Bamboo-stic: Bamboo plants care

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Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’ Black Bamboo Plants

‘Boryana’ is a stunning Phyllostachys nigra bamboo, also called Tiger Bamboo or simply ‘Bory’.

It has upright tall stems with distinctive brown to brownish-black spots and stripes, hence the name Tiger Bamboo.

Check out the black bamboo plants for sale at Crocus.co.uk

BLACK-BROWN SPOTTED/STRIPED STEM NIGRA

Common black bamboo plants in the UK

There are 4 common black bamboo plants that grow in UK gardens. You can find most of them at the Kew's Japanese Bamboo Garden in London.

The common Back Bamboo Nigra can also be seen in many home gardens. It is easy to identify with its black stems.

4 common black bamboo plants:
Black Bamboo Nigra (Phyllostachys nigra)
Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis
Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'
Tiger Bamboo or simply ‘Bory’ (Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’)
Click on the links to find out more about them.

What types of care to provide for black bamboo plants?

If you are planning to build a roots barrier or thin out your running bamboo rhizomes and culms, do it in early Spring.

Always add the access soil and mulch to the base of the bamboo plants and tidy up before Summer. This will stimulate the plants to grow within weeks.

The best mulch for the bamboo is bamboo leaves. Rake the leaves and put them back near or around the bamboo.

The other Phyllostachys bamboo plants have green stems with peculiar spots and stripes colourations.

These running bamboos are hardy, tall and upright plants, and also invasive.

They require care and attention to grow well.

All in all, the Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’ is one Black Bamboo Nigra cultivar, well-known for its spotty black spots on the canes.

Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis Black Bamboo Plants

Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis is a tall running bamboo with bright green stems that turn olive green.

Quite tricky to differentiate between Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis and Phyllostachys bisettii (Green bamboo). This is because they both have glossy green leaves, bright green stems and evergreen arching foliage.

However, looking closely at the matured stems, the Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis shows signs of olive-yellow canes whereas the Green Bamboo Phyllostachys bissettii canes are obviously dark green.

Check out the black bamboo plants for sale at Crocus.co.uk

GREEN STEM NIGRA

Common black bamboo plants in the UK

There are 4 common black bamboo plants that grow in UK gardens. You can find most of them at the Kew's Japanese Bamboo Garden in London.

The common Back Bamboo Nigra can also be seen in many home gardens. It is easy to identify with its black stems.

4 common black bamboo plants:

Black Bamboo Nigra (Phyllostachys nigra)
Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis
Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'
Tiger Bamboo or simply ‘Bory’ (Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’)

Click on the links to find out more about them.

What types of care to provide for black bamboo plants?

If you are planning to build a roots barrier or thin out your running bamboo rhizomes and culms, do it in early Spring.

Always add the access soil and mulch to the base of the bamboo plants and tidy up before Summer. This will stimulate the plants to grow within weeks.

The best mulch for the bamboo is bamboo leaves. Rake the leaves and put them back near or around the bamboo.

The other Phyllostachys bamboo plants have green stems with peculiar spots and stripes colourations.

These running bamboos are hardy, tall and upright plants, and also invasive.

They require care and attention to grow well.

All in all, the black bamboo plant is one of the Phyllostachys nigra bamboos, well-known for its spectacular black stems.

10 Common Black Bamboo [Phyllostachys Nigra Cultivars]

Phyllostachys nigra, also called Black Bamboo, are evergreen fast-growing ornamental plants.

The black bamboos have spectacular ebony black stems (culms).

However, do you know there are other cultivars of the Phyllostachys nigra?

In fact, there are over 10 Phyllostachys nigra bamboo plants with black stem colourations, spots and stripes.

Phyllostachys nigra 'Black Bamboo'

This black bamboo plant is awarded the RHS merit for its unique features, described as ‘one of the most elegant bamboos, with polished, damson-black mature canes and dark green leaves.’

Nigra Black Bamboo is a standout due to its ebony black stems (culms).

Find out where to buy Black Bamboo Plants in the UK

Read more about it here > Black Bamboo nigra

Black bamboo plants best features

The black bamboo plants are resilient running bamboo varieties. They thrive in variable soil and weather conditions and are tolerant of pests and diseases.

These stunning bamboos have black culms, or black and brown spots and stripes along the sulcus.

Their culms are tall, slender and upright with gentle arching foliage.

They are fully hardy to – 20 degrees Celsius.

Black bamboos are formidable landscaping plants, also ideal for garden hedging and privacy screening.

Some cultivars of black bamboo plants also thrive in pots and containers, and other confined outdoor spaces.

What are the different black bamboo plants?

There are over 10 black bamboo plants (cultivars), however, you can find half of them in-store or online within the UK.

They are obviously called black bamboos because of the predominantly black culms.

Some bamboo cousins of the black bamboo nigra have green culms with black spots and stripes.

The 4 common black bamboo plants that grow in UK gardens are:

Black Bamboo Nigra (Phyllostachys nigra)
Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis
Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'
Tiger Bamboo or simply ‘Bory’ (Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’)

Other lesser-known black bamboo cultivars

Recently, the other lesser-known black bamboo cultivars (such as the Phyllostachys nigra henonis, ‘Boryana' and ‘Megurochiku’) are growing in popularity among curious and enthusiastic bamboo growers.

Here are some black bamboo cultivars that you may want to find out more about.

These bamboos can be quite hard to find near you.

Phyllostachys nigra 'Fulva'
Phyllostachys nigra 'Hale'
Phyllostachys nigra 'Othello'
Phyllostachys nigra 'Han-chiku'
Phyllostachys nigra 'Tosaensis'

Check out the black bamboo plants for sale at Crocus.co.uk

Cost of Black Bamboo Plants UK

How to identify Phyllostachys nigra bamboo plants?

We covered the qualities and features of the cultivars of Phyllostachys nigra in detail in this article.

For comparisons, follow the links, see the images, and watch the video. Generally, all the Phyllostachys bamboo plants have black or black colourations on the stems. Most are slightly flattened on one side.

The branches appear in pairs at the node with slim elongated shiny leaves.

Phyllostachys nigra black bamboo plants have distinctive black culms, but the other Nigra Bamboos have green culms with dark spots or stripes that run along the internodes and sulcus.

The stem colourations are often prominent in sun. These running bamboos are invasive.

Why use bamboo Root Barrier

Using a bamboo root barrier is essential for containing the rhizomes of invasive plants like the Phyllostachys nigra.

These bamboos are running bamboos, top above the invasive varieties.

In fact, they will require some sort of barrier, either as raised beds, pots and containers or a trench.

Create a root barrier before planting running bamboo, unless you are growing them in a contained space.

If your bamboo does not have a root barrier, here are some places where you can get one.

The plastic root barriers are formidable – strong enough to stop rhizomes from spreading.

For more on how to maintain black bamboo plants, check out this article. It has details on care and maintenance as we as videos of care and maintenance of bamboo groves.

How to Maintain Black Bamboo Phyllostachys Nigra

The running black bamboo nigra are resilient plants. They tend to thrive in the UK and are commonly used as privacy screens and for garden hedging, or as pot and container plants.

These bamboos will require care and maintenance as they grow.

Use the two tips below to help your plants grow unobstructed.

For new plants and shoots: Add slug and snail pellets to protect them when your bamboos put out new growths.
For older plants: tall culms and new tender shoots will require staking. Add mulch and prune where necessary.

We have seen slugs devouring the new plants in one visit.

The different cultivars of Phyllostachys nigra bamboos are no different, they are prone to slug attacks.

So, apply the Snail and Slug pellets to stop the slugs from damaging the new growths.

Staking these tall black bamboo plants is a must. The plant support you provide will encourage the tall plants to grow upright and protect the new tender culms from the wind.

Furthermore, if you grow the Phyllostachys nigra Black Bamboos in pots, they will require some support.

Staking them is one option. Another option is to use a rope to tie the culms into a tight grove, providing a neat and upright hedge or screen.

The ideal time to care for your bamboo is when the new growths are coming out early in Spring to Summer.

Here is how to grow black bamboo nigra.

Common black bamboo plants in the UK

There are 4 common black bamboo plants that grow in UK gardens. You can find most of them at the Kew's Japanese Bamboo Garden in London.

The common Back Bamboo Nigra can also be seen in many home gardens. It is easy to identify with its black stems.

4 common black bamboo plants:

Black Bamboo Nigra (Phyllostachys nigra)
Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis
Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'
Tiger Bamboo or simply ‘Bory’ (Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’)

Click on the links to find out more about them.

What types of care to provide for black bamboo plants?

If you are planning to build a roots barrier or thin out your running bamboo rhizomes and culms, do it in early Spring.

Always add the access soil and mulch to the base of the bamboo plants and tidy up before Summer. This will stimulate the plants to grow within weeks.

The best mulch for the bamboo is bamboo leaves. Rake the leaves and put them back near or around the bamboo.

The other Phyllostachys bamboo plants have green stems with peculiar spots and stripes colourations.

These running bamboos are hardy, tall and upright plants, and also invasive.

They require care and attention to grow well.

All in all, the black bamboo plant is one of the Phyllostachys nigra bamboos, well-known for its spectacular black stems.

Closer Look at Parts of a Bamboo Culm

Bamboo culm is commonly known as stem or cane.

The culm is comprised of 10 parts.

Tips

The bamboo tips are the’ telescopic’ ends of the new shoots with sheath blades sticking out the sides.

Inside the tips, there are lots of activities such as cell divisions and differentiation.

Shoots

The final thickness of the internodes and nodes are already laid down, pre-determined, in the shoots.

The bamboo shoots grow in length into culms and produce branches and leaves.

Buds

Buds from the base of the bamboo grow into shoots and rhizomes.

The ‘lateral’ buds appear at the node and grow into branches.

Culm Sheaths

The sheaths are cloth-like covers that wrap around the new shoots as they emerge and fall off as they mature into culms.

Nodes

The solid joints are called nodes.

They form circular rims around the bamboo culms, every two nodes enclose a hollow internode.

Internodes

The internodes are the hollow cylindrical part between two nodes.

Some internodes are oval-shaped like those of the Buddha Belly bamboo.

Branches

The main branches often grow out of the culm nodes.

Each branch often has its own branch nodes and leaves.

All the branches and leaves put together makes up the bamboo evergreen foliage.

Sulcus

This is the shallow indentation that runs from the branches up the internodes, often conspicuous in Phyllostachys bamboos.

Stem base

This is the lower part of the bamboo culm, sometimes seen just above the ground.

This is the region where new bamboo shoots grow.

Stem petiole

This is the lowest part of the bamboo that connects to the rhizome, often found under the ground.

parts of a bamboo culms -structure and anatomy

Main Parts of a Bamboo Plant

Bamboos are members of the grass family.

They are common in the temperate and tropical zones mainly in Asia, Central and South America and the Pacific region.

The bamboo’s woody stems grow fast.

Like the other grass species, bamboos have hollow stems, and slender (bladed) leaves that form formidable evergreen foliage.

Parts of a bamboo plant

This outline will help you to identify the 10 common parts of a bamboo plant.

In fact, knowing the different parts is important for understanding your bamboo plant.

Let’s take a quick look at these parts starting from the ground up.

Rhizomes

Bamboo rhizomes are common in both running and clumping bamboos.

In the running bamboos, the rhizomes are also known as the horizontal underground stems. As the name implies, the rhizomes run along the ground and spread aggressively.

In the clumping bamboos, the rhizomes tend to keep close together and form tight bases or clumps, hence the name clumping bamboos.

The rhizomes are the ‘engine rooms’ where a bamboo plant derives its ‘power’ and ‘energy’ for growth and development.

Bamboo Roots

Bamboo roots are not rhizomes.

The roots, feeding roots or root hairs, are the thin underground tendrils that grow into the soil, usually from the rhizome nodes.

The roots are vital for nutrient and water uptake and for supporting the whole bamboo plant.

Bamboo Leaves

Bamboo leaf and foliage are often used interchangeably to mean the same thing, however, there is a slight difference.

A leaf is the single green vegetative part of the bamboo that appears on the branch, whereas foliage refers to a cluster of leaves.

Bamboo growers say, ‘there are lots of green leaves on the bamboo’ or alternatively they say ‘this evergreen foliage is pretty'. That latter sounds right, hey!

Either way, the bamboo leaves create notable evergreen foliage that appears all year round.

Of course, the leaves are also vitally significant for photosynthesis and transpiration in bamboo plants.

Bamboo Culms

Bamboo culms are often referred to as bamboo stems or canes.

The culms start off from the ground as tender shoots.

The culms are cylindrical and have nodes between two internodes.

Bamboo culms are usually hollow with different thicknesses.

The lower parts of the bamboo culms are the culm base and culm petiole which are found either underneath the ground or just above it.

Parts of a running bamboo

The running bamboos have noticeably long-running rhizomes with pointy tips, also called the Leptomorph rhizomes and can grow over a considerable distance.

Dia: Adapted from Bamboos by C.Recht & M.F. Wetterwald

Parts of a clump-forming bamboo

The rhizomes of the clumping bamboos are stout, and thick and grow upwards from the parent plants, also called the Pachymorphs rhizomes.

Usually, the base culms are much thicker than the stem, compact as they grow upward, forming solid tight clumps.

Dia: Adapted from Bamboos by C.Recht & M.F. Wetterwald

Importance of knowing the parts of a bamboo

As mentioned earlier, there are many different groups of bamboo cultivars.

The common bamboos we know in the UK are the clump-forming and running bamboos.

The running and clumping bamboo plants have different parts which are important when it comes to identifying them.

This is vital especially when reading material or working with bamboo.

We hope that this information gives you some ideas about the parts of a bamboo plant.

Bamboo Grow and Care

We have a lot of useful materials as well as bamboo features that you may find useful.

Check out the main menu, or related articles below for more information.

If you are looking for info on a specific bamboo, why not leave a comment below?

We may be able to help. Or alternatively, we will refer you to the right place where you can get the right help.

Grow bamboo in pots and containers, effective root barriers

Pots and containers are perfect bamboo root barriers. They are often the preferred medium for growing bamboos for small spaces and hedging screens.

Best of all, once you’ve planted bamboo in the pots and containers they’ll grow for years without having to worry about the bamboo invading other spaces.

Note that bamboo plants do not like waterlogged and dry soils. Choose heavy-duty pots and containers that have well-drained bottoms.

The underground parts of bamboos such as the rhizomes, base buds and roots will quickly occupy the spaces in the containers.

These are the common shortfalls of growing bamboos in pots and containers, but they are the best solutions for growing the running bamboos for privacy screens, garden hedging and for small outdoor spaces.

You can still grow bamboo in pots and containers and enjoy them. So, ensure the soil remains well-aerated, moist and well-drained. This will keep the bamboo happy, and they’ll thrive for many years.

Here are practical tips based on our experiences over the years and provide practical solutions to many problems bamboo growers face when planting bamboo in contained spaces.

5 Ways to Create Bamboo Root Barriers

Bamboo root barriers are vital for containing invasive bamboo plants.

We present 5 methods for stopping invasive bamboo plants so that you can choose what is best for you.

1] Build a raised bed
2] Dig a trench as a bamboo root barrier
3] Use pots and containers as root barriers
4] Use contained built structures as root barriers
5] Best way to grow running bamboo plants (plastic root barriers)

Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?

We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants.

Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.

Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.

How to Dig a Narrow Trench Bamboo Root Barrier?

Digging a narrow trench 30cm to 50cm deep around the bamboo plant can be the first way to stop bamboo from spreading.

Bamboo rhizomes do not grow deep into the soil. That's why a narrow trench will do the job.

The trench will help you to easily spot the rhizomes as they grow out so that you can trim them before they reach other spaces.

This may not be the best way to stop the rhizomes from spreading, but it is effective for spotting the rhizomes as they grow out.

A narrow trench works effectively as a root barrier.

Spring is the best time to check the trench, clear any leaves and dirt and trim the rhizomes.

we listed four other containment methods for those homeowners who may have inherited bamboo or others that have not placed a barrier before planting the bamboo.

You'll find them useful:

1] Build a raised bed
2] Dig a trench as a bamboo root barrier
3] Use pots and containers as root barriers
4] Use contained built structures as root barriers
5] Best way to grow running bamboo plants (plastic root barriers)

For the benefit of bamboo growers and homeowners, it is perhaps important to either build bamboo barriers prior to planting bamboo in the garden.

Top tip for planting bamboo plants

Before planting the running or clumping bamboos, you should build a barrier especially when growing them as hedging plants.

This is an important containment measure because as the runners and clumpers grow, they’ll either spread or expand, respectively.

Barriers can be root barriers, trenches, raised beds or contained structures – any that works for you. Lay root barriers around matured bamboo plants.

The problem with bamboo invading other spaces is due to a lack of care and attention. Bamboo like other plants will grow as long as the conditions are ideal.

Many bamboo growers are using the bamboo root barriers successfully. These barriers are often put in place before or after planting.

Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?

We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants.

Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.

Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.

It is important to create a bamboo barrier when you are planting the running bamboo. This will save you a lot of work when your plants mature.

How to Grow Clumping Bamboo Fargesia murielae Red Zebra

Clumping bamboo plants are low-maintenance plants. They do not spread from the parent plants.

Here is a quick tip on how to propagate and grow clumping bamboo plants.

Propagate clumping bamboo ‘Red Zebra’

This clumping bamboo grows well by clump-base division. It can take 4 – 5 years before this bamboo requires some sort of clump division.

The bamboo’s clump base will expand and cover the spaces where you plant them.

You can also get more plants when they’ve matured.

To propagate new Red Zebra bamboos, separate the bamboo into several divisions and grow them in propagation pots before planting them into holding pots or straight into the garden.

This video shows how we propagate propagating using the three different techniques.

Grow clumping bamboo in containers and barriers

Fargesia murielae ‘Red Zebra’ is a tough bamboo, it will thrive in contained spaces where conditions are suitable.

Its height and spread make it a perfect plant for growing in pots and containers, ideal for making a statement in the front entryway like the driveway, porch or veranda.

Newly planted Red Zebra bamboo will require a good amount of water well.

Also, ensure that the soil remains moist but well-drained until the new plants are rooting.

If you are looking for clumping bamboo plants for sale, check out the link to UK retailers.

Grow clumping bamboo in the garden

This clumping bamboo is a standout in the garden the transformation of the stems from purplish brown to dark red as the culms mature.

Red Zebra is a great ornamental bamboo best planted in the front garden, along the side walkways or where the culms are visible.

Award-winning bamboo plants

We also featured a special group of Award-Winning Bamboo Plants.

These bamboos received the RHS Merit Award in the UK and other Bamboo Awards for their notable garden features.

If you are having difficulty selecting bamboo, this group of bamboo plants will not disappoint you.

Clumping bamboo for sale

Fargesia murielae Red Zebra bamboo ideal pot plant

To make the work lighter, always select the right pots before planting your bamboo plants.

The best pots for planting bamboos have stable bases and wide tops. Note that it is often hard work to remove the bamboo when they’ve filled out the contained space.

Here is a Guide to Selecting the Right Pot for planting running and clumping bamboo. Watch the video and find out the best way to grow bamboo plants in the UK.

Buy Clumping Red Bamboo Fargesia murielae 'Red Zebra'

Fargesia murielae 'Red Zebra' bamboo is an attractive small clumping bamboo with deep dark red matured culm and evergreen foliage.

The Red Zebra is a standout ornament bamboo.

The new shoots and sheaths are covered in variable patterns of purplish-brown tints against the green cluster of leaves and gives Red Zebra bamboo its stunning look.

The intensity of red in matured stems also adds to the distinct appearance that is similar to popular black running and clumping bamboos.

General description

Name: Fargesia murielae Red Zebra, Umbrella Bamboo Red Zebra
Culm: Upright, purplish tints, culm matures to deep dark red.
Height: 2 - 3m. Spread: 1 - 2m, clump-forming.
Foliage: Evergreen, leaves can be pruned.

Growth requirement

Hardiness: Fully hardy bamboo.
Site: Full sun, part shade and shade.
Soil: Loose nutrient-rich soil or loam, well-drained and moist
Use: Ornamental plant, garden centrepiece, individual plant.

'Red Zebra' bamboo plant care

Bamboos, like other plants, will require attention to grow well.

The bamboo care tips will help you to maintain your clumping bamboo plants.

Thinning

Thinning bamboo plants once or twice a year to promote new growths and keep the plant under control.

So, selectively trim the old culms and new shoots that you do not want within the bamboo grove.

Pruning

Pruning bamboo is intensive work compared to thinning bamboo.

Dig and remove the parts of the bamboo that have outgrown the allocated space.

This is an ideal time to take the bamboo divisions for replanting or getting bamboo sticks for use in the garden.

Mulch

Mulching is a highly recommended care and maintenance job.

It will keep the soil moist and protect the bamboo from frost and frozen soils.

Always use the bamboo leaves as mulch since they contain silicon which is naturally high in nitrogen.

Organic mulch such as tree barks, and grass cuttings mixed with twigs and branches are also great bamboo mulch.

The best time for mulching is early in Spring before the new bamboo shoots come out; or late in Autumn when you expect cold Winter.

Buy clumping bamboo plants like ‘Red Zebra ’

We feature prominent UK Home and Garden retailers where you can buy bamboo plants, tools and products.

If you are looking for clumping bamboo plants for sale, check out the link to UK retailers.

Our visitors suggested that we identify bamboos that have similar features to the bamboos we are featuring in each article.

We feel that this is a great suggestion because it makes it easier to cross-reference these bamboos when making comparisons.

We are listing 3 bamboos that are similar to the Fargesia murielae ‘Red Zebra ’.

The similarities are based on 5 important factors: the type (either running or clumping), height, foliage, hardiness and use.

Maintain clumping bamboo plants

The clump formers are non-invasive bamboos, however, clumpers in pots and containers will require repotting after 4 or 5 years.

In addition, the clumping bamboos in the garden do not grow out of the allocated space as the running bamboos do.

Nevertheless, they tend to expand around the base.

This clumping habit is visible as the new shoots grow into culms and the underground base buds thicken.

As mentioned earlier, this could be the ideal time to prune the whole plant which is also an ideal time to get new plant divisions and bamboo sticks.

Clumping bamboo 'Red Zebra'

All in all, the Fargesia murielae ‘Red Zebra’ is a stunning bamboo to grow in pots or use as an individual garden centrepiece.

How to maintain invasive running bamboo Phyllostachys parvifolia

Running bamboo plants are resistant to harsh conditions. However, if you see that your running bamboo plants' leaves are turning yellow are dying, you must act fast to save them.

A little care and maintenance will save your plant from dying.

How to care for dying running bamboo?

The tall running bamboo is susceptible to frost, frozen soils and poor growing conditions.

And especially, new plants will need attention to grow and establish themselves in the first and second years.

So, how can you care for the dying running bamboos?

Often plants that come in pots have lots of water and tend to thrive on plant food in the nursery.

It is perhaps important to check the soil if you have re-potted your bamboo.

Importantly, ensure that there is good soil and that the growing pot is not waterlogged. This could be the main reason why the leaves are turning yellow.

Another reason why your bamboo plants are dying can be attributed to the soil where the plants are growing. Check this article for the best soil for growing bamboo.

If you are satisfied that you’ve done the right thing, but your bamboo is still dying the last option is to dig the whole plant and repot it.

Also work out whether you’ve planted the bamboo in the right site - shade, part shade or sun.

You could potentially lose the whole plant if you do not do anything.

In most cases, bamboo yellowing and dying are due to poor soil, waterlogged area, unconducive weather or unsuitable site.

How to maintain invasive running bamboo

Bamboos, like other plants, will require attention to grow well.

For the best result, maintain your running bamboo, Phyllostachys parvifolia.

Prune and add mulch when your plants grow big.

Prune bamboo

Pruning bamboo is intensive work compared to thinning bamboo.

Dig and remove the parts of the bamboo that have outgrown the allocated space.

This is an ideal time to take the bamboo divisions for replanting and getting bamboo sticks for use in the garden.

Add mulch to bamboo grove

Mulching is a highly recommended care and maintenance job.

It will keep the soil moist and protect the bamboo from frost and frozen soils.

The bamboo leaves are fantastic mulch since they contain silicon which is naturally high in nitrogen.

In addition, tree barks or other organic mulch rich in moisture are also good for bamboo plants.

The best time for mulching and fertilising is early in Spring before the new bamboo shoots come out, or late in Autumn when you expect cold Winter.

Buy Running Bamboo for screening and hedging

Phyllostachys parvifolia bamboo is an ideal privacy screen for apartments, balconies, porches or any small outdoor space.

It is also an ideal garden hedge plant because you can prune the leaves and new shoots to give it a neat appearance.

Here are some great places where you can buy the running bamboos for screening and hedging.

Grow Clumping Fargesia murielae 'Ivory Ibis'

Fargesia murielae 'Ivory Ibis ' is a clump-forming umbrella bamboo. This bamboo is a standout, it has upright dense culms and ivory evergreen foliage.

It is an ideal choice for a formidable natural hedge or privacy screen.

Bamboo Ivory Ibis is an undemanding bamboo hardy to -25 degrees Celsius and can also tolerate prolonged dry periods. Excellent bamboo for pots and containers, too.

General description

Name: Fargesia murielae ‘Ivory Ibis’, Umbrella bamboo 'Ivory Ibis'
Foliage: Evergreen, white shade on leaves (ivory).
Culm: Upright, green stem, dense.
Height: 3 - 4m, medium height bamboo, can be pruned.
Spread: 2 - 3m, clump-forming.

Growth requirement

Site: Shade, part shade to full sun.
Soil: Clay and heavy soil (prefer well-drained moist soil)
Hardiness: – 25 to –20 degrees Celsius.
Use: Individual plant, pots, hedge, privacy screen.

Buy Fargesia murielae Ivory Ibis

Ivory Ibis bamboo is an ideal plant for privacy screening apartments, balconies, porches or any small outdoor place.

It is also an ideal hedge plant in the garden because you can prune the leaves and new shoots.

You can get more information on bamboo plants, tools and natural bamboo products from the renowned UK Home and Garden retailers we work with.

5 Fargesia murielae bamboos similar to ‘Ivory Ibis’

Finding this bamboo at the local nursery or garden centre can be hard, therefore we provide 5 alternative bamboos that are similar to the ‘Ivory Ibis’.

The similarities are based on 5 important factors: Fargesia bamboo, similar height, similar foliage, and similar hardiness and can be used as a hedging screen.

We also featured a special group of Award-Winning Bamboo Plants.

These bamboos received the RHS Merit Award in the UK and other Bamboo Awards for their notable garden features.

If you are having difficulty selecting bamboo, this group of bamboo plants will not disappoint you.

Working with bamboos

The clumping bamboo plants such as the 'Ivory Ibis' are non-invasive bamboos, however, clumpers in pots and containers will require repotting after 4 or 5 years.

Many bamboo growers will attest to the fact that it is often hard work removing the bamboo from a pot or container when they’ve filled out the space.

To make the work lighter, always select the right pots before planting your bamboo plants.

The Fargesia group of bamboos are generally well-behaved, however, the underground bamboo parts expand around the base.

This clumping habit is visible as the new shoots grow into culms and the underground base buds thicken.

The culms of the Ivory Ibis will definitely require thinning and pruning after the first 3 years because of their dense culm clusters.

This is the ideal time to prune the whole plant and get new plant divisions and bamboo sticks.

Examples of bamboo sticks in use in pots and patio

Fargesia murielae Ivory Ibis

All in all, the Fargesia murielae ‘Ivory Ibis’ is an excellent bamboo for hedging and privacy screens.

Its dense upright culms and thick foliage are the perfect features for creating a natural dense cover.

At G.B.P, our goal is to provide the right information for selecting the right bamboo to grow in the garden and in pots and containers.

Based on our experience, we also offer bamboo growers’’ tips and guides on how to provide the right care and maintenance for bamboo plants.

You can see most of our work on YouTube.

Green and Yellow Stem Bamboo Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis

Bamboo Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis: This running bamboo is also known as the Ougon-kou Chiku or Kou-Chiku bamboo.

There are two types Robert Young and Houzeua.

Their culms are green and yellow. The former (Robert Young) has yellow culms with green vertical stripes whereas the latter (Houzeau) is green with contrasting yellow stripes.

Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis 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.

General description

Name: Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis, Ougon-kou Chiku Bamboo, Kou-Chiku Bamboo
Foliage: Evergreen, slender thick leaves.
Culm: Green and yellow.
Height: 4m, upright.
Spread: Running bamboo, invasive.

Growth requirement

Site: Part shade to full sun.
Soil: Tolerates clay soil.
Hardiness: – 17 degrees Celsius, hardy to UK zone 7.
Use: Medium garden hedge, container plant, an individual woodland plant, edible – low maintenance bamboo but invasive.

Buy Phyllostachys Bamboos in the UK

The Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis has a distinctive upright growing habit and is hardy to -17 degrees Celsius – UK zone 7.

This bamboo is probably one of the best choices for large pots and thick garden hedges.

It is also an ideal bamboo for large gardens and woodland forests. Here are some great places where you can buy the Phyllostachys Bamboos in the UK.

If the bamboo you are looking for is not available, please contact the Garden Shops directly or message us.

Grow bamboo Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis (Ougon-kou Chiku Bamboo)

Cultivate in contained spaces

Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis can grow to 4 metres, an ideal bamboo for woodlands or large gardens.

This evergreen bamboo is better planted in a site where visitors can admire the contrasting green and yellow colours.

Use large heavy-duty container pots to grow this Phyllostachys bamboo. It may not grow to its maximum height and spread when grown in contained spaces.

New shoots in the second, third and successive years will be reasonably taller than the first shoots. So, do not be surprised if your Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis is taller than an average Phyllostachys bamboo in the container pots.

This running bamboo will definitely require repotting within 3 – 5 years.

Cultivar for large garden and woodland

Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis’s evergreen foliage, upright bright stems and arching branches are ideal for thick garden hedge.

The spectacular green and yellow colours on the large woody stems make this bamboo the ideal candidate for large gardens and woodland forests.

Perhaps it is important to note that the Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis (Ougon-kou Chiku Bamboo ) is an invasive bamboo, therefore building a bamboo barrier prior to planting it in the garden is the best thing to do.

The Ougon-kou Chiku Bamboo prefers well-drained, moist soil, but has been observed to do reasonably well in clay soils and high pH areas.

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.

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

fountain bamboo red panda fargesia nitida

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.

Tall bamboo plants UK for hedging screens

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.

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.