10 Questions about bamboo plants you should know before growing them

Bamboo plants are adorable. They are evergreen, fast-growing and are fantastic options for traditional hedges and screens.

But, many gardeners ask why these lovely plants are often hard to deal with.

We put together the top 10 questions asked by many gardeners and homeowners for you. 

Bamboo plants for Sale UK

1. Q. I want to grow bamboo, but they are invasive. What should I do?

A. Many homeowners and gardeners are worried that bamboos are invasive.  There are two varieties of bamboo plants. The running bamboos are invasive whereas the clumping bamboos are not invasive.

In addition, you can use bamboo root barriers or pots and still enjoy all the benefits of growing bamboo either in the garden or in pots. 

Bamboo plants can be a problem if left unchecked for 2 – 3 years as many large plants do. 

This is often the case due to neglect or when someone inherits bamboo from a previous owner. 

Perhaps it is important to note that bamboo plants are great pot plants, undemanding and providing the best natural covers. 

But to keep them in good shape, they’ll need attention. 

2. Q. How can I grow bamboo plants from cuttings?

A. Generally, though bamboo plants are undemanding, they will require your attention especially when grown in pots. 

So, prepare the pots and soil prior to growing the new plants.

• A large pot is necessary for bamboo as they are large plants. As they grow up and outwards, they’ll also expand at the bottom. So, a large pot or planter is ideal for growing them.

• Use well-drained and moist soil. All the bamboo plants we feature on GardenBambooPlants.com require well-drained and moist soil to grow well. Here is a detailed article on the best soil for growing bamboo and how to make it.

3. Q. When is the right time to grow bamboo plants?

A. The best time to plant bamboo is early in Spring, or around March. 

These are ideal times because the new shoots will be prominent. 

Importantly, the new bamboo plants in the pots will require attention. 

Keep a watch when they put out the new shoots so that the slugs do not destroy them.

4. Q How many bamboo cultivars to grow in the UK?

A. We feature over 70 bamboo plants. 

Most of the running and clumping bamboos thrive in the UK conditions. 

You can find out more about them by following the three navigation on this website.

• Use the search button on the right.
• Check the top Menus.
• Click here – running bamboos vs clumping bamboos.

5. Q. What kind of bamboo is best for the garden?

A. Clumping bamboo varieties are great garden plants, they spread more slowly and gradually. 

In the garden, they can be used as ornamental or patio pot plants. 

Fargesia Simba and Pleioblastus Distichus are the best for garden centrepieces.

6. Q. Is bamboo legal in the UK?

A. 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 bamboos as an invasive species.

 

7. Q Can bamboo grow in pots and containers?

A. You can grow both Running and Clumping bamboo in pots and containers. 

Their growth and duration are limited to the size of the pots and will require care or repotting after 3 – 5 years.

In-depth Answer: Here is an article we wrote about the Best Bamboos for Pots.

8. Q. Does bamboo grow in shade?

A. Although most varieties of running and clumping bamboos like sunlight, they can also grow in shades. 

Some varieties of clump-forming bamboos are best for partial and full-shaded areas. 

When planting a variety of clump-forming plants to grow in the share, ensure that the soil is well-drained.

9. Q. How much water does bamboo need?

A. Old bamboo plants have natural water storage capacity through their hollow canes/culms and rhizomes (roots). Their deep roots and long canes will be able to store water and become drought resistant.

A. New bamboo will need water to grow until the roots and culms are well established. Water generously, but not too much water to avoid waterlogging. Lack of water or too much water can kill them.

10. When is the right time for pruning bamboo plants?

A. Summer checks: In the Summer, the plants would have grown to full height, and the rhizomes have reached far and wide or packed in clumps. 

Prune the culms and rhizomes, but not an ideal time to grow or re-pot the bamboos they may not survive the cold in Winter.

A. Spring checks: In the early Spring, the new shoots are an indication of how far the plants have grown and how healthy they are. This gives you an ideal opportunity to prune, re-pot or dig out the intruding rhizomes and canes.

Bamboo plants for sale UK

Here are reliable UK retailers that sell bamboo plants and get them delivered to you.

The red bamboo plants are a stunning addition to the garden. 

They are also ideal pot plants. 

The redness in new shoots and culms and change of colourations make these bamboos a standout.

How to grow red bamboo plants?

Red bamboo plants are a stunning group of plants, though not so common as the black bamboo plants. 

Most of the red bamboo plants are from the clumping variety. 

Check out these articles for the 5 best read bamboo plants that grow well in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and other parts of the temperate regions where there are four seasons.

Grow red bamboo plants in the garden

Bamboos are evergreen and long-lasting, best grown in sites where they’ll provide a permanent cover such as in the garden as ornamental plants, or along the boundary as hedges and privacy screens. 

The red bamboos are a standout. 

So, grow them somewhere obvious where you will admire them all year round. 

It is a good idea to use root barriers if you are growing the running red bamboo plants because this will stop them from spreading. 

Alternatively, grow them in pots. See below why growing bamboo plants in pots is a great idea.

Grow red bamboo plants pot?

The red bamboos are fantastic pot plants. Though these plants do not flower regularly, the red canes are naturally beautiful.

• Movable

Most bamboos in pots are not easy to move because they are large and heavy plants. 

The red bamboo plants will require additional help or tool to move them around, like this Hand Truck from B&Q. 

However, the great thing about growing bamboo in pots is that you CAN actually move and adjust the pots to your heart’s desire with a bit of help.

• Maintainable

Bamboos are undemanding plants. 

You can prune the culms and leave the greenery you want on the potted bamboos, and they’ll keep producing new shoots year on year. 

That is why they are great natural privacy plants.

• Protection

Bamboo plants are hardy and can withstand cold and frosts. 

Though they are generally tolerant to insects and bugs, the new shoots are susceptible to slug attacks. 

So, growing them in pots and elevating them above the ground is the best protection.

• Root barriers

The red running and clumping bamboos are either invasive or will expand at the base. 

Either use the large heavy pots or root barrier to stop them from spreading.

• Indoor and patio plants

Bamboos in pots can be used as natural screens for balconies, patios, porches, and verandas. 

They also provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere for the outdoor sitting areas and are good conversation starters when friends and family visit you. 

You can grow the red bamboo in the garden and use root barriers to stop them from spreading. 

Alternatively, you can use the pots to grow these bamboos. 

Either way, the red bamboos will give your garden and home a different but natural appearance.

Red bamboo Plants UK

Red bamboo plants are native to China and eastern Asia. These bamboo plants are hard to find. 

However, some cultivars of the red bamboos are now growing in the UK. 

You can get them online or at a garden nursery near you. These bamboos are best for small gardens or pots when planted as individual plants. 

Most cultivars are non-invasive clumping bamboos, we’ve also seen several variations of the running red bamboos.

The variations of burgundy red in new shoots and culms, including changes of colourations make these bamboos a standout.

What are red bamboo plants?

Apart from the common bamboos with green and black culms, you can also find yellow and red stem bamboos. 

They come in different sizes, shapes heights, and colours. The red bamboo plants generally have red colouration in their shoots or stems. 

Though they may not be red, the name red bamboo is used to identify them as belonging to a group of bamboos with some redness in them. 

There are a few bamboos that really appear to be red. Their shoots and young culms show the distinct crimson or burgundy red. 

The colourations will eventually fade as the stems (culms) age. The changes are what make these bamboos special! 

At GardenBambooPlants.com, you’ll find over 10 red bamboos with the features mentioned above. Here are the 5 best red bamboos with prominent red colourations.

5 bamboo plants with red stems and shoots

This is a fine collection of 5 red bamboo plants, not only popular in the UK but is also preferred among many homeowners and gardeners. Click on the links to find out about growth requirements and details of the shoots and culms colourations.

• 1. Fargesia Scabrida (Asian Wonder)

Fargesia Scabrida (Asian Wonder) - Clumping Bamboo

 

• 2. Phyllostachys rubromarginata

Phyllostachys parvifolia running bamboo

 

• 3. Fargesia Murielae Red Zebra

Fargesia Murielae Red Zebra Bamboo clumping bamboo

 

• 4. Fargesia nitida Volcano (Red Chinese Fountain Bamboo)

Fargesia nitida volcano the Red Chinese Fountain Bamboo (Clumping Bamboo)

 

• 5. Fargesia nitida Jiuzhaigou

Fargesia nitida also called Red Panda (Clumping Bamboo) 

 

 These links provide an in-depth collection of the features, growth requirements and care tips for each of the bamboos mentioned. 

The featured articles here will give you a better understanding of the height, spread and other specific details for growing the bamboos.

Check out the 5 best red bamboos plants and other common running and clumping bamboos that grow well in the UK.

The red bamboo plants are a stunning addition to the garden. 

They are also ideal pot plants.

Tall bamboo plants UK - How to Grow Them

The tall bamboos are an ideal option for a natural privacy hedge. 

These bamboos have thick foliage and are tall, best for screening unattractive features. 

Many gardeners and homeowners prefer garden bamboo hedges because they are fast-growing. 

The dense evergreen foliage, height, spread and hardiness give the garden and out spaces a natural green appearance all year round.

 

Tall bamboo plants for privacy hedging

At GardenBambooPlants, we feature over 70 running and clumping bamboos that you can grow in the garden or in pots. 

They come in different stem colours, sizes and heights. 

If you want a natural bamboo privacy hedge, check out these 5 tall running bamboos. They are 6m or more in height.

Upright, tall and large bamboos for privacy hedge

This category is an extension of the tall garden bamboo hedging screen listed above. 

Additionally, this extra list separates the tall and 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. 

In fact, some can reach over 6 metres if the conditions are right

Many of the tall and upright bamboo plants do well when they are planted away from the direct wind, providing the best hedge screening all year round. 

Check out the bamboo for sale in the UK at crocus.co.uk.

How to grow tall bamboo plants

Here are three options for ensuring complete control over your garden hedging privacy screens.

• Build Raised-base: The raised base will help you to spot the rhizome tips and trim them before the tips creep into the small gaps in the pavement or the neighbour’s side.

• Dig narrow trench 0.3m to 0.5m deep: The running bamboo rhizomes tend to grow on the top layer of the soil. As the name implies, the rhizomes are running horizontally, not deep into the soil. A narrow trench will help you to monitor the rhizomes and trim them as they grow out. The narrow trench acts as an open root barrier.

• Plant the bamboo in large pots: If you are growing bamboo plants for balcony privacy screening, plant them in large pots or containers. This is the best way to contain the 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.

Quick links to bamboo plants for privacy and hedging

So, what kind of bamboo is best for privacy? 

Depending on what you like, here are some suggestions of living bamboo plants for creating an ideal privacy space and garden hedge.

• Award Winners Best Features
• Bamboo plants for balcony privacy
• Small Bamboo Plants for Privacy 0.5m-4m
• Why are umbrella bamboos the best living privacy covers?
• Medium height bamboos for natural privacy screens 4-6 metres

Where to buy tall bamboo plants?

The tall bamboo plants are great for creating a tall living screen for privacy. 

They come in different sizes and colours, too. 

Here are reliable UK retailers that sell bamboo plants and get them delivered to you.

Tall bamboo privacy hedge

The tall bamboo plants are tall plants. They are a great option for tall privacy hedges.

Bamboo hedge plants UK

The running and clumping bamboos can grow from 0.5 to as high as 20 metres in the UK. 

Some garden hedges are just  2 - 4 metres in height, that is why you need to choose bamboo plants that grow to no more than 4 metres in height.

 If you want a tall hedge, this option will help. 

 

Medium bamboo privacy hedge 4 - 6m

Check out the list of five bamboo plants that can grow to a height of four metres to six metres. These plants are perfect for hedges.

The bamboo plants are chosen because they grow to no more than 6 metres in height.

The bamboo hedge plants are great options for privacy screening.

Bamboo plants, pictures and tips for bamboo hedges

Always plant the running bamboo where you have control over them when they are growing. 

As a rule of thumb, plant the hedging bamboo at least a metre away from your neighbour’s boundary if there is no raised structure or root barrier. This is an important space that will provide the access to the bamboo plants as they grow. 

Here is an article about ‘how to control the running bamboo plants’ from invading the neighbour’s side. 

It also provides more information on planting hedging bamboo near patios, pavements and houses.

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. 

This 'Guide' will 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.

Quick links to bamboo plants for privacy and hedging

So, what kind of bamboo is best for privacy? 

Depending on what you like, here are some suggestions of living bamboo plants for creating an ideal privacy space and garden hedge.

• Award Winners Best Features
• Bamboo plants for balcony privacy
• Small Bamboo Plants for Privacy 0.5m-4m
• Tall bamboos for 6+ metres hedge and privacy
• Why are umbrella bamboos the best living privacy covers?

 Bamboo plants for sale

The bamboo plants are great for creating a living screen wall for privacy. 

They come in different heights, sizes and colours. 

Check out our website for the reliable UK retailers that sell bamboo plants and get them delivered to you.

How to grow invasive bamboo plants in the garden - top tips

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. 

Take a look at the 5 best running bamboo plants to grow in the garden.

 

Planning before planting bamboos

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 award-winning bamboo plants and where to buy them.

 

Evergreen running bamboo plants

The running bamboo plants are best for garden hedges and privacy screens. 

Golden Yellow Bamboo and Bamboo Vivax are stunning standalone plants. 

These bamboo plants grow fast and provide evergreen cover all year round. To enjoy them, take precautions, use root barriers or grow them in pots.

What running bamboo plants to grow?

Running bamboo plants are invasive. They spread.

Always use a bamboo root barrier when growing them in the garden. 

 See the top 5 running bamboo you can grow based on popularity and gardeners' preferences.

 

What running bamboo plants can you grow in the UK?

Bamboos are fast-growing hedge and privacy screen plants. 

Yet their invasiveness is a concern. Here are the control measures worth repeating.

• Survey the area before planting running bamboos;
• Use bamboo root barriers.
• Plant bamboos in large heavy-duty pots.

Bamboo plants for sale in the UK

Top 5 running bamboo to plant in the garden

Based on the popularity and gardeners' preferences, here are the top 5 running bamboo plants you can grow in the garden. (Get more information via the links)

• 1) Phyllostachys Aurea (Fishpole bamboo) – Tall, slim and tough bamboos, ideal for garden sticks. If you want a good supply of bamboo sticks to use in the garden, this is the best bamboo.

• 2) Phyllostachys Bissettii (Green Bamboo): tall culms and long, dark green leaves, dense evergreen foliage. A fantastic bamboo for the border hedge or privacy screen.

• 3) Phyllostachy Areosulcata 'Spectabilis' (Golden Groove Bamboo) – spectacular culms, ideal for the driveway, or tall hedge and privacy screens. It’s also great as an individual plant, plant it where you can see the colours (yellow and green stripes) all year round.

• 4) Phyllostachys vivax aureocaulis (Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo) – similar to Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Spectabilis', but bigger and taller. This timber bamboo has yellow and stunning green stripes. Best for thick privacy screens.

• 5) Bamboo Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis (Ougon-kou Chiku Bamboo) - is a stunning ornamental plant due to its appearance. At 4m average height, this bamboo is a great addition to woodland forests, large gardens and dense garden hedges. It is edible bamboo. Very invasive.

Check out the award-winning bamboo plants and where to buy them.

Red, yellow and black bamboo plants

Bamboos come in many different colours, sizes and shapes. Bamboo gardeners know that there is always the right bamboo for every garden. 

The 5 bamboos above are yellow and green bamboos. 

You can also find out about the stunning red bamboo and black bamboo via the links.

FEATURED: Phyllostachys rubromarginata, (also called the Reddish Bamboo or Red Margin Bamboo) has a rather reddish colour of the new shoots. This running bamboo is tall and upright. It tends to spread very quickly, ideal for tall hedges and quick natural privacy screens.

What to do when bamboo invades other spaces?

It will cost you a lot of money, time and effort to bring them under control later. If your garden bamboo invades other sections or the neighbour’s side, you’ll have to act fast. 

An effective way to remove running bamboo rhizomes is to dig them up completely. Uprooting bamboo plants is hard work because the rhizomes are tough. 

But the underground parts do not grow deep, they are often found on the top 30 – 50 cm layer of the soil. To remove the bamboo rhizomes, dig around the plants to get an idea about how far they’ve grown. 

Then, use a pickaxe and crew bar to remove small sections until all is done. 

Alternatively, dig around the plants and put in root barriers. 

Take a look at how we managed to bring our running bamboo plants under control in this YouTube video. 

Related article here – Tools You’ll Need to Remove Running Bamboo Rhizomes. 

Non-invasive Bamboo Plants UK - What are They?

If you want to grow non-invasive clumping bamboos in a shady spot, this article will help you find the right one. 

Related articles:

• WHAT BAMBOO TO GROW - CLUMPING OR RUNNING?
• HOW TO IDENTIFY NON-INVASIVE BAMBOO PLANTS?

We list 5 common clumping bamboos that prefer shady sites. For detail on each non-invasive bamboo plant, check out the links.

 

What are non-invasive clumping bamboos?

Clumping bamboos (also called clump-forming or clumpers) and running bamboos are fast-growing grass plants. Yet both bamboo plants are different in many ways. 

The differences are what make them interesting. At Garden Bamboo Plants’ website, we showcase 30 clump-forming bamboos from over 70 featured bamboos. 

Here are the top 5 clumping bamboos for shady spots. 

Click on the link to read more about the height, spread and growth requirements.

• 1) Fargesia papyrifera Blue Dragon
• 2) Fargesia murielae Jumbo Umbrella Bamboo
• 3) Fargesia murielae Simba Umbrella Bamboo
• 4) Fargesia nitida Obelisk Hybrid Umbrella Bamboo
• 5) Fargesia nitida Pillar fountain bamboo

Non-invasive clumping bamboos to grow in the UK

Over 30 clumping bamboos that grow well in shades are listed on this site. The 5 listed above thrive in shaded to medium-shaded areas. 

These clumping bamboos are further sub-divided based on their appearances. 

The groups are, but are not limited to the following:

• 1) Fargesia Nitida,
• 2) Fargesia Murielae,
• 3) Fargesia Robusta, and
• 4) Fargesia Umbrella Bamboos.

They come in different colours, sizes, heights and shapes.

 

What red bamboo for shady spots?

Not only red clumping bamboos can grow in shady spots. 

There are also green, yellow and black non-invasive clumping bamboos, including their cultivars, that are suitable for the garden.

Clumping bamboos for shady spots ranges from mini to medium bamboos. There are in fact many cultivars that tend to grow well in shady spots.

The bamboos change colours as they mature. 

This is one of the things that makes bamboo a beautiful plant. Some clumping bamboo plants have shoots that are bright pink, others purple. 

The early colour changes are spectacular. 

Some bamboo culms will turn black, yellow or green after they lose their sheaths. They also respond to Summer and Winter conditions though they remain evergreen. 

You can prune some of these bamboos, they are best for garden hedges, while the others have fountain-like or umbrella-like foliages. The options are unlimited!

Non-invasive clumping bamboo UK

Clumping bamboos have special places in the garden. 

They are fast-growing and provide an evergreen screen all year round. 

Your choice of clumping bamboo depends on what you want the bamboo to do. 

We hope the options provided in this article help find a better bamboo that meets your expectations. 

 If you have any questions, please leave a comment.

How to identify non-invasive bamboo plants?

What is invasive bamboo and how can identify the non-invasive clumping bamboo plants? 

There are several ways to look at it, but the easiest way to identify a bamboo as clumping or running is to look at the structure and formation of the base.

Related articles:

• WHAT BAMBOO TO GROW - CLUMPING OR RUNNING?
• NON-INVASIVE BAMBOO PLANTS UK - WHAT ARE THEY?

 

How to identify clumping bamboo?

The clumping bamboo and running bamboo plants have distinct rooting systems, which make it easy, to identify them. We cover the parts of clumping bamboo in this article. 

We also identified the pros and cons of growing the invasive running bamboos, and what you can do to contain them. 

More info here – Should You Grow Running Bamboos? 

This group of bamboos have compact rhizomes that often form dense clumps, hence the name clumping or clump-forming bamboo. 

In fact, the rhizomes determine whether bamboo is invasive or non-invasive. 

So, take a closer look at the rhizomes to work out if it is clumping or running bamboo. 

This video shows the base of a clumping bamboo - the Buddha Belly Bamboo

Base of a running bamboo - the Phyllostachys aurea (Fishpole bamboo)

Best ways to know your bamboo plants

These evergreen, fast-growing plants are amazing. 

Whether you the clumping or running bamboo, these articles will help you to identify them. 

• WHAT BAMBOO TO GROW - CLUMPING OR RUNNING?
• NON-INVASIVE BAMBOO PLANTS UK - WHAT ARE THEY?

 

What bamboo to grow - clumping or running?

Is clumping bamboo a better option because it's non-invasive? It depends on what you want for the garden, including:

• how tall do you what the privacy screen,
• where you want to grow the bamboo, or
• how thick you want the garden hedge, etc.

Both clumping and running bamboos and their cultivars provide gardeners with unlimited options.

Related articles:

• HOW TO IDENTIFY NON-INVASIVE BAMBOO PLANTS?
• NON-INVASIVE BAMBOO PLANTS UK - WHAT ARE THEY?

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.

What Variegated Clumping Bamboo Plants to Grow?

Variegated bamboos come in different forms. Some are running while others are clumping bamboos. 

In this article, we list 5 variegated clumping bamboo plants that grow well in the UK. 

We arrange the bamboos by culms and leaves variegation to make it easy for our readers to identify them.

Check out the 25 stunning collections of clumping and running bamboo plants

Quick facts about variegated bamboos

This group of special bamboo plants have two features in common. 

The leaves and culms have either distinct stripes or spots. They are standout plants for pots and planters or grown as individual plants in the garden.

• Great pot and garden plants.
• Can be either running or clumping.
• Have either culms or leaves variegation.
• Come in various sizes, shapes and colours.
• Have white, green, yellow, or various stripes on leaves and culms.

5 Clumping variegated bamboo plants UK

Clumping variegated bamboos grow well in the garden and pots. 

These bamboos require care and attention just like the running bamboos but are less invasive. The dwarf variegated bamboo tolerates shades and is ideal for undercover plants. 

Here are some common features you should know about the variegated bamboo plants.

1. Sasa Veitchii - variegated bamboo

This clumping variegated bamboo has very large leaves. 

The leaves turn white as autumn falls, giving them a striking variegated appearance. 

It is non-invasive, a great shade plant that can grow to a height of metres. (Sasa Veitchi bamboo has white stripes along the leaves)

2. Bambusa multiplex Alphonso-Kar

Also called the Alphonso-Kar Bamboo. This clumping variegated bamboo has fine green stripes that contrast beautifully with its yellow culms. 

This variegated bamboo is reasonably large at 3 metres in height, ideal pot plants for balconies and patios. (The Alphonso-Kar bamboo has green stripes along the culms)

3. Arundinaria viridistriata ‘Pleioblastus’

A beautiful dwarf bamboo with variegated leaves, a desirable garden and a pot plant. 

It has eye-catching bright yellow stripes on green leaves. This clumping bamboo can grow to 2 metres - an ideal bamboo for large pots. 

Grow it in a central location where you can enjoy its beauty, such as near the driveways and patios. (Arundinaria v. 'Pleoplastus' has yellow stripes along the leaves)

4. Pleioblastus variegatus - variegated bamboo

Also called the White Stripe Bamboo or dwarf bamboo. 

It grows to less than 1 metre tall and has spectacular white stripes on the green variegated leaves. 

This clumping bamboo is a great undercover plant, also grows well in pots and prefers shape to part shaded sites. (Pleioblastus variegatus has stripes along with the leaves)

5. Fargesia Robusta Pingwu

A thick foliage clumping bamboo with variegated culms that are upright, turning green to yellow when mature. 

An ideal bamboo for containers and planters. 

This clumping bamboo is also used for privacy screening and garden hedging due to its thick foliage. (Fargesia Robusta Pingwu has green/yellow stripes along the culms)

Growing variegated bamboo plants

The variegated bamboos add colour and statement where they grow. 

They contrast beautifully with natural garden colours. For example, the white stripes of Pleioblastus variegatus will match the green undergrowth. 

So, pick the right colour that contrasts well with the colours in the garden. 

A better way to choose the right colour is to start with the list of bamboos in this article.

• Take a look at the stripy colours of the culms and leaves from the 10 running and clumping variegated bamboos.
• Match the colours to the colours of your garden, patio, balcony, porch, planter, etc.
• Then, choose the right bamboo that you think is best for your garden.

Crocus is a UK retailer that supplies variegated bamboos.

Running vs clumping bamboos, UK

We collected data for over 70 running and clumping bamboos that grow well in the UK climate at gardenbambooplants.com.

We advocate for using roots (rhizomes) barriers when planting running bamboos. That way, you do not have to worry about bamboo invasion.

Clumping bamboos are non-invasive. 

They are best grown as garden centrepieces or near built areas. But keep in mind that these bamboos need pruning and thinning to keep them in shape.

Variegated clumping bamboo plants UK

Variegated bamboos are spectacular garden and pot plants. Their culms and leaves have stripes ( or spots) that contrast with natural colours. 

These bamboos are ideal as standalone or undercover plants. 

You can find them as either running or clumping bamboos. 

We hope that this article gives you an idea about the variegated bamboo plants. 

If you want to grow them in the garden or in pots, check out crocus.co.uk.

 

What bamboo plants to grow in pots?

Bamboos are great standalone plants. 

They’ll look absolutely beautiful in pots. You can grow bamboo in pots for both running and clumping varieties.

Let’s have a look at what bamboos you can grow in pots, and their advantages and disadvantages.

How to find the best bamboo for pots?

Most of the bamboo on gardenbambooplant.com are suitable for pots. We list over 100 bamboo plants that thrive in the UK. 

Each bamboo in the list is chosen based on its recommended uses, growth requirements and special features. 

We identified the features so that you can find the best bamboo for pots and in shade, part-shade or sun.  

Use the tips to identify the right bamboo.

What bamboo to grow in pots

We arranged most of them into groups to make it easy for our visitors. Here are some bamboos that you can grow in pots.

• Yellow bamboo plants
• Red Clumping Bamboo Plants
• Chinese Dwarf Bamboo Plants
• Bamboos that grow well in shade
• Bamboo plants for balcony screening
• Small bamboo < 1 metre for garden hedges
• Variegated Running and Clumping Bamboo plants

Bamboo propagated from rhizome cuttings

How to grow bamboo in pots?

The bamboos’ spread, height and other growth requirements are based on garden conditions, therefore, they will NOT grow to the specifications when in pots. 

As a rule of thumb, estimate a growth specification of 50%-75%. For example, a bamboo that grows to a height of 2 metres in the garden condition will grow to a height of 1.5 metres in the pot. 

 Ideally, use large heavy-duty pots. Remember that the size of the pots will determine how often to re-pot the bamboo. 

The larger the better. 

Smaller pots will require re-potting in less than two years given how fast bamboos grow. 

Check out this article for more information on how to grow bamboo in pots.

What pots to grow bamboo?

Bamboos are tough plants but are responsive to prolonged heat and waterlogged areas. Avoid using metal and ceramic pots. 

These materials store heat which can affect the underground parts due to heat exposure during the warm summer months. 

Your bamboo should be okay if you use a pot that does not store heat. 

Heavy-duty plastic pots, treated wood planters, or resin containers and planters will do the job. Another important factor is drainage. 

Use well-drained pots to grow bamboo plants. Avoid any pot that has poor drainage. 

The pots should be well-drained so that not too much water is lost in warmer months, and is not waterlogged when it rains.

What are the advantages of growing bamboo in pots?

Bamboo in pots offers tranquillity and creates a calming atmosphere both indoors and outdoors. 

You can grow both the running and clumping bamboos in pots, move them around and create an ideal home and garden space. 

The clumping bamboos are fantastic for large pots, while they prevent running bamboo rhizomes from spreading. 

They also offer flexibility for moving them around. For example, they can be given as presents or moved indoors to decorate patios, balconies and porches.

What are the disadvantages of growing bamboo in pots?

The main worry about growing bamboo is the invasiveness. 

More so, it requires ongoing care and maintenance such as pruning, thinning and re-potting. 

Pots are great barriers when it comes to stopping bamboo from invading other spaces.

Growing bamboos in pots

The advantages of growing bamboo in pots far outweigh the disadvantages. 

The pots are great barriers when growing bamboo plants. So, use large heavy-duty plastic pots. 

They are best for growing bamboo plants. There is no limit to what bamboo you can grow in pots. 

You can grow both varieties and enjoy the evergreen plants all year round.

Conclusion (Can you grow bamboo in pots?)

Both running and clumping bamboos are amazing pot plants. Hope the related articles give you an idea about what bamboo you can grow in pots. 

Comment and let us know what you think. 

You can also follow us on YouTube and see our latest work in the Bamboo Garden.

Why you should wear heavy-duty gardening gloves when working in the bamboo garden?

The best thing to do is to wear heavy-duty gardening gloves and boots when working in the bamboo garden. Tidying up your bamboo garden is a great way to monitor the growth of the plants. 

The bamboo care and maintenance jobs you do will keep your bamboo in good shape. But bamboo splinters and cutting edges are sharp with the potential to cause nasty cuts. 

We need to protect ourselves when working with bamboos. Let’s take a look at the common hazards to look out for.

 

Why wear heavy-duty gardening gloves?

Bamboos are biodegradable. They’ll break down within a couple of years. 

But fresh bamboo splinters can inflict cuts to the body, which can lead to serious infections. Wearing gloves is the best way to protect you from bacterial infections.

Recommended product: Heavy-duty and thorn-proof gardening gloves for ladies and men

Bamboo cuts may not be a major concern if they are washed, cleaned and treated immediately. 

The concern is that microorganisms in the garden can enter your body through cuts and cause serious infections. 

The important thing is to prevent cuts, scrapes or splinters by wearing gardening gloves.

Bamboo gardening hazards

New bamboo plants and established bamboo groves pose different risks. As mentioned, the main concern is to avoid cuts from bamboo splinters and strips.

Gardeners who have worked with bamboo will attest to the fact the bamboo splits are very sharp. Cuts are like paper cuts but deeper. 

The potential for infection is high. So, here are 5 hazards to look out for when working in the bamboo garden.

Splitting bamboo pot plants

Splitting bamboo before planting is the best way to get several plants out of a single purchase. 

(Here are the Pros and cons of splitting bamboo plants). 

Wear gardening gloves when splitting bamboo to protect yourself from the dirt.

Sharp bamboo strips

Bamboo strips are sharp due to the way the bamboo culms grow. Split bamboos tend to have a lacerated edge. Fortunately, many garden bamboo plants in the UK do not require splitting. They are mostly used as garden sticks for staking plants. But if you are working with split bamboos and bamboo splinters, always wear gloves for protection.

Bamboo edge cuttings

Remove the old bamboo culms neatly by cutting across the cross-section. This will prevent any sharp bits from sticking out at the base of the bamboo groves and causing injuries. Ominously, the base of the culms lasts longer than the other parts of the bamboo because they are strong. Any past cutting can cause nasty cuts to bare hands.

Bamboo splinters in garden soil

If you are using bamboo sticks in the past year, you are likely to find remains in the soil. You do not have to worry if you pulled all the bamboo sticks out neatly. However, be cautious that the remains of bamboo sticks in the soil can enter your fingers with great ease. So, look out for any bamboo remains in the garden soil if you used it recently. Wear heavy-duty garden gloves or thorn-proof gardening gloves when weeding and planting.

Pulling bamboos from the grove

Injuries to the hands can happen when pulling bamboos out of a grove. Bamboo branches spread and form a strong interconnecting network. 

It can be really hard to pull them out. 

If your grip on the bamboo slips and accidentally catches a sharp strip, it can be nasty. Cuts could be deep. 

Therefore, if you are going to cut a bamboo stick for garden plants or remove old culms, always wear a pair of heavy-duty gardening gloves to prevent bamboo cuts. 

If you want a pair of heavy-duty and thorn-proof gardening gloves, here's one you'll like:

Recommended product: Heavy-duty and thorn-proof gardening gloves for ladies and men

Conclusion

Cuts and scrapes caused by bamboo splinters and strips can get infected very quickly. 

Wearing gloves is the best way to protect you from bacterial infections regardless of how old you are. Protection is better than cure. Comment and let us know what you think. 

You can also follow us on YouTube and see our latest work in the Bamboo Garden.

What Giant Bamboo Plants Grow in the UK?

They are the fastest-growing plants. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens has one of the largest collections of garden bamboo in the UK. 

At Kew’s Tropical Palm House, you’ll see the giant bamboo.

• Gigantochloa verticillate Giant Bamboo.
• Bambusa ventricosa Buddha's Belly Bamboo.
• Bambusa vulgaris – the Common Bamboo.

The three Giant Bamboos are a must-see. Kew Bamboo Garden also has 130 different bamboo growing naturally.

Gigantochloa verticillate Giant Bamboo

Here is what Kew said about the giant bamboo: 

The giant bamboo is the largest of all the bamboos. It grows 25-30 metres in the wild, as tall as a tree. 

This bamboo is native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, particularly China and Papua New Guinea. In the greenhouse at Kew Gardens, this bamboo reached the top of the ceiling and had to be cut.

Bambusa ventricosa Buddha's Belly Bamboo

Another large bamboo in Kew’s Tropical Glass House is the popular Buddha's Belly Bamboo. 

Its peculiar shiny green culms are a standout – you will hardly miss it. 

The swollen or bulging internodes of its culms resemble Buddha’s fat belly which is why it earns the name Buddha's Belly Bamboo. 

The culms are deep dark green smooth and glossy with multiple branches growing at each node. 

Bambusa ventricosa (Buddha's Belly Bamboo) is probably the most peculiar-shaped bamboo that also grows in the UK. It has a clumping nature, great as a pot plant or garden plant.

Bambusa vulgaris – the Common Bamboo

#Bambusa vulgaris (also known as the Common #Bamboo) pic.twitter.com/cgiBhsx223

— G.B.P (@BambooPlantsUK) March 30, 2022

This giant tropical bamboo also grows in Kew Tropical Glass House, also known as the Common Bamboo. 

An amazing bamboo with glossy green culms, large brown sheaths and hairy rims around the nodes. 

This giant timber bamboo is predominantly used for buildings and constructions and stakes for large garden plants like bananas and sugar cane.

Where to see the giant bamboo in the UK?

The Kew Royal Botanic Gardens is the place to see not only the Giant Timber Bamboos but also garden bamboo plants that grow in the UK.

The Kew’s Tropical Glass House is where you’ll see these three giant bamboo in all their glory. 

So, when you’re in London, visit Kew and see these adorable plants. The Bamboo Garden and Minka Japanese House have over 130 collections of bamboo plants. 

This is by far one of the largest collections of bamboo you will see near London, UK. 

The Bamboo Garden is magnificent, quiet calm and soothing. You can wander through the beautiful walkways and the arching bamboo. Or relax and listen to the rustle of bamboo leaves against the wind. 

Check out our video and image collection of the bamboo at Kew’s Tropical Glass House and Japanese Bamboo Garden.

Uses of Giant Bamboo plants

The giant bamboos are so versatile, they earn the name ‘friends of the people’. 

The bamboo sticks are used in buildings, paper making, utensils and tools, musical instruments and even for food. 

They also protect watershed areas from flooding. In mountainsides, they are important barriers to preventing soil erosion.

However, the giant bamboo natural habitats have now been lost to urbanisation and agricultural land use. Yet, it is often planted in stands as a source of building materials.

How bamboo plants grow

Bamboo plants will give out new shoots every year in spring. These new shoots will be bigger in size and longer than the previous year’s shoots.

The size of new bamboo shoots remains the same as it matures into a culm.

 

How do bamboo plants grow?

The growth behaviour of running and clumping bamboo plants, generally, determines how long they live. 

Whether in the garden or in pots they will grow in the same way, nonetheless. 

Bamboo plants will give out new shoots every year in spring. These new shoots grow longer than the previous year’s shoots.

Note that the bamboo shoots will get bigger as they grow year after year, but a new shoot will remain the same size as it matures into a full-grown bamboo. Read about How long bamboo plants last.

You’ll have a bigger and longer bamboo plant, and the bamboo grove will also increase in size. In retrospect, the bamboo shoots do not expand in size as the trees and shrubs do. 

The size of the new shoot remains the same until it thins out at the top at maximum height. 

A bamboo plant will reach its matured height anytime between 5 and 10 years depending on the variety. 

The common bamboos in the UK often reach their maximum heights (and produce full-size shoots) within 5 years. 

The bamboo grove can live 30 - 50 years. They have a regenerative growth pattern where new shoots will grow again and again.

So, every year you’ll have a longer plant and bigger shoots as your bamboo grove takes shape.

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.

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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