The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 lists nearly 40 non-native invasive plants. They must not be planted in gardens or caused to grow in the wild.
Other laws briefly stated in this post cover tall hedges and property damages.
Tall hedges
The Anti-social Behaviour Act, 2003, covers tall hedges but it does not cover garden plant invasion.
Property damages
The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, 2014 enables local authorities and police to issue community protection notices where plants cause damage to neighbours’ gardens and properties.
The protection notice can be issued when it is shown beyond doubt that the individual in question has persistently acted in a way that has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those around them.
Is bamboo legal to grow in the UK?
Currently, no specific legislation covers the sale and planting of bamboo plants in the UK.
The UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Updated 11 December 2014, now the Guidance to Invasive Non-native Plants) does not classify bamboo plants as an invasive species.
Not all bamboo plants are invasive
Of the two varieties, the clumping bamboo plants are non-invasive whereas some running bamboo plants are invasive.
Black Bamboo, Scottish Bamboo and Phyllostachys aurea are running bamboo plants but behave like clumping bamboo in cooler climates.
Running bamboo options
Choose the clump-forming bamboo, Black Bamboo, Scottish Bamboo or Phyllostachys aurea.
These bamboo plants have attractive stems and evergreen foliage.
They are good for privacy screening.
Use root barriers to grow running bamboo
Running bamboo rhizomes have the potential to damage built-up areas and cross garden boundaries.
Grow bamboo plants in barriers. This is the best way to grow bamboo screens and hedges
Yellow cane bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis)is a spectacular bamboo that closely resembles the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax aureosulcata).
The two running bamboo plants have striking yellow stems with green stripes.
Find out about this outstanding bamboo as compared to its cousin yellow bamboo plants.
Uses: Excellent for hedging, screening or large pots and containers. Do not do well in windy sites.
Winterhardiness: Hardy to – 15 degrees Celsius.
Height: 6 – 8m.
Spread: Running bamboo, allow space to spread or contain in large pots.
Foliage: Evergreen.
Culm colour: Striking Golden yellow, green stripes on rims.
Yellow Cane Bamboo vs. Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo
The key features that set these two Phyllostachys apart are the thickness of the culms and minute colour variations, including the shape, size and height.
Predominantly, the Yellow Cane Bamboo had sturdy, thick and compacted internodes with larger green stripes, whereas the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo has elongated internodes, slender green stripes and is generally taller.
Grow Yellow cane bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis)
Yellow cane bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis) is a tall running bamboo that can reach an average of 8 metres in height.
The lush evergreen leaves contrast beautifully with the golden yellow culms forming an impenetrable hedge.
Invasive, the Yellow Cane Bamboo need space to grow.
Alternatively surround the roots with the root barrier to restrict the rhizomes from spreading.
Grow Yellow cane bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis) where there is enough space, away from strong wind, or in large pots and containers to contain its spreading.
Mature Yellow Cane 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.
Although the old bamboo will thrive in most UK conditions, it will occasionally need feed and water. In addition, regular checks are vital to containing the invasive rhizomes from spreading.
Care for new bamboo plants
Although the Golden Grove Bamboos are low-maintenance plants, the new growth will require care and attention.
The slugs adore the tender new growths, they can wipe off the fresh leaves in one visit if left unprotected.
Protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer, if you are propagating bamboo plants from the rhizome or culm cuttings, or planting a recent purchase.
Maintain Yellow cane bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis)
The bamboos' horizontal rhizomes can spread to an average of 4m if left unchecked. It is best to give it space to grow.
Alternatively surround the plants with thick Root Barriers.
Better to grow them where there is enough space, away from strong wind. Grow in large pots and containers to contain its spreading.
So, now you should have an idea about the stunning Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax aureosulcata) and Yellow cane bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis.
Phyllostachys Nuda Snow Bamboo is a tough running bamboo that thrives in UK weather, does reasonably well in moist well-drained soil and prefers clay and sand or loam soil.
This running bamboo has pinkish new shoots and evergreen foliage.
Matured dark green stems are a standout in heavy snowfall hence the name Snow Bamboo. It is winterhardy to – 20 degrees Celsius.
Uses: windbreak, hedges, screens and in pots and containers.
Winterhardiness: a cold hardy bamboo to - 20°C.
Height: 5 - 7m.
Spread: Medium-sized running bamboo, very invasive.
Foliage: Evergreen Bamboo, spectacular in snowfall.
Culmcolour: sturdy dark green to almost black, zigzag stems, spectacular white rim near culm node.
Phyllostachys Nuda Snow Bamboo
The spatial feature of this bamboo indicates that it requires space to grow, is tolerant to cold and will do well in any soil condition.
The short sturdy internodes along the culms make it a strong-standing bamboo.
It can carry as much as its own weight and is tolerant to heavy snowfall and wind, an ideal plant for a windbreak, dense hedging or screening.
Perhaps it is important to note that if left unchecked, the Nuda Snow Bamboo will invade other spaces very quickly.
Always use Root Barriers as a control measure before planting this bamboo. Someone once said, 'do not expect your Nuda Bamboo to behave, like a hyper toddler it will explore any given space.'
Alternatively, the shoots can be stamped on to contain them from spreading.
Is running bamboo legal in the UK?
There are currently no restrictions on planting bamboo in the UK.
TheUK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(Updates 11 December 2014, now theGuidance to Invasive Non-native Plants) does not classify bamboo as an invasive species.
Care for Phyllostachys nuda
Once Phyllostachys nuda Snow Bamboo establishes itself, add mulch and organic fertilisers, if and when necessary, to promote further growth.
Under the right condition, this bamboo will spread aggressively, so monitor its growth in the first year. Cut or stamp on any new shoots that may have gone out of the way.
The best way to control the spreading of Nuda Bamboo is to use a Root Barrier, an effective shield for stopping the rhizomes from spreading.
If mowing and root barrier are less effective, dig out the rhizomes completely.
Remove the old culm every 2 – 3 years to promote new plants.
The young Phyllostachys nuda Snow Bamboo plants are adorable to watch as they grow due to the colour of the sheaths and the bright green stems.
The new sheaths have a vibrant dark pinkish colour, they fall off revealing shiny green culms (stems) which turn darkish green as they mature.
Best of all, once you’ve planted bamboo in the pots and containers they’ll grow for years without having to worry about the bamboo invading other spaces.
Note that bamboo plants do not like waterlogged and dry soils. Choose heavy-duty pots and containers that have well-drained bottoms.
The underground parts of bamboos such as the rhizomes, base buds and roots will quickly occupy the spaces in the containers.
These are the common shortfalls of growing bamboos in pots and containers, but they are the best solutions for growing the running bamboos for privacy screens, garden hedging and for small outdoor spaces.
You can still grow bamboo in pots and containers and enjoy them. So, ensure the soil remains well-aerated, moist and well-drained. This will keep the bamboo happy, and they’ll thrive for many years.
Here are practical tips based on our experiences over the years and provide practical solutions to many problems bamboo growers face when planting bamboo in contained spaces.
5 Ways to Create Bamboo Root Barriers
Bamboo root barriers are vital for containing invasive bamboo plants.
We present 5 methods for stopping invasive bamboo plants so that you can choose what is best for you.
One top tip though is to ensure that the soil is not too compacted, especially in the new building sites.
Bamboo plants do not like compacted soil or soil that is high in pH.
In such cases, prepare the area well by adding compost or loam soil before planting the running bamboo.
Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?
We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants.
Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.
Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.
Why it is important to put in bamboo root barrier before growing bamboo?
Maintaining bamboo plants is surely hard work. The intricate overlay of the rhizome and root network makes it difficult to dig, pull and remove the bamboos.
You’ll have to do it bit by bit until you remove the whole lot or use a machine or additional help.
It is vital to put in place a root barrier before planting bamboo in the garden, especially if you are growing the running bamboo near the boundary, driveways or close to the house.
All in all, bamboo root barriers are vital for containing the invasive running bamboo and large clumping bamboos.
The 5 formidable ways of building the bamboo root barriers will help you to contain the bamboo from spreading in the garden.
Always put in the root barrier before planting your bamboo.
Leave a comment and let us know about your personal experiences and what you think about bamboo and bamboo root/rhizome barriers.
For clumping bamboos, raised beds are perfect because they enable you to see the new base buds, nodes and culms which make it easy to thin the bamboo when they expand out of the beds.
Building raised beds does not have to cost a lot of money.
You can use the solid materials that you already have such as patio slabs, rocks, bricks, treated timber or any solid material you find in the shed.
Spring is the best time to check the trench, clear any leaves and dirt and trim the rhizomes.
we listed four other containment methods for those homeowners who may have inherited bamboo or others that have not placed a barrier before planting the bamboo.
For the benefit of bamboo growers and homeowners, it is perhaps important to either build bamboo barriers prior to planting bamboo in the garden.
Top tip for planting bamboo plants
Before planting the running or clumping bamboos, you should build a barrier especially when growing them as hedging plants.
This is an important containment measure because as the runners and clumpers grow, they’ll either spread or expand, respectively.
Barriers can be root barriers, trenches, raised beds or contained structures – any that works for you. Lay root barriers around matured bamboo plants.
The problem with bamboo invading other spaces is due to a lack of care and attention. Bamboo like other plants will grow as long as the conditions are ideal.
Many bamboo growers are using the bamboo root barriers successfully. These barriers are often put in place before or after planting.
Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?
We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants.
Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.
Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.
It is important to create a bamboo barrier when you are planting the running bamboo. This will save you a lot of work when your plants mature.
Bamboo root barriers are vital for containing invasive bamboo plants. This article presents 5 bamboo root barriers for stopping invasive bamboo plants so that you can choose what is best for you.
5] Best way to grow running bamboo plants (plastic root barriers)
Bamboo work is hard work without bamboo barriers.
Solid plastic bamboo root barriers
A solid plastic bamboo root barrier or narrow trench can stop the bamboo from spreading if you did not create a root barrier before planting the bamboo plants.
Building a bamboo root barrier is probably the most common intervention if you have not put any root barrier in the first place when planting your bamboo.
But what are the options for root barriers?
Many DIY shops and online garden shops sell various root barriers. The best thing to do is to choose solid plastic sheets of bamboo root barriers.
These barriers are flexible and bendable, tough and can last over 20 years.
To lay the bamboo root barriers, firstly, dig a narrow trench 30cm to 50cm along or around the bamboo.
This is the ideal depth because bamboo rhizomes are in fact horizontal stems and do not grow deep into the dirt like other plants with taproots do.
Secondly, lay the tough plastic root barriers neatly into the trench with 10 cm to 15 cm layer above the ground level.
The external layer will stop rhizomes from growing over the barrier as leaves and dirt build up over time.
Top right picture shows a layer of bamboo barrier above the ground.
The bamboo root barriers can cost anything from £30 to £250 depending on how thick and strong the plastic barrier is.
An alternative to the reinforced plastic root barriers is patio slabs.
We use the patio slabs, they proved to be good barriers too.
You may have to cover the gaps between the slabs properly as you lay them down because the rhizomes will still make their way through any tiny gaps in the slabs.
Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?
We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants.
Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.
Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.
Why it is important to put in bamboo root barrier before growing bamboo?
Maintaining bamboo plants is surely hard work. The intricate overlay of the rhizome and root network makes it difficult to dig, pull and remove the bamboos.
You’ll have to do it bit by bit until you remove the whole lot or use a machine or additional help.
It is vital to put in place a root barrier before planting bamboo in the garden, especially if you are growing the running bamboo near the boundary, driveways or close to the house.
All in all, bamboo root barriers are vital for containing the invasive running bamboo and large clumping bamboos.
The 5 formidable ways of building the bamboo root barriers will help you to contain the bamboo from spreading in the garden.
Always put in the root barrier before planting your bamboo.
Leave a comment and let us know about your personal experiences and what you think about bamboo and bamboo root/rhizome barriers.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The running bamboos have rhizomes that grow away from the parent plants. That is why they are often referred to as invasive bamboos.
The clump-forming bamboo plants are non-invasive. As the name implies, the rhizomes are compact at the base, forming clumps.
You can grow both varieties and enjoy them.
There is no need to worry if you grow them right.
Find out how to grow running bamboos without worrying about their invasiveness.
How to grow running bamboos in the garden
You can grow running (invasive) bamboo plants in the garden, such as hedges, privacy screens, pot and container bamboos, bamboo for sticks and balcony screens.
There are hundreds of bamboo plants that grow well in the UK.
Each bamboo is suitable for gardens and can be used for different purposes.
The running bamboo can be a concern because of the potential impacts on the other structures.
Here at gardenbambooplants.com, we advocate for planning before planting.
This means taking two actions.
Firstly, survey the nearby site. The initial survey does not have to take longer than 10 minutes. Yet, it is important to control the bamboo from the start.
So, find out
what is near the potential bamboo site;
what are the likely impacts on the built environment; and
whether it’s necessary to grow running bamboo there.
Secondly, use a root barrier. Regardless of where you are going to grow the running bamboo plants, a root barrier is vital to spreading.
Take precautions when growing running bamboo
The steps above will stop the running bamboo plants from invading the built areas or neighbours' gardens.
Survey the garden site and use root barriers before planting.
Do not grow the running bamboo close to the paths and buildings.
As a rule of thumb, grow the running bamboo at least 5 metres away from any built area.
Another option is to grow the running bamboos in large heavy-duty pots. The pots will act as barriers so that there is no need to spend extra money on root barriers.
Also, you can move the pots and place them wherever you want.
The disadvantage is that you may have to re-pot the plants every 5 or 10 years.
Not bad because it’s less work than digging up the running bamboo rhizomes in the garden.
Where to buy running bamboo in the UK?
Your nearest garden centres will have supplies of running bamboo plants.
Ask for the features and growth requirements, and what you expect of the plant.
Get their professional opinion on what to do to stop the bamboo from invading other built areas.
Many labels on the running bamboo plants do not have a warning on them.
So make sure to find out how far the running bamboo is likely to spread.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How far do bamboo plants spread? There are different types of bamboo plants, some are running bamboo plants and others are clumping bamboo plants.
The running bamboo plants do spread, so 'always' build a bamboo barrier when growing the running varieties.
How long do bamboo plants spread?
Always use the bamboo roots/rhizome barrier when growing the running bamboo plants. They are invasive.
The rhizomes will spread to other parts of the garden if you do not have a barrier in place. We recommend putting in a root barrier before growing the running bamboo.
Alternatively, grow bamboo in heavy-duty pots. The bamboo plants will start to spread in the first year of planting. In fact, the rhizomes are underground stems.
The new (running) shoots growing above the ground indicate that new rhizomes are also growing underground.
The growth is prominent after 5 years. That means that bamboo can stay inactive underground until the condition is right for them to put out new shoots.
So, the running bamboo plants will spread after you’ve planted them or remain inactive until the condition is right.
Either way, always use a bamboo barrierwhen growing the running bamboo.
Building a bamboo root barrier
Check out the video and see how we build the running bamboo root barrier.
How far do bamboo plants spread? There are different types of bamboo plants, some are running bamboo plants and others are clumping bamboo plants. Always build a root barrier when growing the running bamboo plants.
