Bamboo

Bamboo is very tolerant of soil types and growing conditions, and in fact, can be planted almost anywhere.

There is one major concern with bamboo and that is it's reputation as being very, very invasive. Rest assured that the majority of all bamboo species found now are clump forming and gratefully non-invasive. But when buying bamboo do keep this in the back of your mind, and maybe check first before buying.

In most cases bamboo is very simple to look after and generally grows like mad. But there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the best out of a bamboo, read on...

Soil
The ideal soil conditions for bamboo are moist yet well drained soil. Again they will tolerate and adapt to just about anything but to get the best results keep the soil moist, yet well drained.

Containers
Great in containers, just be a little more attentive to them, as more water and feed maybe needed due to the free draining nature of container mediums.

Watering
Bamboos respond to water, they love a good drink. This is especially important for establishment of new plants. Adequate water will ensure survival, and more water will bring larger, more vigorous development. Regular watering throughout the growing season, especially during new shoot season, brings the best results.

Planting
If the soil is poor draining, or is heavy due to clay or compaction, add coarse sand or other soil improvers. The depth at which to plant the new plant is not as critical as it is with other plants. Deeper planting can help stimulate dormant buds on basal nodes and also anchor the plant from rocking significantly which is handy in windy positions. However, if soils do  drain quickly, new plants should be set shallower in the ground.

After the bamboo has been back-filled, soak several times and top-dress with an organic mulch to conserve water and keep the soil temperature consistent.

Bamboo does respond well to supplemental watering, so the incorporation of organic material to all soil types to assist with moisture retention and drainage is very beneficial. Composted manures, slow release or organic fertilizers can be added to the backfill material, since bamboos are heavy feeders.

Feeding
Bamboos are grasses, and grasses thrive on good nutrition. They are also adaptable and tolerant, they can be neglected and still survive. However, if you want your bamboo to thrive and flourish, annual applications of slow-release fertilizers, composted manures, or any organic topdressing will bring vigorous happy bamboos.
Mulches protect bamboo roots from extremes in temperature and soil moisture, and the breakdown of organic mulches benefit the soil structure and provide important nutrients. The natural annual shedding of the bamboo leaf canopy provides the perfect mulch. Do not remove these leaves; they provide an ideal source of nutrients for the bamboo.

Click to see our range of bamboo