Many UK garden centres supply bamboo plants. Also, there are many online bamboo suppliers which you can get you bamboo plants from. Here are five bamboo suppliers that offer bamboo plants and related products. You can buy them online or in store near you.
1. Bamboo Land UK
Bamboo Land UK offers a wide range of bamboo plants and bamboo-related products, including bamboo poles and bamboo flooring. They also offer free delivery on all orders over £50.
2. Bamboo Garden
Bamboo Garden has been growing and supplying bamboo plants for over 25 years. They offer a wide range of species, including Phyllostachys bambusoides and Fargesia murielae, as well as bamboo-related products such as bamboo fencing and bamboo flooring.
3. Bamboo Grove
Bamboo Grove offers a wide selection of bamboo plants, including both clumping and running varieties. They also offer bamboo-related products such as bamboo poles and bamboo flooring.
4. Bamboo Direct
Bamboo Direct specialises in bamboo plants and offers a wide variety of species suitable for the UK climate. They also offer bamboo-related products such as bamboo poles and bamboo flooring and provide information and advice on caring for your bamboo plants.
5. Bamboo World
Bamboo World specialises in bamboo plants and offers a wide variety of species suitable for the UK climate. They also provide information and advice on caring for your bamboo plants.
If you need help, check out the list of UK bamboo suppliers on this page.
Bamboo belongs to the grass family, a characteristic most frequently emphasised. There are at least 1,000 species known to botanists and more are being documented. The huge differences between bamboo running and clump-forming bamboo give bamboo growers a wide range of plants to grow in the garden. So, if you are asking the question 'What Bamboo Can I Grow', you've come to the right place.
Here we take a look at the standout bamboo cultivars that feature prominently in many gardens around the world.
What bamboo grows best near me?
Bamboo plants range from the Southeast Asian giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus), which may grow to be 30 metres tall, to the 45 cm long pygmy bamboo (Pleioblastus pygmaea).
Bamboo plants are common in Asia and are also native plants of North America, the Pacific, and Africa. Some species also are native to the United States and Mexico.
For Europe and the United Kingdom landscapes, the clump-forming bamboo species are greatly preferred over running types, which can be invasive. Also, running species grow best in warmer parts of Europe.
Here in the UK, many clump-forming bamboos such as Fargesia murielae Simba perform well. Unlike popular belief, they can be slow to grow in the cooler areas however thrive when mature.
Feature bamboo: Bamboo murielae rufa is a variety of Fargesia cultivars from Southeast Asia. Plants grow rapidly and feature dense (umbrella) canopy, ideal for privacy screens.
What bamboo plant can I grow?
One of the award-winning running bamboo species in Europe and the UK is the Black Bamboo Nigra.
The Black Bamboo is outstanding because it behaves like clump-forming bamboo in the cooler area. This cold-hardy bamboo plant grows 4 to 6 metres tall in rich soil. It produces chocolate dark stems where there is plenty of direct suns.
For dense screens along boundaries, grow the bamboo plants 2 - 4 metres apart.
The umbrella bamboo cultivars owe their elegance to densely packed leaves and arching foliage. Their sheer thickness bends the bamboo stems, giving the impression of cascading plumes of foliage that sway in the slightest breeze.
Where can I buy bamboo plants?
Clump-forming bamboo plants range in height and provide additional options. One of them is Seabreeze bamboo, which grows rapidly to 12 metres in height. It tolerates pruning well, so it’s often used as a soft hedge.
A favourite of bamboo lovers in mild areas is the Phyllostachys aurea (Fish-pole golden bamboo), a 2-4 metres slender stem bamboo that gives the best garden sticks. It is winter hardy to - 20 degrees Celcius.
Although some bamboo varieties are invasive, many UK gardeners are finding simple ways to grow and contain bamboo plants.
Buy Bamboo Plants for Screening
Clumping Bamboo Plants UK
Small bamboo plants, the clump-forming bamboo plants are great pot and container plants.
The prices are reflective of the various sizes of the plants at the time of the article and a subject to change.
Check with your local garden centre and online stores. Here is a list of top UK bamboo suppliers.
Bamboo plants in pots for sale
The ‘Price range’ in the tables above takes the lower-end price from the major online markets like e-Bay and Amazon at the time of this article.
Costs of Bamboos ranges between £20 and £60 or can be even higher. When buying plants, always choose a reputable garden shop because they sell high-quality plants.
Always check the post and package cost as this may not be included in the final cost of the bamboo plant. This may be dumb, but it is the best way to avoid paying more than you should.
The upper price limits are from the leading Garden Centres in the UK. The upper price limits are indicative of the delivery prices. However, the prices do fluctuate, therefore check the actual door price before making a purchase.
Buy screening bamboo plants
Online bamboo P&P:
Getting bargain garden bamboo plants from online marketplaces like Amazon and e-Bay can be satisfying.
However, the price of Garden Bamboo Plants from online marketplaces does not include the postage and packing, P&P.
Therefore, it is perhaps important to check out the actual cost price of the plant on sale before buying it.
Though it may look expensive, the price of bamboo plants on sale is always the home-delivery price.
So whether you are thinking of buying from the major online marketers or at your favourite garden shops, use the Price Range in the tables in this article as a guide.
Check out GBP Blog's archive and YouTube Videos for tips and tricks to Grow Bamboo Plants in the UK. It has an updated collection of articles on ALL-YOU-NEED-TO-GROW-BAMBOO plants.
Either way, it is important to propagate the new cuttings in a propagation medium (preferably in Spring) before replanting the following season.
This bamboo is a tough, hardy and evergreen clump-forming bamboo. It is non-invasive and demands less attention.
To ensure that the bamboo stays healthy, check the leaves and soil, and add mulch where necessary. If you prune this bamboo, it will form neat and compact foliage.
Put the leaves under bamboo because they contain organic traces of silica which is rich in potassium. Add mulch in early Spring and fertiliser, if necessary.
Is it an indoor or outdoor plant?
Fargesia murielae 'Rufa' does well both outdoors and indoors.
The bamboo can grow to a height of 4m and spread over a diameter of 2.5 – 3m. The perfect height and spread of 2 - 3 metres make it a great plant for privacy screens and hedges.
The clump-forming bamboo is very adaptable, ideal for large pots, planters and containers. It can grow in the sun, part shade and shade.
5 Interesting facts
In addition to the unique features and qualities outlined in this article, we found these 5 facts to be interesting.
Do you know? This bamboo is
native to China.
a clump-forming bamboo.
the main food source for the Giant Pandas.
commonly called Dragon Head Bamboo or Chinese Fountain Bamboo.
the recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merits (AGM) for its finest qualities and noted as one of the best winterhardy plants.
Bamboo grow & care guide
We gave an in-depth insight into the running and clump-forming bamboos. The articles are packed with informational tips and step-by-step guides for bamboo growers. Here are the links!
If you find this article helpful, leave a comment and let us know what you think. And finally, we would appreciate it if you could follow us on our YouTube Channel - Amazing Bamboo Plants.
The fountain bamboos are from the group Fargesia nitida.
They are an adorable group because they have various colours that contrast beautifully with the natural garden colour, green.
The spectacular black pearl matches the light green undergrowth and lighter colours of the built environment.
So, grow this beautiful black bamboo in the backdrop of lighter colours.
Here are 3 tips for choosing a better site for growing Fargesia nitida Black Pearl:
Take a look at the stripy colours of the vegetation (or built environment).
Match the colours to the colour dark culms and green leaves of Fargesia nitida 'Black Pearl'.
Then, plant the bamboo and pay attention to it in the first summer as it establishes itself.
Fargesia nitida Black Pearl Fountain Bamboo grows well in shade and part shade - thrives as an undercover plant, great for landscaping.
Guide for growing Fargsia nitida bamboo
The four articles are packed with information, tips and step-by-step guides for growing bamboo in the UK.
If you want to know how to propagate bamboo plants from seeds or culm and rhizome cuttings or grow bamboo in pots and gardens, you'll find the info useful. Here are the links!
Fargesia nitida 'Winter Joy’ is a hybrid plant known by its full name as Fargesia marielae nitida 'Winter Joy’.
It is a stunning new plant that has all the ‘goodies’ from the Fargesia nitida and marielae bamboo plants.
Bamboo ‘Winter Joy' is very decorative due to its dark green steams with red undertones.
In the winter, the light green, small leaves stay on the plant and they are visually appealing even in the winter.
Best qualities of Winter Joy
A beautiful purple sheath and greyish-purply pink tall and upright stems, evergreen dense foliage and non-invasive. Great shade plant.
This clump-forming bamboo has upright culms with beautiful shades of green and grey. Its leaves are evergreen all year round. It can reach 3 – 4m in height and forms clusters 2 – 3m across.
Like most Fargesia marielae nitida, the Bamboo Winter Joy grows well in large pots and containers.
Tolerant to seasonal changes, but prefers a shade to part-shade area; and nutrient-rich soil with good drainage.
Culm: Upright, green and grey, purply pink sheath.
Leaves: Evergreen, fountain-forming foliage.
MatureHeight: 3 – 4 metres.
Spread: Grow out of the base clump 2 – 3 m, does not spread.
Winterhardiness: - 25 degrees Celsius.
Uses: Grow in pots and containers, grows well in shade and part-shade.
Care: Add manure or good organic compost, and avoid planting in windy sites.
Site: Shade to part shade
Bamboo plants similar to Winter Joy
Some bamboo with similar features are Fargesia rufa, Fargesia nitida gansu and Fargesia nitida 'Black Pearl. Check this list for all the Fargesias.
We also featured 7 common types of the Nitida group. A spectacular group of non-invasive bamboo plants, they will not send their roots and shoots away from the parent plant.
The clumps form a dense upright wall to support the ‘fountain’ foliage.
Fargesia nitida is among the stunning Fargesia bamboos in the UK, owing their names to the appearances of the evergreen fountain-like foliage and coloured stems.
Make an exotic bamboo garden
Here are some articles packed with tips and step-by-step guides for bamboo growers.
Uses: Versatile plant- screens, hedges, ornamental, pot, etc.
Site: Part-shade – south-facing, sunny, good moisture.
Benefits of Growing Fargesia Nitida Bamboo
The Chinese Fountain Bamboo plants are great for part-shade and sunny areas.
This exotic Chinese bamboo is also good for screening, creating an evergreen backdrop or growing along an elevated site, but preferably in part-shaded areas.
Create an exotic bamboo garden
Here are some articles packed with tips and step-by-step guides for bamboo growers.
Fargesia nitida ‘Volcano’, the Red Chinese Fountain bamboo, is a stunning, non-invasive bamboo, its other names are Chinese Fountain Bamboo 'Volcano', Red Fountain Bamboo or Spherical Garden bamboo.
It has a beautiful reddish black stem and brown sheath which forms a beautiful contrast between the dense green leaves.
Best qualities of Red Chinese Fountain bamboo [Fargesia nitida 'Volcano’]
The 'Volcano' can grow to a height of 2 metres, and its clumped base can reach 1.5 to 3 metres wide.
A good choice for pots and containers or can be planted directly into the ground as a screen or hedge.
This clump-forming bamboo is non-invasive and prefers moist soil and full sun or partial shade. Avoid growing the Volcano Bamboo in waterlogged sites and strong winds.
The foliage and edges can be pruned to give a compacted evergreen hedge, beautiful red black stems and non-invasive.
Identification: Fargesia nitida ‘Volcano’, Chinese Fountain Bamboo, Red Fountain Bamboo, Spherical Garden bamboo.
Culms: purply-reddish and black stems, brown sheath.
Leaves: slender, evergreen dense foliage.
MatureHeight: 1.5 - 2 metres.
Spread: 1 metre, non-invasive.
Winterhardiness: - 25 degrees Celsius.
Uses: standalone plant, pots and containers, screen, roof terrace.
Site: Part shade to shade
Some bamboo plants with similar features are Fargesia rufa, Fargesia nitida Gansu and Fargesia nitida 'Black Pearl'. Check this list for all the Fargesias.
Types of Fargesia Chinese Fountain Bamboos
We featured 7 common types of the Nitida group. A spectacular non-invasive bamboo plant, it will not send its shoots away from the parent plant.
The clumps form a dense upright wall to support the ‘fountain’ foliage.
Fargesia nitida is among the stunning Fargesia bamboos in the UK, owing their names to the appearances of the evergreen fountain-like foliage and coloured stems.
Benefits of Growing Chinese Fountain Bamboo
The Chinese Fountain Bamboo plants are great for shaded areas. If you have a North-facing garden this group of bamboos will thrive in it.
This exotic Chinese bamboo is also good for screening, creating an evergreen backdrop or growing along an elevated site, but preferably in the shade.
Create an exotic bamboo garden
Here are some articles packed with tips and step-by-step guides for bamboo growers.
Fargesia nitida ‘Pillar’, the Chinese Fountain Bamboo, has beautiful slender evergreen foliage. It has tight upright stems that go from green to deep dark purple when matured and arched at the tops.
In the dry season, water well or apply mulch and organic composts.
Qualities of Fargesia nitida ‘Pillar’: Deep dark green leaves and tall slender clums, prefers shade, ideal for large pots and containers.
Uses: single plant, pots and containers, shade plants
Care: tolerant of shade, water well in the dry season, requires good soils and moisture.
Some bamboo with similar features are Fargesia rufa, Fargesia nitida gansu and Fargesia nitida 'Black Pearl. Check this list for all the Fargesias.
How to grow fountain bamboo?
The Chinese Fountain Bamboo, Fargesia nitida ‘Pillar’, can grow 3 metres high and is extremely winterhardy –20 degrees Celsius.
It is bamboo is highly tolerant of shade, making it the best plant for containers and pots, undergrowth and small gardens.
It does not like compacted chalky soil and dry areas.
Use this clump-forming bamboo for screening shady spots. It also grows well in large pots and containers.
Types of Fargesia Nitida Bamboo plants
We featured 7 common types of the Nitida group. A spectacular non-invasive bamboo plant, it will not send its shoots away from the parent plant.
The clumps form a dense upright wall to support the ‘fountain’ foliage.
Fargesia nitida fountain bamboo plant is among the stunning Fargesia bamboos in the UK, owing their names to the appearances of the evergreen fountain-like foliage and coloured stems.
Create an exotic bamboo garden
Here are some articles packed with tips and step-by-step guides for bamboo growers.
Black bamboo plants are flowering in the UK. These images I took at the Kew Bamboo Garden show the cultivar Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku' Black Bamboo flowering.
This is a phenomenon that happens once in 40 - 60 years, but for a short time.
It is an interesting time for bamboo growers in the UK. The flowering black bamboo will die.
Images of Black Bamboo Flowering in the UK
Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) flower & dies
The black bamboo flowers every 40 to 60 years, Every black bamboo plant in the UK will flower at the same time.
After flowering, that generation of black bamboo plants will die completely.
The seeds can be collected and planted to start a new stand of bamboo growth.
Also, cuttings from the rhizomes can be used to grow a new generation of plants.
Cultivars of Black Bamboo
More than 10 cultivars of black bamboo plants grow in the UK. This articlehas the details of the common cultivars that you should know.
On a recent visit to Kew Bamboo Garden, I noted that some black bamboo cultivars have not flowered except for the Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'.
You may propagate the seeds and cuttings in preparation for next year, but refrain from re-potting and transplanting matured bamboo plants until next spring.
This is a phenomenon that happens once in 40 - 60 years, but for a short time. So hold on until the flowering season has passed.
Having said that, some black bamboo cultivars have not been seen to be flowering this year, which includes Phyllostachys nigra, Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis and Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’.
Yet, it would be a good idea to hold off until next spring before growing them.
Fargesia Nitida 'Jiuzhaigou' (commonly known as the Red Panda Fargesia Bamboo) is a clump-forming dwarf bamboo.
The stems of this bamboo emerge green, turn deep red and mature to yellowish-orange. It is known that the change in colours is a response to the amount of light the stems receive.
Unlike the other Fargesias, Fargesia Nitida 'Jiuzhaigou' requires a good amount of sunlight.
The clump-forming bamboo thrives in moist well-drained soils.
When planted in large pots and containers, the soil must be kept moist and nutrient-rich.
Bamboo Fargesia 'Jiuzhaigou' features
Fargesia nitida 'Jiuzhaigou’ is a hardy bamboo, it grows to an average height of 3 metres and spread 2 metres in clump formation.
Spectacular change in the colour of the culms/stems from emerging green to deep red and aged to yellowish orange.
Grow in south facing gardens as it needs sunlight for the best result.
7 Types of Fargesia Nitida Fountain Bamboos
We featured 7 common types of the Nitida group. A spectacular non-invasive bamboo plant, it will not send its shoots away from the parent plant.
The clumps form a dense upright wall to support the ‘fountain’ foliage.
Fargesia nitida is among the stunning Fargesia bamboos in the UK, owing their names to the appearances of the evergreen fountain-like foliage and coloured stems.
Here are four articles packed with informational guides for bamboo growers.
Click on the links to read about how to propagate bamboo plants.
Fargesia Robusta Campbell is the fastest growing bamboo in the Fargesia murielae and Fargesia Nitida group, hence the name robust or robusta.
Its stem is strikingly slender and tall, new growths form tight clusters, ideal for tall hedges and natural privacy screens.
Fargesia Robusta ‘Campbell’ Bamboo
Umbrella Bamboo ‘Campbell’ is well known as the Fargesia murielae robusta ‘Campbell'. This clump-forming bamboo has evergreen dark green foliage. Its stems are light green, long and slender.
Robusta Campbell is a fast-growing Fargesia bamboo that can reach a full height of approximately 5m during a year’s growth and remain evergreen for more than 5 years.
Campbell Bamboo’s new shoots are dark red. As they grow, the striking colour contrast between the light brown sheath and the light green stem and dark green leaves is stunning, observable between Spring and early Summer.
The elegant Fargesia robusta 'Campbell' is ideal for tall hedges and privacy screens. It is containable in pots and containers. It prefers a nice sunny spot, with good soil and moisture to grow well.
Robusta ‘Campbell’ Bamboo Care
Though Fargesia 'Campbell' Bamboo is a low-maintenance plant, the new plant may require water and mulch to establish its roots and shoots.
It may need tidying up in Spring by cutting the old culms.
If you wish to re-grow the bamboo, separate the stems from the base culms or re-grow using the culm cuttings.
Fargesia Murielae Bamboo Info
There are currently as many as 86 Fergasia bamboo species, hybrids and natural bamboos, known to growers.
Each bamboo species is unique and prefers certain growing conditions. For example, the 12 common types of Fergasea Nitida listed below, come in all sorts of sizes, colours and heights.
There is a Fergasia bamboo plant that is fit for every garden.
Here is a list of some Fargesias that are common in the UK. You can get information about these Fargesias here at Garden Bamboo Plants (GBP).
1. Fargesia murielae Angustissima
2. Fargesia murielae Asian Wonder
3. Fargesia murielae Blue Lizard
4. Fargesia murielae Ivory Ibis
5. Fargesia murielae Jumbo
6. Fargesia murielae Lava
7. Fargesia murielae Luca
8. Fargesia murielae Nitida
9. Fargesia murielae Maasai
10. Fargesia murielae Red Zebra
11. Fargesia murielae Simba
12. Fargesia murielae Scabrida
To know the features and qualities of the popular bamboo plants, check out the Fargesia Nitida Collection and Fargesia murielae Collection on Garden Bamboo Plants.
Green Bamboo Phyllostachys Bissetii was given the RHS Award of Garden Merit for its outstanding features.
It has deep green foliage and thick clusters of culms, grows very fast, provides a deep dark green luscious green cover, and adds tranquillity and greenery to the garden.
A great shade plant.
Bamboo Plants for Sale
We’ve compiled a list of reputable Garden retailers in the UK where you can buy the right bamboo at the right price.
Identification: Green bamboo, David Bisset’s Bamboo, running bamboo.
Site: Grow in full sun to partial & full shade.
Soil: Green bamboo prefers moist but well-drained fertile soil.
Uses: Screening and hedging, can be grown in large pots and containers or as an individual plants.
Winter hardiness: - 15 - 20 degrees Celsius.
Height: Fast-growing plant, 6 – 9m.
Spread: 2 – 3m at the base.
Foliage colour: Evergreen dark dense foliage all year round.
Green Bamboo (Phyllostachys bisettii) Vs. Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
These two running bamboo plants are similar in appearance from afar. They both have evergreen foliage, winter hardy and spread.
But they have different features. The green bamboo has shiny dark green stems, whereas the Golden Bamboo P. Aurea stems turn from green to golden yellow.
The former is taller than the latter.
Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
Fast-growing Green Bamboo Phyllostachys Bissetii
Green Bamboo Phyllostachys bissetii is a running hardy green bamboo. It is a fast-growing bamboo reaching up to 5 metres and spread 3 metres.
The Green bamboo grows well in sunny spots as well as in the shade. The culms are dark green when grown in shade.
It has tall evergreen culms, long spreading branches and slender leaves.
This green bamboo is ideal for tall hedges and screens. It can also be contained in large pots and containers or used as natural privacy screen blocks.
Propagate Green Bamboo Phyllostachys bissetii
There are two common ways to propagate Bamboo Bissetii, either by separation or by rhizome and culm cuttings.
At GBP, we tried different ways to propagate the bamboo over the years and know that it requires a lot of effort to start. But, it is often pleasing to see the shoots germinating.
Bamboo seeds are often hard to buy near you because they do not flower regularly. The best way to propagate green bamboo is by separation.
Grow Green bamboo Phyllostachys bissetii
If you are growing your bamboo from the cuttings or purchasing them from the shop, there are certain factors to consider.
The green bamboo Bisetti thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of moisture. It can also grow in clay and chalk, but it does not like compacted soil.
Prepare the soil well before potting or plating the new bamboo in the garden.
Green Bamboo Bissetii Care
Winter's freeze and strong winds can affect the foliage, but not the culms. The leaves will turn brown and fall off but expect re-leafing on old growth.
Although is a low-maintenance plant, it will require care when propagating the cuttings.
The new growth will succumb to slug and bug attacks.
If you are propagating bamboo plants from rhizomes or culms cuttings, the best thing to do is to protect the new growths by adding the Slug Killer as soon as the new shoots appear.
Green Bamboo Screen Shade
The green colour of the bamboo ranges from deep dark green to light green depending on the sun it is receiving.
In sunny areas, the leaves and culm are light green compared to those growing in the shade.
Although the Green bamboo plant is winter hardy to – 20 degrees Celsius, the leaves will turn brown and die in frost and frozen soil.
If they show signs of distress, remove the damaged leaves and culms early in Spring for the new growth.
The thick culms of this running bamboo grow in dense clusters and provide a strong windbreak. The luscious green leaves are beautiful all year round.
Phyllostachys aurea Fishpole Golden Bamboo is an all-rounder, slim running bamboo, that grows well in shade, part shade and sun, with spectacular evergreen slender leaves and light green stems that mature to golden yellow.
This is one of the best bamboo plants to grow for garden bamboo sticks because of its thick and slender tall stems.
Golden Bamboo Phyllostachys aurea UK sales
The RHS has recognised Phyllostachys aurea for its outstanding garden features.
Identification: Phyllostachys aurea, Fishpole Bamboo, Golden Bamboo.
Site: Tolerant bamboo, grows in full sun to partial shade and shade.
Soil: Prefers moist and well-drained loose soil (sand and loam), doesn’t like compacted soil.
Uses: Excellent for hedging, screening, windbreak, or pots and containers.
Winter hardiness: Hardy to - 20 degrees Celsius.
Height: Fast-growing plant, 2 – 4m.
Spread: Running bamboo, allow space to spread or contain in large pots.
Foliage: Light green to yellow foliage all year round.
Stem: Slender bright green matures to golden yellow in full sun.
Phyllostachys aurea gives the best garden sticks
Uses Phyllostachys aurea Fishpole Bamboo
Although the fishpole bamboo is tolerant to shade, it grows well in part shade and sun.
Sufficient sunlight will result in a significant transformation in the colour of the culms (stems) and foliage from green to golden yellow.
This running bamboo behaves more like the clump-forming bamboo in the UK where it is cooler. Here are two other running bamboo plants that act like clumpers.
However, the rhizomes are invasive where the soil is loose and rich in moisture and nutrients, so grow it where there is enough space for them to grow.
The Phyllostachys aurea is an ideal bamboo for hedging, privacy screening and windbreak in the garden. It is also an excellent bamboo plant for medium to large pots and containers.
Notably, it does not like soggy soil and it definitely does not like compacted soil. It prefers well-drained loamy soil, loose and rich in moisture.
Propagate Phyllostachys aurea
Bamboo growers are propagating Phyllostachys aurea from seeds and rhizome cuttings, and base separation.
However, bamboo seeds are often hard to buy near you because they do not flower regularly.
The 2 best ways to propagate Phyllostachys aurea
is by base separation and
from rhizome and culm cuttings.
This video shows the work we did at Garden Bamboo Plants UK.
Phyllostachys aurea Grow and Care Tips
The new growth will require care and attention.
Slugs adore the tender new growths, they can wipe off the fresh leaves in one visit if left unprotected.
If you are propagating bamboo plants either from the rhizome or culm cuttings or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer.
Perhaps it is important to note that despite its clump-forming nature, the Phyllostachys aurea is a running bamboo.
The bamboo's horizontal rhizomes can spread to an average of 4m if left unchecked. It is best to give it space to grow.
Alternatively surround the roots with root barriers to restrict the rhizomes from spreading.
Better to grow Phyllostachys aurea where there is enough space, away from strong wind.
It can also be grown in large pots and containers to contain its spreading.
Facts about Phyllostachys aurea
The matured Fishpole Golden bamboo will thrive in well-drained loamy soil with high moisture and nutrient contents.
Like most bamboo plants in the UK, they do not like compacted dry soils such as new building sites or roads and pathways.
In addition, the matured bamboos thrive on what is available in the soil, they will occasionally need feed and water.
A regular check is recommended if you are growing them in containers.
The browning of the culms or yellowing of the leaves are signs of the plant in distress. Here is an article on how to revive your bamboo plants where they show signs of distress.
Check the soil by inspection or digging to 10 cm depth to find out if the soil is too dry. Add, mulch fertiliser or any plant feed if necessary.
If your Phyllostachys aurea plant outgrows the container and shows distressing signs, it is calling for you to separate the plants and re-pot them.
Also, prune the old culms ideally in early Spring for the new growth to take over.
Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo [Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis]is a tall and thick running bamboo, best for tall hedges and screens.
The golden stems have spectacular bright green stripes running vertically along the internode. This stunning bamboo is an all-rounder, you can grow it as a standalone plant, garden centrepiece or tall screen.
Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis is an RHS Merit Award-winning bamboo, that grows well in a mild temperate climate.
Buy bamboo plants and root barriers from UK suppliers here.
Common Features
Identification: Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis, Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo, Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo.
Site: Grows well in full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-drained loam soil, moist.
Uses: Excellent for hedging, screening or large pots and containers. Do not do well in windy sites.
Winterhardiness: Hardy to – 15 degrees Celsius.
Height: a tall bamboo 10 - 12m.
Spread: running bamboo (behaves like clumping bamboo in a temperate climate), 4 – 6m
Foliage: Evergreen tall foliage
Cane colour: spectacular green stripes, yellow, bright to matured dark orangey yellow.
Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo Tall Screen
Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo is an ideal bamboo plant for a tall hedge or natural privacy screen. The tall dense growth and golden yellow bamboo cluster are prominent outdoors.
This large tall bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis) is a recipient of the prestigious RHS Merit Awards, one of the award-winning Phyllostachys bamboo plants.
The others include
1. Phyllostachys aurea,
2. Phyllostachys Aureaculata bissettii, and
3. Phyllostachys nigra.
Propagate Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo [Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis]
Although the Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo is a low-maintenance plant, the new growth will require care and attention.
Slugs can wipe off the fresh leaves in one visit if left unprotected.
If you are propagating bamboo plants either from the rhizome or cane cuttings or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer.
Care
The Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo can spread to an average of 6 metres (or more) during a humid Spring or hot Summer.
This running bamboo needs space to grow. Always grow this bamboo in barriers to stop spreading.
The new rhizomes and canes can reach their full spread and height, respectively, during a warm Spring or hot Summer.
Although Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis varieties are undemanding, a fully grown bamboo will require attention because it's invasive.
The plants thrive in the cooler temperate climate where there is well-drained loamy soil high in moisture and nutrient contents. Like most bamboo plants in the UK, they do not grow well in compacted soil.
Maintain tall bamboo plants
This tall bamboo with dense evergreen foliage is susceptible to heavy snowfall and strong wind. To protect from falling, use strong ropes to tie them back.
You can contain the Golden Chinese Timer Bamboo in large pots and containers.
This impressive bamboo may not grow to its full height in contained spaces, but planted in nutrient-rich soil with good moisture, it will surely exhibit its best features.
Here is a video to show you how to provide support for tall bamboo.
Culm colour: Silver grey to light green, matures to yellow.
Grow Chinese Moso Bamboo
The Edulis Chinese Moso Bamboo is one of the largest Phyllostachys bamboo plants. It grows well in temperate to sub-tropical regions where the average temperature is 10 degrees Celsius.
This running bamboo is recorded to have grown over 3 metres in a day. It is among the fast-growing bamboo.
An amazing bamboo, it can reach its full height in the first 3 -5 years and remain evergreen for more than 10 years.
The Edulis Moso Bamboo brings the semi-tropical feeling to large gardens and open woodland spaces.
It is a stunning bamboo that stands out wherever it is planted and does well as an individual plant.
The best to plant it out in the garden is early Spring as the new tips and leaves are growing.
Moso Bamboo Care
Although the Moso Bamboo is hardy to -20 degrees Celsius, it is susceptible to very cold weather, frozen soil, heavy snow, and particularly, strong wind.
The leaves will turn brown and fall off the stems if the weather gets below the UK Zone 7 temperature range.
In addition, the tall frames of this bamboo will struggle to support its height and weight if it grows in areas where there are strong winds. Therefore, carefully select a site away from the direct wind.
(Check out the Japanese Timber Bamboo 'Midake', a Bamboo that shares the same features as Moso Bamboo).
The matured Edulis Moso Bamboo plants are undemanding, they’ll thrive in clay, sand, or loamy soil once the roots and rhizomes are established in the soil.
However, it is important to monitor the growth of this large bamboo. It can get messy if left unchecked. Apply mulch early in Spring to promote new growths.
Alternatively, adding mulch in Autumn may be required to protect the top layer from frost and cold if you expect a cooler Winter.
Propagate Chinese Moso Bamboo Seeds, Base-culms and Cuttings
You can propagate the tall Chinese Moso Bamboos in three ways: by calm-base separation, seeds propagation or rhizome and culms cuttings.
The Moso Bamboo will demand your attention because it is a large bamboo.
Seeds are hard to find in the UK. So, check at your local nurseries, garden centres or online marketplaces that may have the seeds.
To give the bamboo seeds the best chance to grow, plant them in a propagating medium before transplanting them into holding pots and to the soil where they’ll grow.
If you take out a mature plant with the root hairs and rhizomes intact, you can put it straight into the ground where it’ll grow.
Large Bamboo Plants to grow in the UK
In the UK, this ginormous bamboo is known to grow at a rate of 20 cm a day and reach an average height of 10 metres.
The new shoots can extend 5 to 8 metres before putting out branches and leaves. The Moso Bamboo are amazing Phyllostachys.
Specimen of this bamboo can be seen in the beautiful Kew Gardens London or the Trebeh Gardens Cornwall.
Check out the popular bamboo plants in the UK, including the Phyllostachys group of bamboo.
Fargesia Murieliae Simba is a small Fargesia bamboo, best for small gardens and contained spaces.
It is an undemanding small bamboo with dense foliage that loves shade and forms an arching stem with stout branches and broad leaves.
This clump-forming small bamboo stands at only 2m at full height and spreads up to 3m, is non-invasive, and thrives in the UK and temperate Europe.
Fargesia Clump-forming bamboo for sale
Umbrella Bamboo Fargesia Simba is an ideal choice for low-growing hedges or screens, as undergrowth in small gardens, in pots and containers, or on a roof terrace.
Uses: Pots or containers, hedge or screen, undergrowth (ideal for small gardens, roof terraces or contained spaces).
Growth requirements
Site: Prefers shade.
Soil: well-drained moist, loam or sand and clay.
Winterhardiness: -15 degrees Celsius.
Grow Fargesia Murieliae Simba
Bamboo Simba is an ideal choice for its non-invasiveness and miniature decorative appearance.
It is prominent as a small bamboo at a height of 2m. This hardy bamboo thrives in small, confined spaces.
Fargesia Murieliae Simba has the finest and toughest among the Fargesia Murieliae.
This evergreen bamboo forms a tight cluster of dense growth low down due to arching branches and dense slender foliage. An ideal bamboo for small gardens, terraces, patios and containers.
Maintain Fargesia Bamboo Plants
Growing clump-forming bamboo in a non-native climate requires care and protection, especially when they are newly planted.
Although most bamboo plants are tolerant of pests and diseases, there is a number of natural threats to be aware of. Mitigating these early threats is the best thing to do to protect the new growth.
Here are the common threats of Bamboo Simba.
The new leaves, shoots and rhizomes tips low down on the ground are susceptible to slug attack.
Very high temperatures and heat can cause yellowing and curling leaves and browning of new shoots.
Frozen soil can cause damage to the root hairs and rhizomes.
Fargesia Murieliae Simba does not like compacted hard soil.
Over-watering can damage the plant.
Care for Fergasia Clumping Bamboo Plants
To avoid the natural threats to your bamboo plants, do these:
Apply Slug and Snail Killer around your new bamboo plants and shoots.
Add organic mulch. [ref. VIDEO]
Check the soil moisture.
Water during dry seasons.
Propagate Fargesia Bamboo
Generally, there are three ways to propagate bamboo from the seeds, by culm and rhizome cuttings, or by culm separation. Propagating Fargesia Murieliae Simba by separation is the best way to get new plants.
As mentioned earlier, though Bamboo Simba is tolerant to pests and diseases in the UK, slugs love the tender new growths.
If you are propagating bamboo plants or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer around the new plants.
The slugs can wipe off the tender growths if left unprotected. (This video shows slugs damaging new bamboo shoots in one visit).
20+ Fargesia Bamboo Varieties
Fargesia Murieliae Simba (umbrella bamboo) is known to have been in Europe since the 1970s, it's fairly in a new variety in the UK. There are over 20 Fargesia nitida and Fargesia Murieliae varieties that grow well in the UK.
Fargesia Murieliae Vs. Fargesia Nitida bamboo plants
We did extensive research on the popular bamboo plants in the UK and, carefully, gathered the qualities and features so that you can find the one that suits you.
Check out our collections of over 20 Fargesia Murieliae and Fargesia Nitida bamboo plants on our Featured Bamboo page.
One of the common bamboo plants in the UK is the Fargesia Scabrida Asian Wonder. It has outstanding features that rival those of Fargesia Simba.
Small Garden Bamboo Plants
Bamboos are amazing plants. They come in various sizes, shapes, colours, and formations. Although some varieties (Phyllostachys) are invasive, they are manageable.
The Fargesia (such as Murieliae Robusta, Nitida varieties) are non-invasive, and form clusters of rigorous stems and clumps that do not spread. They are best for small gardens.
These clump-forming, non-invasive bamboo plants are ideal for small hedges and individual plants. They thrive in pots and containers, and in small spaces like the terrace and balconies.
In the UK, Fargesia bamboo plants can grow an average of 0.5 – 1.0m in Spring, reaching their full maturity in 3 – 5 years. And remain evergreen, providing the evergreen cover all year round for 20 to 30 years.
![Red Chinese Fountain bamboo [Fargesia nitida 'Volcano’]](https://i0.wp.com/www.gardenbambooplants.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Fargesia-nitida-volcano1-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 "Red Chinese Fountain bamboo")
