglect them.
So, it is vitally important to plant them right the first time.
Here are some facts about growing the clumping and running bamboo plants.
Common traits of running and clumping bamboo plants:
Running and clumping bamboo plants are fast-growing.
Both bamboo plants require a lot of work to uproot.
They do not grow as deep into the soil as trees do.
Undemanding and low-maintenance plants
Traits of clumping bamboo plants:
Most clumping bamboos are in the Fargesia group.
Clumping bamboos have rhizomes that expand at the base.
Some clumping umbrella bamboo is best for garden hedging and privacy screens.
Traits of running bamboo plants
Most running bamboos are in the Phyllostachys group.
Use a barrier to grow running bamboo. They are invasive.
Running bamboos have rhizomes that grow along the surface.
Some running bamboos are tall and ideal for tall privacy screens.
Warning about invasive and non-invasive bamboos
For every home and garden, there is a perfect bamboo.
They are tough plants and will grow where you put them.
But, before planting bamboo, always follow the 3 steps:
survey the area,
take precautions, and
use roots barriers or pots.
These steps will protect the built structure near where you grow the bamboo plants.
Bamboo without barriers
Many homeowners may have inherited bamboos that do not have roots barrier.
If you are in this position, it is not too late! Take a look at how we managed to control our running bamboo in this YouTube video.
You can do the same, but it is hard work digging the rhizomes. Here is how to dig bamboo plants - you’ll need bamboo digging tools.
Firstly, dig around the bamboo to a depth of 30 cm to 50 cm. Use a pickaxe, crew bar, and a pair of secateurs. See the complete list of tools for digging bamboo roots.
Secondly, lay roots barrier. You can get them from your nearest garden centre or DIY shop. Or, use patio slabs or thick plastic sheets as root barriers.
Then cover the hole, leave 5 cm to 10 cm uncovered.
All in all, barriers are best for stopping clumping bamboo bases expanding, or running bamboo from invading other areas.
Bamboo will require care and maintenance to grow well. In this article, we take a look at how you can take care of your bamboo plants, and when to attend to them.
Thinning is important because sunlight will reach the inner part of a bamboo plant and promotes growth.
The young plant will do well when it does not have to compete with the older, more established plants in the stock.
The best time for thinning bamboo is early Spring, just before any new shoots from the previous year establish themselves.
It is important to note that thinning bamboo is likely to cause distress to the whole plant.
To avoid any significant damage to the plant, cover it with access soil, and add mulch and water.
Add mulch
Bamboo plants will grow thick and fast where there is well-drained soil with good moisture.
It is also good to way add warmth and protect the bamboo from frost and frozen soil in Winter.
Mulching is important for the soil to retain moisture in Summer, promote new bamboo growth and preserve the plant from Winter’s cold.
It also gives your garden a neat appearance.
The best mulch to use is bamboo leaves. They contain silica which is high in nitrogen and nutrients plants need. So rake the bamboo leaves and put them back onto the plant.
Other options are grass cuttings, tree barks, dead leaves and small twigs.
You can add organic mulch as and when your bamboo needs it, but the ideal time for mulching is early in Spring or late in Autumn.
Maintain bamboo plants
Bamboo is a tough plant, however, there are two ways to protect the new shoots.
Slug attacks
Firstly, the new plants are prone to slug attacks.
In fact, slugs love the new bamboo leaves and shoots. They can devour the plants in one visit, this happened to one of our new bamboos.
If you see any new growth, add Slug and Snail pellets to protect them.
Staking new shoots
Secondly, the tall bamboo and new shoots will require staking.
This stem support encourages the shoots to grow upright and protect them from the wind.
Staking the plants is important if you grow bamboo in pots or as windbreaks.
You can use bamboo sticks and garden rope to tie bamboo as they grow.
The ideal time to stake your bamboo is when the new growths are coming out. They will need this support.
Taking care of bamboo plants outdoors
If you are planning to build root barriers or thin out the bamboo rhizomes and culms, do it in early Spring.
After attending to your bamboo, always add the access soil and mulch to the base of the bamboo plants, and tidy up the base of the bamboo before Summer to stimulate new growths.
Here are helpful tips for taking care of (and growing) bamboo plants.
Homeowners and gardeners are wondering which bamboo plant would be most suited for screening purposes.
Some bamboo plants, called running bamboo plants, can become a serious problem if planted in the garden without a barrier.
There are many cultivars of running and clump-forming bamboo. The common ones are the Phyllostachys and Fargesia bamboo plants.
So, which bamboo plants is best for privacy screens?
Which bamboo is best for privacy screens?
Many gardeners play it safe and opt for the clump-forming Fargesia over Phyllostachys.
The Fargesia bamboo plants hold more foliage which offers more density for screening whereas the Phyllostachys is more about the stem colour and height.
Different Fargesia cultivars will produce different thicknesses and heights so it really depends on your need for screening.
For Fargesias, the Fargesia Umbrella bamboo plants produce thick screens and Fargesia Robusta cultivars are mostly tall.
The charm of the foliage and elegance is quickly lost when you see roots and shoots emerging in all parts of the garden, interfering with the built structures.
Even worst when they cross the boundary over to the neighbour's side and cause some 'neighbourly discussions'.
Most Phyllostachys bamboo plants have running rhizomes that spread. But, there are cost-effective ways to grow running bamboo for screening.
You can still enjoy the charm and elegance of these beautiful plants by building a rhizome barrier before growing them.
Use bamboo root barriers
When growing the running bamboo plants within barriers you won't have problems with them invading all parts of the garden, built structures and neighbour's side.
There are many different ways to create bamboo barriers from growing bamboo in planter boxes, pots and containers to building raised structures and securing bamboo roots within roots barriers.
There are many different types of bamboo plants from the dwarf varieties to the giant timber bamboo plants. They can live for many years in the garden.
Running and clumping bamboo plants
Bamboo plants are either runners or clumpers. The running bamboos are invasive and should be planted within barriers or in pots.
Clumping bamboos are exotic plants that are not invasive.
Both bamboo types can thrive for many years in the garden, but how long do they really live?
How long do bamboo plants live?’
Some estimation puts them between 30 – 50 years, but they can live longer.
As mentioned, bamboo groves re-generate by putting new shoots out every year.
This growth behaviour means that they can thrive for much longer than anticipated.
To put it in perspective, a single bamboo shoot will mature within 5 - 7 years and live for about 10 - 15 years within a bamboo grove. It will produce new shoots, resulting in an expanding bamboo grove.
This re-generative growth pattern means that bamboo plants can live and thrive for many years after they are planted.
They’ll struggle to survive in the contained spaces.
Life expectancy of common bamboo plants
The growth and regenerative behaviours of bamboo plants, mentioned earlier, are important factors that determine the life expectancy of bamboo plants.
The table shows the general life expectancy of a garden bamboo plant in the garden or in pots and containers.
Bamboo
Grow medium
Maturity
Shoot
Garden
6 – 12 months to mature
Plant
Garden
5 - 7 years to mature (requires selective pruning)
Grove
Garden
30 – 50 years
Shoot
Outdoor Pot
3 - 6 months to mature
Plant
Outdoor Pot
2 - 5 years (requires selective pruning)
Grove
Outdoor Pot
5 – 10 years (requires repotting)
The Giant Timber Bamboo plants take up to 7 years to mature and live for as long as 50 years in their natural environment.
They are massive plants which reach above 10 metres in height.
In the UK, you can see the Giant Timber Bamboo in full growth at the Kew Garden Palm House.
If you want to find out about the running and clumping bamboo plants, follow these links:
Generally, how long a bamboo plant lasts pretty much depends on the kind of bamboo.
There are about 800 different cultivars of running and clumping bamboo plants that thrive in the UK and US.
However, worldwide there are about 1500 species of bamboo plants.
Above all, there are two important factors that contribute to the longevity of bamboo plants.
The ‘growth behaviour of the new bamboo shoots’ and ‘the regenerative behaviour of the bamboo grove’.
The two growth behaviours make bamboo plants sustainable. You can grow and enjoy for as long as you want.
Where to buy bamboo plants?
Bamboo plants come in pots. You can remove the plants in the pot and grow them in the garden.
If you want to get more plants from a pot, read about how to separate the bamboo plants.
Some bamboo plants are running whereas others are clumping.
Before buying a bamboo plant, decide what type of bamboo you want to grow - running or clumping?
The obvious advantage of growing bamboo plants is that they are fast-growing. You get the evergreen hedge or screen faster compared to the common hedge shrubs and plants.
We measured the growth of the Phyllostachys Vivax (Golden Yellow Chinese Bamboo) in the garden last summer.
Recorded the length it grew every day and worked out the average growth rate.
It was an interesting finding.
Bamboo plants vs bamboo grove
How long bamboo plants last depend on the growth of the individual plants and the regenerative behaviour of the plants in the grove.
Some bamboo plants will live in the soil until the condition is right before they put out new shoots. Others will spread pretty quickly.
Generally, the common bamboo plants that grow in the UK, US and other cooler regions will last for 30 – 50 years. And, they will continue to grow as long as the condition is right.
The bamboo canes are excellent stakes for garden plants. They come in different sizes and are often used for supporting vines, shoots and many other garden plants. The bamboo stems have different thicknesses.
Take a look at how some of these tall bamboo plants are grown inside root barriers and wall barriers - 25 different ways of growing invasive bamboo.
Uses of bamboo canes in the garden
You may have seen bamboo canes used in the garden. In fact, there are countless uses. You can use them as the support for runner beans, sweet peas, and flowers or as hoops for netting in the garden.
As mentioned, the best bamboos to grow are the plants with thick canes. You will have endless supplies to use in the garden.
Bamboo sticks for plants in pots and gardens.
Here are some garden projects where we use bamboo canes. The canes come from the bamboo plants that we grow in pots and along with the garden hedge and as privacy screens.
Many garden bamboo plants in the UK are too big to use as bamboo canes or have thin stem walls. The bamboos are great for the privacy screen and tall hedges, but not ideal for use as bamboo sticks.
So, if you want to grow bamboo and use its canes, choose one of the 5 bamboo plants.
The plants will produce an endless supply of canes.
You can also use them for fencing, hoops and stakes for indoor plants. The uses are limitless.
See how we use bamboo on our YouTube channel. This playlist has all the bamboo DIY ideas.
The bamboo sticks are tall, slender, rounded, tough and strong. They are the perfect support for new plants, vines, beans and garden and pot plants that need stem support.
Bamboo sticks will last for many years. You can use and re-use the sticks, they are tough, firm and strong.
They are also flexible, you can bend them to your liking and create amazing shapes and designs.
Do you have a useful plant in the garden?
Bamboo stems are fantastic alternatives to timber and plastic garden stakes.
Grow the 5 bamboo plants for unlimited supplies of tall bamboo sticks for garden plants.
We would love to hear from you.
Do you have a plant in the garden that you often use the stems like the bamboo stems?
Let us know in the comments below.
Here is another useful garden plant, Cordyline australis. Its leaves are fantastic garden ropes.
Phyllostachys flexuosa is stunning bamboo with yellow and green culms, slender arching branches and evergreen foliage. Also known as Sinuate Bamboo or Qiuganzhu.
Landscapers may find Phyllostachys flexuosa useful as this bamboo is low maintenance and ideal for privacy screening and hedging.
It's an invasive running bamboo and therefore a root barrier should be used to contain its spread.
Phyllostachys flexuosa can grow to 6 metres and spread 2 metres.
It may not grow to its maximum height and spread when grown in contained spaces.
Use large heavy-duty container pots to grow this timber bamboo.
Note that the new shoots in the second, third and successive years will be reasonably taller than the first shoots.
So, do not be surprised if your Phyllostachys flexuosa is taller than an average Phyllostachys bamboo in the container pots.
This running bamboo will definitely require repotting within 3 – 5 years.
Cultivate in the garden
Phyllostachys flexuosa’s evergreen foliage, arching stems and elongated branches are ideal for creating a calm and serene atmosphere outdoors or in the garden.
It is also a preferable bamboo for privacy screens and hedging.
Perhaps it is important to note that the Phyllostachys flexuosa (Sinuate Bamboo) is an invasive bamboo, therefore building a bamboo barrier prior to planting it in the garden is the best thing to do.
Like the other running bamboos, the Sinuate Bamboo prefers well-drained, moist soil.
Read about the Best Soil for Growing Bamboo
Loam soil for growing bamboo cuttings
Propagate running bamboo Phyllostachys flexuosa
Many UK bamboo growers use Rhizome Cuttings to propagate the running bamboo successfully.
You can also use Culm Cuttings or Bamboo Seeds to propagate Phyllostachys flexuosa.
Seeds are often hard to find because bamboos rarely flower.
If you are lucky to have a rare bamboo seed, take extra care to grow them. Here is the step-by-step guide on How to Grow Bamboo from Seeds.
Buy Phyllostachys Bamboos in the UK
Phyllostachys flexuosa bamboo is ideal for a mini bamboo forest, woodland, botanical garden or tall privacy screen.
It is also edible bamboo, you can grow it in large heavy-duty container pots and enjoy the shoots.
Here are some great places where you can buy the running and clumping bamboos in the UK.
If the bamboo is not available, please contact the Garden Shops directly or message us and we'll be happy to help find it for you.
Bamboos similar to Phyllostachys flexuosa
Finding the right Phyllostachys Bamboo at the local nursery or garden centre can be tricky. We list 5 other bamboos that are similar to the ‘Phyllostachys flexuosa’.
The similarities are based on 5 important factors: the type (either running or clumping), height, foliage, hardiness and use.
Phyllostachys rubromarginata is also called the Reddish Bamboo or Red Margin Bamboo because of the reddish colour of the new shoots.
This running bamboo is tall and upright, fast-spreading bamboo. It is ideal for tall hedges and quick natural privacy screens.
The Reddish Bamboo is hardy to -20 degrees Celsius making it one of the cold-tolerant Phyllostachys bamboos to grow in the cold Winter areas of the UK and US.
The stunning new reddish shoots are a standout feature. Definitely requires root barriers or elevated beds to contain it from spreading.
Bamboo plants in pot and container planters are great for instant privacy screens. Besides, you do not have to worry about the bamboos’ invasiveness because the planters are barriers.
They also provide the benefit of moving them around to optimise on space available, perfect for small and narrow spaces.
There are more benefits to using the plants. However, growing bamboo in pot and container planters requires extra care and attention, unlike the garden hedging bamboo screens.
In this article, you will find out about how to:
choose the best bamboo for small outdoor spaces,
select the best planters to grow bamboo and
provide long-term care for the bamboo plants.
How to select the best pots and containers?
There are a lot of recommendations for larger and bigger bamboo planters, but these are not often the best recommendations for narrow outdoor areas like the deck, patio, balcony or porch.
Unless, of course, use a bigger planter if the outdoor area has enough space for a bigger plant.
When choosing a pot or container for growing bamboo, size, weight and stability matter!
That begs the question what is the best pot or container for planting bamboo plants?
The three-pointers will help you to identify the bamboo planter that suits you.
A strong and durable frost resistant pot or container planter will act as a root barrier and protect the plant against the cold. Avoid the thin plastic pots because they do not stand a chance against the bamboo rhizomes and clumps in compacted space.
Avoid growing bamboo in containers that have small openings and heavy tops. If you use these planters, it will be hard to remove the bamboo plants for repotting, or the tall plants will topple to the ground.
Perhaps the important point to consider when selecting a pot or container for growing bamboo is the space available on your porch, patio, deck or balcony. Most of these spaces are usually narrow.
Ideally, the narrow rectangular heavy-duty containers are best for this kind of space. For the corners, you may want to choose a heavy-duty square container planter.
Some DIY wooden and metal containers are great for other plants, but not ideal for bamboo plants.
Furthermore, the metals pots do not have good insulations as they either absorb or lose heat pretty quickly in Summer and Winter, respectively.
If you still wish to use DIY wooden containers to grow bamboo, the best thing to do is to use the treated timbers that can last longer than 5 years.
As for the metal containers, ensure that they are well insulated from heat and cold.
Above all, ensure that the pot and container planters for growing bamboo are strong and stable, are well insulated, and have good drainage.
Choose large pots or container planters
You can move the bamboo into a larger pot or container planters. It is going to be a tedious operation getting the bamboo out.
However, if you are using the square and rectangular container box, you’ll find it easier to uproot the plant and repot it while saving the old container box.
In a case where it is difficult to remove the plant from the container planter, you will have to decide whether to keep the plant or keep the planter box. That means that you will have to destroy one and save the other.
The best time for repotting a bamboo plant into the container planters is early Spring when the new growths are prominent.
Avoid environmental stress in confined areas
Like other potted plants, bamboos in pots require attention if they were to thrive in the confined space.
One of the main reasons why bamboo leaves turn yellow (more info here) is the lack of moisture and nutrient in the soil.
Undoubtedly, bamboo in pots and container boxes will grow well where there is good moisture and nutrient in the soil.
Many pot and container planter boxes have a hollow bottom where the water drains out pretty quickly.
Bamboo plants tend to lose more water through transpiration through the thin and slender leaves compared to other thick leaves plants.
Poor drainage and a high rate of transpiration are often the main reasons why the soil in pot planters becomes devoid of nutrients and moisture. This is the main cause of the yellowing of bamboo leaves and browning culms.
How to improve soil condition in pots?
There are two things you can do to improve the soil moisture and soil nutrients in pot and container planters.
Firstly, fill the base of the pot and container planters with pebbles, gravel or a porous pot filler to stop it from losing water.
Do not block the hole at the bottom of the planters completely because the bamboo plants dislike waterlogged containers.
In addition, leave a spacing of about 10cm to 15 cm at the top of the pot and container planters after you’ve planted the bamboo. This space is very important for mulching and fertilising the plants later.
Secondly, use nutrient-rich loam soil and or potting compost when potting bamboo plants into containers to give them the best start.
Here is the right mixture of clay to sand to silt to create an ideal loam for growing bamboo.
Alternatively, a 50/50 mix potting compost contains the right nutrient and moisture for new bamboo plants to thrive in the pots.
If you need more information on how to grow bamboo, check out the Instructional Guides from YouGarden.
How to stop tall bamboo in pots from falling down?
Ominously, the tall bamboo plants will sway in the wind and topple to the ground if the pots are unstable. When this happens, you are likely to have a damaged plant, or pot, or both.
To avoid bamboo in pots falling to the ground, choose a pot or container planter with good stability.
A regular occurrence is when the tall bamboo culms lean out of the bamboo cluster or grove. In this case, use the garden ropes to tie them back.
Protect potted bamboo roots and rhizomes from cold and frost
The bamboos in pots and container planters require insulation in Winter when the temperature falls to negative values.
Although the bamboo plants are tough and hardy, the roots and rhizomes are above ground level and are directly exposed to the weather, unlike the plants on the ground.
The bamboo plants in the planter pots are prone to frost, frozen soil and, even, the Winter’s chill.
The best way to protect the bamboo in the planters is to add mulch and cover the base of the pots with an insulating blanket, bubble wrap or special plant insulation fleece.
Do these when bamboo in pot and container planters grow big
The running and clumping bamboo plants will reach full growth in the pots and containers within 2 – 5 years. That is the period when the plants are at their peak.
They’ll display evergreen foliage, shiny culms and beautiful leaves – an ideal time to enjoy the beauty of your bamboo plants.
The plants will thrive for more than 5 to 10 years in large pot planters under the right conditions and care mentioned in this article.
To continue to enjoy them, there are a couple of things you can do to keep the plants in the pot longer.
How to maintain bamboo plants in pots and containers?
Bamboo plants are relatively hardy bamboo and can withstand air temperatures as low as – 20 degrees Celsius in normal growing conditions.
However, bamboo plants in pots and containers without the right insulations will struggle to survive at such very low temperatures.
So the first thing to do before planting them is to insulate the containers by using styrofoam which is light and great for extra insulation.
In addition, the new bamboo plants are prone to slugs damage. Add Slugs and Snail Killer to protect new shoots and rhizome tips.
Here are some general protection measures to apply when planting bamboo in pot and container planters;
Apply Slug and Snail Killer around your new bamboo.
Add organic mulch.
Tie the long culms to bamboo sticks or poles.
Add insulation inside the pot and containers.
Cover the pots and containers with additional insulation fleece or blanket when the temperature drops to negative degrees Celsius.
‘Thinning’ bamboo in pot and container planters
Remove the old unhealthy culms (canes) to give the new shoots a chance to reach full height. In fact, the new shoots will be stronger and taller than previous bamboos, so encourage new growth if you want taller and healthier plants.
After 5 – 10 years, you will have to carry out ‘thinning’. Remove the older bamboo culms and rhizomes from the pots and containers, and separate the culms into segments for repotting. This activity is best done in Spring.
At this juncture, we provided insight into how to select and grow the perfect bamboo plants in pots for the small outdoor space at home, the office or the rental place.
Bamboo work is hard work without bamboo barriers.
Top right picture shows a layer of bamboo barrier above the ground.
