What is invasive bamboo and how can identify the non-invasive clumping bamboo plants?
There are several ways to look at it, but the easiest way to identify a bamboo as clumping or running is to look at the structure and formation of the base.
The clumping bamboo and running bamboo plants have distinct rooting systems, which make it easy, to identify them. We cover the parts of clumping bamboo in this article.
We also identified the pros and cons of growing the invasive running bamboos, and what you can do to contain them.
Check out the clumping and running bamboo plants at the beautiful Secret Garden at Blenheim Palace, Oxford, UK.
Facts about clumping and running bamboos
Though the clumping bamboo plants are non-invasive, they pose risk to the built environment.
The base expands over time, which can damage patio or fence structures.
Also, their culms and leaves can cover the garden when neglected over time.
Likewise, the running bamboos will run into the neighbour's side or invade the garden if you neglect them.
So, it is vitally important to plant them right the first time.
Here are some facts about growing the clumping and running bamboo plants.
Common traits of running and clumping bamboo plants:
Running and clumping bamboo plants are fast-growing.
Both bamboo plants require a lot of work to uproot.
They do not grow as deep into the soil as trees do.
Undemanding and low-maintenance plants
Traits of clumping bamboo plants:
Most clumping bamboos are in the Fargesia group.
Clumping bamboos have rhizomes that expand at the base.
Some clumping umbrella bamboo is best for garden hedging and privacy screens.
Traits of running bamboo plants
Most running bamboos are in the Phyllostachys group.
Use a barrier to grow running bamboo. They are invasive.
Running bamboos have rhizomes that grow along the surface.
Some running bamboos are tall and ideal for tall privacy screens.
Warning about invasive and non-invasive bamboos
For every home and garden, there is a perfect bamboo.
They are tough plants and will grow where you put them.
But, before planting bamboo, always follow the 3 steps:
survey the area,
take precautions, and
use roots barriers or pots.
These steps will protect the built structure near where you grow the bamboo plants.
Bamboo without barriers
Many homeowners may have inherited bamboos that do not have roots barrier.
If you are in this position, it is not too late! Take a look at how we managed to control our running bamboo in this YouTube video.
You can do the same, but it is hard work digging the rhizomes. Here is how to dig bamboo plants - you’ll need bamboo digging tools.
Firstly, dig around the bamboo to a depth of 30 cm to 50 cm. Use a pickaxe, crew bar, and a pair of secateurs. See the complete list of tools for digging bamboo roots.
Secondly, lay roots barrier. You can get them from your nearest garden centre or DIY shop. Or, use patio slabs or thick plastic sheets as root barriers.
Then cover the hole, leave 5 cm to 10 cm uncovered.
All in all, barriers are best for stopping clumping bamboo bases expanding, or running bamboo from invading other areas.
This group of special bamboo plants have two features in common.
The leaves and culms have either distinct stripes or spots. They are standout plants for pots and planters or grown as individual plants in the garden.
Great pot and garden plants.
Can be either running or clumping.
Have either culms or leaves variegation.
Come in various sizes, shapes and colours.
Have white, green, yellow, or various stripes on leaves and culms.
5 Clumping variegated bamboo plants UK
Clumping variegated bamboos grow well in the garden and pots.
These bamboos require care and attention just like the running bamboos but are less invasive. The dwarf variegated bamboo tolerates shades and is ideal for undercover plants.
Here are some common features you should know about the variegated bamboo plants.
1. Sasa Veitchii - variegated bamboo
This clumping variegated bamboo has very large leaves.
The leaves turn white as autumn falls, giving them a striking variegated appearance.
It is non-invasive, a great shade plant that can grow to a height of metres. (Sasa Veitchi bamboo has whitestripes along the leaves)
2. Bambusa multiplex Alphonso-Kar
Also called the Alphonso-Kar Bamboo. This clumping variegated bamboo has fine green stripes that contrast beautifully with its yellow culms.
This variegated bamboo is reasonably large at 3 metres in height, ideal pot plants for balconies and patios. (The Alphonso-Kar bamboo has greenstripes along the culms)
3. Arundinaria viridistriata ‘Pleioblastus’
A beautiful dwarf bamboo with variegated leaves, a desirable garden and a pot plant.
It has eye-catching bright yellow stripes on green leaves. This clumping bamboo can grow to 2 metres - an ideal bamboo for large pots.
Grow it in a central location where you can enjoy its beauty, such as near the driveways and patios. (Arundinaria v. 'Pleoplastus' has yellowstripes along the leaves)
4. Pleioblastus variegatus - variegated bamboo
Also called the White Stripe Bamboo or dwarf bamboo.
It grows to less than 1 metre tall and has spectacular white stripes on the green variegated leaves.
This clumping bamboo is a great undercover plant, also grows well in pots and prefers shape to part shaded sites. (Pleioblastus variegatus has stripes along with the leaves)
5. Fargesia Robusta Pingwu
A thick foliage clumping bamboo with variegated culms that are upright, turning green to yellow when mature.
An ideal bamboo for containers and planters.
This clumping bamboo is also used for privacy screening and garden hedging due to its thick foliage. (Fargesia Robusta Pingwu has green/yellow stripes along the culms)
Growing variegated bamboo plants
The variegated bamboos add colour and statement where they grow.
They contrast beautifully with natural garden colours. For example, the white stripes of Pleioblastus variegatus will match the green undergrowth.
So, pick the right colour that contrasts well with the colours in the garden.
A better way to choose the right colour is to start with the list of bamboos in this article.
Take a look at the stripy colours of the culms and leaves from the 10 running and clumping variegated bamboos.
Match the colours to the colours of your garden, patio, balcony, porch, planter, etc.
Then, choose the right bamboo that you think is best for your garden.
Crocus is a UK retailer that supplies variegated bamboos.
Running vs clumping bamboos, UK
We collected data for over 70 running and clumping bamboos that grow well in the UK climate at gardenbambooplants.com.
We advocate for using roots (rhizomes) barriers when planting running bamboos. That way, you do not have to worry about bamboo invasion.
Clumping bamboos are non-invasive.
They are best grown as garden centrepieces or near built areas. But keep in mind that these bamboos need pruning and thinningto keep them in shape.
Variegated clumping bamboo plants UK
Variegated bamboos are spectacular garden and pot plants. Their culms and leaves have stripes ( or spots) that contrast with natural colours.
These bamboos are ideal as standalone or undercover plants.
You can find them as either running or clumping bamboos.
We hope that this article gives you an idea about the variegated bamboo plants.
If you want to grow them in the garden or in pots, check out crocus.co.uk.
Variegated bamboos come in different forms. Some are running while others are clumping bamboos.
In this article, we list 5 variegated running bamboo plants that grow well in the UK.
We arrange the bamboos by culms and leaves variegation to make it easy for our readers to identify them.
Quick facts about variegated bamboos
This group of special bamboo plants have two features in common.
The leaves and culms have either distinct stripes or spots.
They are standout plants for pots and planters or grown as individual plants in the garden.
Great pot and garden plants.
Can be either running or clumping.
Have either culms or leaves variegation.
Come in various sizes, shapes and colours.
Have white, green, yellow, or various stripes on leaves and culms.
Running variegated bamboo plants to grow
Gardeners love some colours in their garden. The running variegated bamboo plants bring both colour and style.
Variegated culm (stems) - some have variegated leaves.
The running variegated bamboo plants are spectacular individual plants.
They also make great pot plants, best grown where you can see them. Especially near driveways and walkways.
1. Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘spectabilis’
Also called the ‘Showy Golden Bamboo Grove 'Spectabilis'. It is a large running bamboo with new pinkish bamboo shoots.
The culms are thick and zigzag with stunning vertical green stripes.
(‘Showy Golden Bamboo Grove 'Spectabilis' has greenstripes along the culms)
2. Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘aureocaulis’
Also called the Golden Yellow Bamboo Grove 'Aureocaulis'.
It is an average size bamboo with reddish new bamboo shoots.
The culms are golden yellow with green variegated rims near the nodes.
(The Golden Yellow Bamboo Grove has yellowrims around the culm nodes)
3. Phyllostachys aureosulcata vivax
Also called the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo, Golden Cane Bamboo.
This running variegated bamboo has spectacular green stripes contrasted with the yellow culms.
(The Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo has greenstripes along the culms)
4. Hibanobambusa tranquillans ‘Shiroshima’
A running variegated bamboo with large leaves and slow-spreading rhizomes.
One of the few running bamboos with stunning yellow leaf variegation.
(Shiroshima has yellow stripes along the leaves)
5. Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’
A stunning Phyllostachys nigra bamboo is also called Tiger Bamboo or simply ‘Bory’.
It has upright tall stems with distinctive brownish-black spots, hence the name Tiger Bamboo, spots on culms.
Warning: Always use a roots barrier or large heavy-duty pots to grow these bamboo plants. Read about the best ways to grow running bamboo plants for privacy screening and garden hedging.
Growing variegated bamboo plants
The variegated bamboos add colour and statement where they grow.
They contrast beautifully with natural garden colours. For example, the white stripes of Pleioblastus variegatus will match the green undergrowth.
So, pick the right colour that contrasts well with the colours in the garden.
A better way to choose the right colour is to start with the list of bamboos in this article.
Take a look at the stripy colours of the culms and leaves from the 10 running and clumping variegated bamboos.
Match the colours to the colours of your garden, patio, balcony, porch, planter, etc.
Then, choose the right bamboo that you think is best for your garden.
Crocus is a UK retailer that supplies variegated bamboos.
Running vs clumping bamboos, UK
We collected data for over 70 running and clumping bamboos that grow well in the UK climate at gardenbambooplants.com
We advocate for using roots (rhizomes) barriers when planting running bamboos. That way, you do not have to worry about bamboo invasion.
Clumping bamboos are non-invasive. They are best grown as garden centrepieces or near built areas.
But keep in mind that these bamboos need pruning and thinningto keep them in shape.
Variegated bamboo plants UK
Variegated bamboos are spectacular garden and pot plants.
Their culms and leaves have stripes ( or spots) that contrast with natural colours.
These bamboos are ideal as standalone or undercover plants.
You can find them as either running or clumping bamboos.
We hope that this article gives you an idea about the variegated bamboo plants.
If you want to grow them in the garden or in pots, check out crocus.co.uk.
Clumping bamboos do not have running rhizomes, instead, the roots are packed around the base forming a clumped base, hence the name clump-forming bamboo.
When separating the clumps, take care to preserve the parent plant.
The dense evergreen foliage of clump-forming bamboo plants provides the best natural privacy screens for homes and gardens in the UK.
The Fargesias, especially the Umbrella Bamboo, are fantastic screening plants.
They come in large heavy pots. But, you can get them in smaller pots that are easily delivered to you. Also, it is important to pick the right bamboo for the privacy screen.
The medium to large bamboo is best for screening or partitioning sections of gardens.
Here are two that are better suited for privacy screens.
Seabreeze bamboo Bambusa Malingensis:
The Seabreeze Bamboo (Bambusa Malingensis) is medium-large sized and is the popular bamboo for privacy fences and screens.
Seabreeze bamboos are effective screens because they have lots of secondary branches with thick foliage from bottom to top.
Slender-clump bamboo Textilis Gracilis:
Also called Bambusa Textilis Gracilis, it is the best bamboo plant for hedges and privacy screening.
This bamboo is popular fence screening bamboo or hedging bamboo plants.
YouGarden UK has a great collection of medium to large bamboos. Check out the Running and Clumping bamboos for sale in the UK.
Buy clumping bamboo in pots
Clump-forming bamboo plants grow slowly and do not spread quickly like running bamboo.
That's because the clumping bamboo roots are confined to the base of the plant, forming a clump. Hence, they are called the 'clump-forming' bamboo plants.
You can buy clumping bamboo in pots online or at your local garden centre.
Here are the best clump-forming bamboo plants for screening.
Umbrella bamboo Simba:
TheFargesia murielae Simba is a tough and small bamboo plant. 'Simba' is an ornamental clump-forming bamboo that is best for smaller gardens, pots and containers.
It has a distinct dark green culm (stem) with red overlays.
Winter joy is hardy, evergreen and non-invasive. Best for growing in the garden, or in pots and containers.
At GBP blog, we list over 20 clumping bamboo plants, check out the archive here.
Tall bamboo screen for pots and gardens
Some varieties of Clump-forming bamboo plants are ideal for creating a beautiful centrepiece in your garden, the rhizomes (roots) grow in compact non-invasive clusters around the parent plant.
There are as many as 10,000 varieties and 1,700 varieties growing in the UK.
According to our research, bamboo plants with black and yellow stems are popular screens in the UK.
Black Bamboo UK:
The black stemmed Phyllostachys nigra is a much sought-after feature of bamboo plants in many UK gardens. This bamboo is a beauty.
Yellow Bamboo UK:
Phyllostachys vivax Aureocaulis is an attractive tall plant. Its spectacular yellow stripe against the green bamboo cane makes it stands out anywhere in the garden, ideal for tall privacy screens.
It is an absolute show-stopper.
Always use a root barrier when growing running bamboo in the garden, so that it does not invade other spaces.
Also, grow the Phyllostachys bamboos in big garden pots before and put them on the patio or in the garden.
This fargesia bamboo is tolerant of both sun and shade and is best planted away from windy sites. It produces clusters of small leaves on orange and green stems (or culms).
A popular bamboo in the UK due to its clump-forming nature and stunning appearance.
It has light brown sheaths and bright green culms (stems), turning olive-green as they mature. Stunning bamboo to grow as a garden centrepiece, in shade or as a screen for all weather.
It is quick-growing and tall upright fargesia bamboo, with the most peculiar blue cane colouration, prefers a shaded area and grows well in partly shaded locations.
Some bamboos grow better in the shaded and part-shaded areas, making them good choices for shady areas of the garden or as undergrowth. Others prefer sunny spots.
As a rule of thumb, the Fargesia and Phyllostachys bamboo thrive in shades and are ideal for growing in pots or as screens, undergrowths and hedges
Some of the most shade-loving varieties of bamboo, growing in the UK are Fargesia, Borinda, Pleioblastus, Sasa, Sasaella and Phyllostachys.
The varieties of bamboo above are popular among bamboo growers in the UK but are not limited to what you can grow in the garden.
