Bamboo hedge plants UK

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

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

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

 

Medium bamboo privacy hedge 4 - 6m

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

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

The bamboo hedge plants are great options for privacy screening.

Bamboo plants, pictures and tips for bamboo hedges

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

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

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

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

Guide for selecting the right garden bamboo hedging screen

So we have covered many tips and ideas and presented several suggestions for selecting bamboo for hedging garden screens. 

This 'Guide' will help you make your decision! 

Note that the questions are structured especially for you to eliminate the undesirable bamboo plants, leaving only the best option for you. 

Download the PDF version - Guide for Selecting Garden Hedging Bamboo.

Quick links to bamboo plants for privacy and hedging

So, what kind of bamboo is best for privacy? 

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

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

 Bamboo plants for sale

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

They come in different heights, sizes and colours. 

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

Balcony Plants in Winter to Summer - Evergreen Bamboo Options

Bamboos are the best plants for balcony privacy. They are evergreen and are great plants for winter through to summer. 

They are undemanding and thrive in confined spaces. 

You can grow them and enjoy the greenery all year round.

Many Bamboo plants are tolerant to different soil types and conditions and that makes it easier to grow. 

Are bamboo plants suitable for balcony privacy?

Finding the best, even better the right, bamboo is what matters the most. 

Use your preferences, and what you expect of the bamboo and the table to find the right bamboo for garden screening.

Other factors to consider are, for example, how high the bamboo should grow and how much space is available for it to spread. 

These important factors have been included in this article, so you will not go wrong when selecting bamboo for balcony privacy. 

Furthermore, growing bamboo on the hedge as a privacy screen means that you will have to plant the bamboo close to the neighbour’s side. 

All these risk-benefit analyses are important as you choose bamboo for your garden.
 

Best bamboo plants for balcony privacy

Bamboo plants are a great option because there are many different kinds of bamboos. 

 Here are 5 reasons why bamboos are the best plants for balcony privacy:

• Undemanding plants.
• Evergreen and hardy.
• Grow well in confined spaces.
• Thrive in large pots and containers.
• Grow only to a certain height and form an umbrella or arch shape.

Bamboo balcony plants grow are hardy and can withstand low winter temperatures. They do not lose their leaves in autumn, in spring new shoots grow very, and in summer they grow to their maximum height very fast.

They are hardy species, for pictures and other tips, check out this link - bamboo plants for balconies 

 

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.

• Award Winners Best Features
• Tall bamboos for 6+ metres hedge and privacy
• Short to medium height bamboo plants 0.5-4 metres
• Why are umbrella bamboos the best living privacy covers?
• Medium height bamboos for natural privacy screens 4-6 metres

Guide to selecting bamboo plants for privacy

This guide contains tips and ideas for selecting bamboo for hedging and privacy screening. 

In fact, this article is part of the guide. You can download the PDF file - very helpful when selecting bamboos. 

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.

Where to buy bamboo pot plants?

Bamboo plants are great for creating a living screen wall for privacy. 

They come in different heights, sizes and colours. 

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

The bamboo plants are great options for living balcony screens - they provide natural greenery as well as cover from unsightly features.

Bamboo balcony plants are hardy, they do not lose their leaves in Autumn and survive in winter pretty well. In spring new shoots grow. 

They are one of the 'hardy' evergreen plants.

What Clumping Bamboos to Grow - Umbrella Plants

Umbrella bamboo plants have tall stems and ‘dense foliage'. 

They are clumping bamboo plants.

The thick arching foliage of these bamboos forms a formidable over-hanging shape like an umbrella, thus the name Umbrella Bamboo. 

Their new shoots grow very fast before putting out branches. These bamboo plants tend to reach a height of about 4 to 6 metres, ideal for heavy top-hedge screening.

For example, these bamboos can be used to provide an evergreen cover (or screen) for boundaries, walls and low buildings. 

 Here are 5 tall bamboo plants with an average height of 6 metres and produce the evergreen ‘umbrella’ effect.

Umbrella clumping bamboo privacy plants 6 metres

Most umbrella-clumping bamboo plants grow to 6 metres and are much denser than running bamboo. 

They thrive in the UK climate. 

The bamboo plants listed above are predominantly clump-forming with either thicker culms or produce masses of culms in Spring. 

As the name suggests, the clumping bamboo canes (culms) tend to grow into a tight cluster around the parent plant, forming a formidable tight screen. 

The foliages of matured umbrella bamboo arch into an umbrella shape. 

Unlike the upright bamboos, this special group of bamboos is the best choice for privacy.

 

Clumping umbrella bamboo plants form thick covers

If you are planting bamboo to provide privacy from a short wall or the neighbour's shed, the clump-forming bamboos are the best options. 

However, you may have to buy more than one plant to provide a good cover.

As a rule of thumb, plant the clump-forming bamboo no more than 1.5 metres to give you are dense hedging screen.

Here are the 5 umbrella bamboo plants that form clusters of ‘dense-culms'. 

They are ideal for growing in the garden or in pots and containers. One top tip is to grow these bamboo plants in pots for balcony or patio privacy. 

Choose the bamboo according to the height specification - click here to find out more.

Quick links to bamboo plants for privacy and hedging

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.

• Award Winners Best Features
• Living bamboo plants for balcony privacy
• Tall bamboos for 6+ metres hedge and privacy
• Short to medium height bamboo plants 0.5-4 metres
• Medium height bamboos for natural privacy screens 4-6 metres

The umbrella bamboo plants are the best option for privacy screening. 

They are undemanding plants but will provide the cover you need for a long time. 

If you have any questions about the umbrella bamboo, leave a comment below and we'll get back to you.

10 Examples of Using Bamboo Plants and Bamboo Canes

Garden bamboo plants have special properties and structural compositions that are beneficial to gardeners and homeowners. 

Find out about the 10 examples to Use Bamboo Plants and Bamboo Canes in the Garden.

Uses of bamboo plants and bamboo canes

The bamboos are evergreen, hardy and tolerant to pests and diseases, and come in different sizes, colours and shapes. 

Their leaves, culms and roots have been used as home remedies, stimulants, home décor and garden sticks. 

 The benefits and uses are unlimited! Here are 10 examples of using Bamboo Plants and Bamboo Canes.

1. Greenery all year round

Bamboos are evergreen. 

This is probably the most common benefit of bamboo plants, especially for garden hedges and natural privacy screens. 

The fact that they stay green all year round and are fast-growing makes them the best natural screens. 

Bamboo foliage does not fall off in Autumn, even in very cold weather conditions. 

Some plants will remain green even at minus 20 degrees Celsius. 

They are the best natural plants for screening unsightly features.

Bamboos you can grow for green cover all year round, hardy and tolerate very cold weather: Tall bamboo plants for garden hedging and privacy (multiple plants)

2. Stop topsoil erosion

There are two types of bamboo plants – running and clumping. 

Both bamboo plants have strong rooting systems composed of rhizomes, base buds and root hairs. 

The network of underground roots is firm and can stabilise loose soil, stopping it from being washed away by running rain (or drain) water.

Bamboos you can grow for stopping topsoil erosion: Clumping bamboo plants (multiple)  

3. Provide thick natural fence walls

Bamboo culms tend to grow in clusters, especially those of the clumping bamboos. 

They form thick walls and are good natural fences when planted close together. 

Note that the clumping bamboos do not spread like their running cousins. 

Grow the clumping bamboo along the boundary for the natural wall fence.

Here is a comparison of running vs clumping bamboo for natural wall fences.

4. Edible bamboo shoots

Only a few bamboos are edible. You can grow them and enjoy the new shoots. 

Here are some edible bamboo plants that you can actually grow, harvest and eat.

Edible bamboos: Bamboo Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis  and Phyllostachys flexuosa Sinuate Bamboo and Phyllostachys atrovaginata Incense Bamboo

5. Use bamboo leaves mulch

The leaves are a great source of Silica which is beneficial to plants. 

The mulch from the bamboo leaves can protect the plants from frost in Winter and preserve moisture in Summer. 

The decomposing leaves are a source of fertiliser for the plants. The three bamboo plants below have broad and elongated leaves which can be pruned.

Best bamboo for mulch: Fargesia Robusta Wolong Broad Leaf Bamboo, Fargesia murielae Ivory Ibis clumping bamboo and Fargesia murielae Blue Lizard.

 

6. Bamboo Canes for garden and pot plants

One of the best things about growing bamboo is that you can use bamboo canes for staking plants, garden frames and trellis to support creeping plants like the runner beans.

We covered the home and garden uses of bamboo canes extensively in this article – take a look: Bamboo plants for sticks.

7. Use bamboo sheaths, branches and sticks for arts and crafts

Bamboo sheaths, branches and sticks are great for DIY arts and crafts because they are thin, tough and bendable. You can create any shape with them. 

 The uses are limitless, it depends on your creativity. 

For example, the bamboo sheaths can be cut to make windmills and the sticks used for making mini rafts (Below is a video of mini rafts we built out of bamboo canes and had lots of fun with). 

Adult supervision will be required when cutting the bamboo sheaths and sticks.

Bamboos you can grow for sheaths and sticks: Fargesia Blue Dragon Papyrifera Borinda and Fargesia Borinda Angustissima Frosty Bamboo

 

 

8. Used for making drinking water cups, mugs and storage tubes

The timber bamboo plants have a lot of uses, including some of the large varieties of Phyllostachys bamboo. 

The thick and hollow bamboo segments are perfect for making water storage like bamboo cups, mugs, and pencils storage.

Large timber bamboos: Timber Bamboo Phyllostachys Bambusoides and Moso Timber bamboo

9. Make musical wind instruments

Bamboo instruments have been used for thousands of years in ancient China and parts of the South Pacific region. 

They are great wind instruments and can be easily made from common bamboo that is common in the UK. 

 The bamboo flutes, bamboo harps and wind chimes are some examples. 

Our YouTube video shows the use of a bamboo harp in traditional storytelling in the Pacific.

Long internode and hollow culm bamboos: Phyllostachys Bissettii and Phyllostachys Vivax

10. Use bamboo to make grow pots and seed-trays

Bamboo pots and trays are eco-friendly substitutes for plastic seed pots and grow trays. They are reusable, you can use them for many years.

 Bamboo products are biodegradable and will break down within 3 – 5 years and turn into soil. 

Here is a step-by-step guide for making your own bamboo seed propagators. 

Giant timber bamboo plants for seed propagator pots and trays: Timber Bamboo Phyllostachys Bambusoides and Moso Timber bamboo

Benefits of bamboo plants: pros and cons

Apart from the 10 uses of bamboo, they have been used extensively to make tea, wine, beers, vinegar and many natural home remedies. 

However, there are special bamboos that are fit for these purposes, and not all bamboo plants are useful. 

Some bamboos have little hairy spikes on the sheaths that can make skin itch. 

Many have tough culms that are razor sharp. Others are invasive. 

And not all bamboos are edible. 

Therefore, though there are many benefits of bamboo plants, you have to know what kind of bamboo you should grow. 

Selecting the right bamboo plant to grow is the first thing to think about.

Common Phyllostachys and Fargesia bamboos

Here at GardenBambooPlants.com, we featured over 70 bamboo plants that thrive in the UK weather. The suggestions above will help you to find the right plant. 

At gardenbambooplants.com, we feature these bamboos because they can grow in the warmer parts of the UK. 

We also know that bamboo seeds and cuttings are often hard to get. One suggestion is to contact the plant's nurseries, garden centres or online retailers and ask for the particular plants that you are looking for. 

You can also leave a message below to let us know about your requirements and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. 

Check out these renowned UK home and garden retailers to get bamboo and bamboo supplies.

What do you think about the 10 examples of using Bamboo Plants and Bamboo Canes?

The 10 benefits of bamboos are a guide to the uses of these unique plants. 

There are many uses and benefits of these plants. 

We compiled this list based on our work with bamboos. 

We hope that it will inspire you to be creative as you unravel the many benefits of these fantastic plants.

Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

10 reasons why bamboo is sustainable material

The sustainability of the bamboos is very much attributed to several factors. 

The two standout factors are the fast-growing nature of the plants; and less energy consumption in the manufacturing of bamboo-based products. 

Read on to find out why bamboo produces sustainable materials for homes and gardens.

Are bamboos sustainable?

Here are 10 facts about bamboo plants and what makes them sustainable plants.

1. Bamboos are fast-growing plants

A single bamboo plant, on average, can produce 4 to 5 times more products compared to a tree because they grow fast. 

Bamboo plants will grow from new plants or regenerate from old plants. 

It can take less than 5 years before harvesting whereas a tree will take 20 - 30 years, even more.

That means that the supply can sustain the demand for bamboo products and accessories.

2. Bamboo manufacturing uses less energy

It takes less energy to make bamboo products like the toothbrush as compared to the plastic toothbrush. 

The raw material (petroleum) need to make plastic products uses a lot of energy to extract, transport and converted into plastic. 

But bamboos, are simply harvested, prepared and converted to usable items.

In fact, the manufacturing process of bamboo products is less intensive.

 

Read more about the Kitchen Accessories

3. Bamboo plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) fast

Living bamboos use CO2 to grow. So, as fast-growing plants, they absorb more CO2 in less time than trees and other plants.

An acre of a bamboo garden can absorb more CO2 than an average acre of trees and or meadow.

4. Bamboo plants produce more oxygen

Attributed to the fast rate of growth, bamboo plants produce more oxygen compared to an average tree. 

These plants are evergreen and also remain photosynthetically actively all throughout the year.

On average, they release more oxygen and absorb more CO2 than the trees.

5. Bamboo products are flexible and durable

Products made from bamboo are tough, flexible and durable. 

The fibres can tolerate temperatures up to 100 degrees Celsius.

The products made of bamboo will last a long time.

6. Bamboo products are safe and hygienic

Bamboo-based products are naturally tolerant to pests and diseases because they have antibacterial properties in their fibres.

This often prevents the growth of moulds, bacteria and other microbes.

7. Bamboos are great garden plants

Bamboo plants tend to grow in clusters forming thick evergreen bushes. 

In addition to absorbing CO2 and producing oxygen, they provide habitats for other insects and animals.

They are also great plants for garden mulch, hedges, natural screens and for stopping water from washing off the topsoil.

8. Bamboos regenerate from parent plants

One of the things about bamboos less mentioned is the fact that these plants can regenerate from the parent plants.

The growth pattern is such that the new bamboos are going to be taller than the previous ones. 

So, when old plants are cut and used, new and healthy plants will quickly grow to replace them.

This can take less than 3 - 5 years for these new bamboo plants to reach maturity, unlike the tree which can take 20 - 30 years (or even more) before they are ready.

9. Is bamboo a tree or grass?

Bamboo plants are grass. 

They have underground stems (running bamboos) and base clumps (clumping bamboo, unlike the trees and shrubs.

The main difference between a tree and bamboo as the grass is in the parts of the plant. 

Bamboo plants have features of common grass.

10. Is bamboo monocarpic or polycarpic?

Bamboo is a Monocarpic plant. It can take several years before a bamboo plant produces flowers.

A Polycarpic Plant produces flowers several times a year. So bamboo is not Polycarpic, but a Monocarpic plant.

Though bamboo Monocarpic plant, it can be propagated in many different ways - that is why it is highly sustainable.

Benefits of garden bamboo plants

The garden bamboos have special properties that are beneficial to gardeners and homeowners. 

In an earlier article, we discuss the benefits of these plants, and in particular, the benefits of the Phyllostachys and Fargesia bamboos.

We hope that it will inspire you to be creative as you unravel the many benefits of these fantastic plants.

Aside from the 8 facts, there are many benefits of living bamboo plants. 

Bamboos have a high tolerance to pests and diseases due to the presence of special antibacterial properties in bamboo fibres.

All in all, bamboo plants can grow and also regenerate from their parent plants very quickly. 

They are useful garden plants as well as the best alternatives to trees and plastics.

Non-invasive Bamboo Plants UK - What are They?

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

Related articles:

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

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

 

What are non-invasive clumping bamboos?

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

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

Here are the top 5 clumping bamboos for shady spots. 

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

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

Non-invasive clumping bamboos to grow in the UK

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

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

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

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

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

 

What red bamboo for shady spots?

Not only red clumping bamboos can grow in shady spots. 

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

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

The bamboos change colours as they mature. 

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

The early colour changes are spectacular. 

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

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

Non-invasive clumping bamboo UK

Clumping bamboos have special places in the garden. 

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

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

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

 If you have any questions, please leave a comment.

What bamboo to grow - clumping or running?

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

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

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

Related articles:

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

Check out the clumping and running bamboo plants at the beautiful Secret Garden at Blenheim Palace, Oxford, UK.

Facts about clumping and running bamboos

Though the clumping bamboo plants are non-invasive, they pose risk to the built environment. 

The base expands over time, which can damage patio or fence structures. 

Also, their culms and leaves can cover the garden when neglected over time. 

Likewise, the running bamboos will run into the neighbour's side or invade the garden if you neglect them. 

So, it is vitally important to plant them right the first time. 

Here are some facts about growing the clumping and running bamboo plants.

Common traits of running and clumping bamboo plants:

• Running and clumping bamboo plants are fast-growing.
• Both bamboo plants require a lot of work to uproot.
• They do not grow as deep into the soil as trees do.
• Undemanding and low-maintenance plants

Traits of clumping bamboo plants:

• Most clumping bamboos are in the Fargesia group.
• Clumping bamboos have rhizomes that expand at the base.
• Some clumping umbrella bamboo is best for garden hedging and privacy screens.

Traits of running bamboo plants

• Most running bamboos are in the Phyllostachys group.
• Use a barrier to grow running bamboo. They are invasive.
• Running bamboos have rhizomes that grow along the surface.
• Some running bamboos are tall and ideal for tall privacy screens.

Warning about invasive and non-invasive bamboos

For every home and garden, there is a perfect bamboo. 

They are tough plants and will grow where you put them. 

But, before planting bamboo, always follow the 3 steps:

• survey the area,
• take precautions, and
• use roots barriers or pots.

These steps will protect the built structure near where you grow the bamboo plants.

Bamboo without barriers

Many homeowners may have inherited bamboos that do not have roots barrier. 

If you are in this position, it is not too late! Take a look at how we managed to control our running bamboo in this YouTube video. 

You can do the same, but it is hard work digging the rhizomes. Here is how to dig bamboo plants - you’ll need bamboo digging tools. 

Firstly, dig around the bamboo to a depth of 30 cm to 50 cm. Use a pickaxe, crew bar, and a pair of secateurs. See the complete list of tools for digging bamboo roots. 

Secondly, lay roots barrier. You can get them from your nearest garden centre or DIY shop. Or, use patio slabs or thick plastic sheets as root barriers. 

Then cover the hole, leave 5 cm to 10 cm uncovered. 

All in all, barriers are best for stopping clumping bamboo bases expanding, or running bamboo from invading other areas.

What Variegated Clumping Bamboo Plants to Grow?

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

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

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

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

Quick facts about variegated bamboos

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

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

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

5 Clumping variegated bamboo plants UK

Clumping variegated bamboos grow well in the garden and pots. 

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

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

1. Sasa Veitchii - variegated bamboo

This clumping variegated bamboo has very large leaves. 

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

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

2. Bambusa multiplex Alphonso-Kar

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

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

3. Arundinaria viridistriata ‘Pleioblastus’

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

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

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

4. Pleioblastus variegatus - variegated bamboo

Also called the White Stripe Bamboo or dwarf bamboo. 

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

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

5. Fargesia Robusta Pingwu

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

An ideal bamboo for containers and planters. 

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

Growing variegated bamboo plants

The variegated bamboos add colour and statement where they grow. 

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

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

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

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

Crocus is a UK retailer that supplies variegated bamboos.

Running vs clumping bamboos, UK

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

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

Clumping bamboos are non-invasive. 

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

Variegated clumping bamboo plants UK

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

These bamboos are ideal as standalone or undercover plants. 

You can find them as either running or clumping bamboos. 

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

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

 

What Variegated Running Bamboo to Grow?

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 green stripes 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 yellow rims 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 green stripes 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.

Check out the 25 stunning images of these bamboo plants.

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 thinning to 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.

 

Best Dwarf Bamboo Plants to Grow in Shade, Patio, Driveway and Boundaries

Chinese dwarf bamboo plants are great undercover plants. 

Most of them prefer shade to part-shaded sites. 

They are ideal small bamboos for gardens and pots because they do not take up much space, and are less demanding and low-maintenance plants.

The Chinese Dwarf Bamboo Plants come in different sizes, shapes and colours. They make up less than 10 per cent of the bamboos that we feature on gardenbambooplants.com. 

So, what are the Chinese bamboo plants? 

This article is a fine collection of small bamboos that thrive in the UK.

5 Dwarf Bamboo Plants to Grow Undercovers

Here are 5 small bamboos to grow as undercover plants. These plants are chosen based on their shade tolerance.

Find out the best way to grow the small bamboo plants. 

1. Luca Dwarf Umbrella Bamboo

This clump-forming bamboo was the 2018 RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year contender. 

Luda is ideal for ground cover and pots because of its dense (umbrella) evergreen foliage low down on the ground.

2. Bambusa textilis ‘RG Dwarf’ (Weaver’s Bamboo Dwarf)

Do not be fooled by the name, this clumping bamboo can grow to 5 metres in height. 

Compared to the other Dwarf Bamboos the Weaver’s Bamboo is tall. 

3. Bimbo Dwarf Bamboo

Stunning clump-forming ornamental Dwarf Bamboo. 

Bimbo has thin green compacted leaves and short culms that form an ‘umbrella’ effect low on the ground. Ideal plant for short hedges, privacy screens, small gardens and confined spaces. 

A fantastic evergreen pot or container plant.

4. Fargesia nitida Jiuzhaigou Bamboo

The stems/culms of this spectacular clump-forming dwarf bamboo emerge green, turn deep red and mature to yellowish-orange. 

In fact, the change in colours is a response to the amount of light the stems receive.

5. Winter Joy

The Fargesia murielae ‘Winter Joy’ is a hybrid bamboo, cross between ‘Simba’ and ‘Dwarf Fountain’ Umbrella Bamboos. 

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. 

Generally, the dwarf bamboo plants are ideal ground covers. 

They will thrive in part shade to shaded sites. Most of these plants are hardy and grow in cooler climates. 

If you want to add colour and greenery to your driveway or patio, these 5 bamboos are ideal candidates. 

They are also best planted in pot plants for apartments, porches, verandas and other outdoor areas that are in close proximity to the main buildings. 

How to grow Chinese dwarf bamboo plants

 There are different types of bamboo plants. The Chinese dwarf bamboo plants are best for shade, undergrowths and ground covers.

Are Chinese Dwarf Bamboo Plants invasive?

The great thing about these bamboos is that they are small and undemanding. You can find them as both running and clumping bamboos.

The running varieties will spread. Always use root barriers to stop them from invading other spaces. Alternatively, grow them in pot planters. 

Clumping varieties are non-invasive. You do not have to worry about spreading. 

However, the clumping bamboo bases will expand over time. If this happens, it will require pruning and thinning.

How to Grow Dwarf Bamboo Plants

The three ways to grow bamboo plants are seed propagation, culm cuttings and rhizome separation. 

A lesser-known method is called air-layering, which is similar to budding the bamboo branches until they establish roots. 

The small bamboo plants grow well by rhizome separation which is more effective than the other methods. 

This article (Split Potted Bamboo Plants) explains how to separate the bamboo plants if you buy them in pots. It gives you a good idea about what to do and how to preserve the rhizomes before planting. 

In addition, you will need these Hand Tools, take a look.

Where to buy Dwarf 'Clumping' Bamboo Plants?

Check out the UK retailers we listed here where you can get the Chinese Dwarf Bamboo plants. 

They come in different size pots. 

The bigger pots can give you up to 4 plants if you separate them properly.

Caring for Small Bamboo Plants

The Chinese Dwarf Bamboo Plants will definitely require attention, especially, if they are planted from rhizomes separation.

The plant is under stress after cutting, so provide the care it needs to grow during the early stage. Add water and mulch where or when necessary. 

Monitor its growth for the first couple of months or until new shoots and leaves emerge. The emerging shoots are a sign that the roots hairs and rhizomes are healthy under the soil. 

You should be happy when this happens.

When is the best time to plant bamboo?

Bamboos are tough and hardy. The small bamboos can withstand temperatures up to minus 25 degrees Celsius. 

In the UK, they do not have natural pests apart from slugs, but we observed signs of new bamboo shoots being eaten by rats and or squirrels - see the video.

Slugs do like the new bamboo leaves and shoots, so protect your new plants by adding slug pallets. 

The best time to grow bamboo plants is at the beginning of Spring when new growths are prominent. 

Chinese dwarf bamboo plants are great outdoor 

The Chinese dwarf bamboo plants are great outdoor and indoor plants. 

They are less demanding. 

Check out the link, if you want more details on other small bamboo plants and Variegated Bamboos plants that thrive in cooler climates.

You can find them as running and clumping bamboos. They come in different colours. 

Hope this article gives you some ideas about the dwarf bamboo cultivars that you can grow in the UK. 

Is your favourite bamboo on this list?

Leave a comment and let us know.

What bamboo grow in shade?

There are many kinds of bamboo plants. Some prefer shade whereas others part-shade and sun. To answer the question Does Bamboo Grow in Shade? 

We list 6 bamboos that can grow in shade: 3 are running bamboos whereas the other 3 are clumping. 

Follow the links to find out more about the growth requirements and special features of each bamboo in our database.

Six bamboos to grow in shaded sites

There are many bamboos that also prefer shaded sites or undercovers. They range in size and colour. 

Let’s take a look at the 6 bamboos you can grow in the shaded sites.

• 1) Phyllostachys Nuda Bamboo Features
• 2) Fishpole Bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
• 3) Phyllostachys Humilis Scottish Bamboo Plants

• 4) Fargesia papyrifera Blue Dragon
• 5) Fargesia nitida Pillar fountain bamboo
• 6) Fargesia murielae Simba Umbrella Bamboo

Bamboo plants for shade and part-shade

The 6 bamboos will tolerate densely shaded sites. For example, under trees and wall covers or planted as pot plants for indoor areas. 

At gardenbambooplants.com, we list nearly 100 bamboos that grow well in the UK. 

This list is growing as we add more bamboo plants that thrive in the UK to it. 

Many home and garden retailers in the UK sell these 6 bamboo plants. 

We recommend checking the renowned UK retailers listed here for your bamboo plants and supplies.

Can you grow bamboo plants in shade - here are 6 bamboo plants that you can grow in shade.

What running bamboos grow in shade?

The running bamboos are an invasive variety because they have running rhizomes that spread along the ground. It is important to use a root barrier before growing them.

Warning: The running bamboo plants are invasive. 

Alternatively, grow them in pots to stop the bamboo from spreading in the garden

1)  Phyllostachys Nuda Bamboo Features

2)  Fishpole Bamboo Phyllostachys aurea

3) Phyllostachys Humilis Scottish Bamboo Plants

Always use a bamboo barrier or large heavy-duty pots to grow them.

Can bamboo grow in shade?

Bamboo can grow in shade. The bamboos listed above are some that you can grow in shaded areas or under covers. 

One of the peculiar things about bamboo plants is that there are many varieties. Some are running, and others are clumping. 

From the 6 bamboo plants that you can grow in shade, we put them into running and clumping to make it easy to find what you want.

What clumping bamboos grow in shade?

The clumping bamboos have rhizomes that tend to form clump clusters. That means that they do not spread, instead, the clumpers will expand around the base in time. 

There is no need to worry about spreading, but you may have to prune or thin out the culms to keep them in shape.

• 1) Fargesia papyrifera Blue Dragon
• 3) Fargesia murielae Simba Umbrella Bamboo
• 5) Fargesia nitida Pillar fountain bamboo

Here is a collection of clumping bamboo plants that you can grow in the UK, some of them have been awarded the prestigious RHS awards.

Sunlight is important for bamboo plants

Like other plants, sunlight is important for bamboo plants. 

Many of these plants grow in the tropical and sub-tropical undercovers and are tolerant to shade. You can grow the bamboos in shaded areas in the UK. 

Here are some points to note when growing bamboo in shaded sites, where there is a lack of sunlight. 

Positives: Bamboos will grow in shades and tend to have the following positive features.

• Dark green foliage.
• Better ground covers.
• Tall and slender culms.
• Fast-growing hedges and screens.

Negatives: Bamboos that grow in shades tend to have the following negative features.

• Leaves turn yellow and curl.
• Browning of culms.
• Thin leaves and culms.
• Produce fewer shoots as the plants mature.
• Less hardy in winter due to thin leaves and culms.

What to do to address the ‘negatives’?

As mentioned, bamboos are tolerant plants, they can grow in shaded areas. 

Apart from the need for sunlight, other factors can exacerbate the problems of growing bamboo in the shade. 

For your plants to do well in shade, ensure that the soil is nutrient-rich and well aerated. Prune and thin the old culms. Add mulch to conserve moisture and improve soil aeration.

Where necessary, add the NPK fertilisers or any slow-release fertilisers rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. 

 We covered the best practices for growing bamboo plants in this article – Bamboo Care and Maintenance Guide.

How fast does bamboo grow in the UK?

The bamboo plants grow very quickly. But how fast do they grow? 

We measured the rate of growth of Phyllostachys aureosulcata spectabilis and found out that it grew at a rate of 1.43cm per day. 

This is how fast bamboo grows in a non-native environment. 

 To put it in perspective, new shoots that grow in Spring will reach a height of 2 metres by summer in the UK. 

Check out the video showing the growth rate of the bamboo plants.

 

Bamboos can grow in shades. You must choose the bamboo that tolerates shades or part-shaded sites. 

 The 6 bamboos in this article will thrive in shaded areas in the UK. 

Leave a comment and let us know about your choice of bamboo. 

Follow us on YouTube Garden Bamboo Plants to see what we are up to in the Bamboo Garden.

What bamboo plants to grow in pots?

Bamboos are great standalone plants. 

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

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

How to find the best bamboo for pots?

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

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

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

Use the tips to identify the right bamboo.

What bamboo to grow in pots

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

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

Bamboo propagated from rhizome cuttings

How to grow bamboo in pots?

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

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

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

The larger the better. 

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

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

What pots to grow bamboo?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the advantages of growing bamboo in pots?

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

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

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

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

What are the disadvantages of growing bamboo in pots?

The main worry about growing bamboo is the invasiveness. 

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

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

Growing bamboos in pots

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

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

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

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

Conclusion (Can you grow bamboo in pots?)

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

Comment and let us know what you think. 

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