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
Phyllostachys aurea Fishpole Golden Bamboo is an all-rounder, slim running bamboo, that grows well in shade, part shade and sun, with spectacular evergreen slender leaves and light green stems that mature to golden yellow.
This is one of the best bamboo plants to grow for garden bamboo sticks because of its thick and slender tall stems.
Golden Bamboo Phyllostachys aurea UK sales
The RHS has recognised Phyllostachys aurea for its outstanding garden features.
Identification: Phyllostachys aurea, Fishpole Bamboo, Golden Bamboo.
Site: Tolerant bamboo, grows in full sun to partial shade and shade.
Soil: Prefers moist and well-drained loose soil (sand and loam), doesn’t like compacted soil.
Uses: Excellent for hedging, screening, windbreak, or pots and containers.
Winter hardiness: Hardy to - 20 degrees Celsius.
Height: Fast-growing plant, 2 – 4m.
Spread: Running bamboo, allow space to spread or contain in large pots.
Foliage: Light green to yellow foliage all year round.
Stem: Slender bright green matures to golden yellow in full sun.
Phyllostachys aurea gives the best garden sticks
Uses Phyllostachys aurea Fishpole Bamboo
Although the fishpole bamboo is tolerant to shade, it grows well in part shade and sun.
Sufficient sunlight will result in a significant transformation in the colour of the culms (stems) and foliage from green to golden yellow.
This running bamboo behaves more like the clump-forming bamboo in the UK where it is cooler. Here are two other running bamboo plants that act like clumpers.
However, the rhizomes are invasive where the soil is loose and rich in moisture and nutrients, so grow it where there is enough space for them to grow.
The Phyllostachys aurea is an ideal bamboo for hedging, privacy screening and windbreak in the garden. It is also an excellent bamboo plant for medium to large pots and containers.
Notably, it does not like soggy soil and it definitely does not like compacted soil. It prefers well-drained loamy soil, loose and rich in moisture.
Propagate Phyllostachys aurea
Bamboo growers are propagating Phyllostachys aurea from seeds and rhizome cuttings, and base separation.
However, bamboo seeds are often hard to buy near you because they do not flower regularly.
The 2 best ways to propagate Phyllostachys aurea
is by base separation and
from rhizome and culm cuttings.
This video shows the work we did at Garden Bamboo Plants UK.
Phyllostachys aurea Grow and Care Tips
The new growth will require care and attention.
Slugs adore the tender new growths, they can wipe off the fresh leaves in one visit if left unprotected.
If you are propagating bamboo plants either from the rhizome or culm cuttings or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer.
Perhaps it is important to note that despite its clump-forming nature, the Phyllostachys aurea is a running bamboo.
The bamboo's horizontal rhizomes can spread to an average of 4m if left unchecked. It is best to give it space to grow.
Alternatively surround the roots with root barriers to restrict the rhizomes from spreading.
Better to grow Phyllostachys aurea where there is enough space, away from strong wind.
It can also be grown in large pots and containers to contain its spreading.
Facts about Phyllostachys aurea
The matured Fishpole Golden bamboo will thrive in well-drained loamy soil with high moisture and nutrient contents.
Like most bamboo plants in the UK, they do not like compacted dry soils such as new building sites or roads and pathways.
In addition, the matured bamboos thrive on what is available in the soil, they will occasionally need feed and water.
A regular check is recommended if you are growing them in containers.
The browning of the culms or yellowing of the leaves are signs of the plant in distress. Here is an article on how to revive your bamboo plants where they show signs of distress.
Check the soil by inspection or digging to 10 cm depth to find out if the soil is too dry. Add, mulch fertiliser or any plant feed if necessary.
If your Phyllostachys aurea plant outgrows the container and shows distressing signs, it is calling for you to separate the plants and re-pot them.
Also, prune the old culms ideally in early Spring for the new growth to take over.
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.
Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo [Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis]is a tall and thick running bamboo, best for tall hedges and screens.
The golden stems have spectacular bright green stripes running vertically along the internode. This stunning bamboo is an all-rounder, you can grow it as a standalone plant, garden centrepiece or tall screen.
Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis is an RHS Merit Award-winning bamboo, that grows well in a mild temperate climate.
Buy bamboo plants and root barriers from UK suppliers here.
Common Features
Identification: Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis, Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo, Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo.
Site: Grows well in full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-drained loam soil, moist.
Uses: Excellent for hedging, screening or large pots and containers. Do not do well in windy sites.
Winterhardiness: Hardy to – 15 degrees Celsius.
Height: a tall bamboo 10 - 12m.
Spread: running bamboo (behaves like clumping bamboo in a temperate climate), 4 – 6m
Foliage: Evergreen tall foliage
Cane colour: spectacular green stripes, yellow, bright to matured dark orangey yellow.
Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo Tall Screen
Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo is an ideal bamboo plant for a tall hedge or natural privacy screen. The tall dense growth and golden yellow bamboo cluster are prominent outdoors.
This large tall bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis) is a recipient of the prestigious RHS Merit Awards, one of the award-winning Phyllostachys bamboo plants.
The others include
1. Phyllostachys aurea,
2. Phyllostachys Aureaculata bissettii, and
3. Phyllostachys nigra.
Propagate Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo [Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis]
Although the Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo is a low-maintenance plant, the new growth will require care and attention.
Slugs can wipe off the fresh leaves in one visit if left unprotected.
If you are propagating bamboo plants either from the rhizome or cane cuttings or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer.
Care
The Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo can spread to an average of 6 metres (or more) during a humid Spring or hot Summer.
This running bamboo needs space to grow. Always grow this bamboo in barriers to stop spreading.
The new rhizomes and canes can reach their full spread and height, respectively, during a warm Spring or hot Summer.
Although Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis varieties are undemanding, a fully grown bamboo will require attention because it's invasive.
The plants thrive in the cooler temperate climate where there is well-drained loamy soil high in moisture and nutrient contents. Like most bamboo plants in the UK, they do not grow well in compacted soil.
Maintain tall bamboo plants
This tall bamboo with dense evergreen foliage is susceptible to heavy snowfall and strong wind. To protect from falling, use strong ropes to tie them back.
You can contain the Golden Chinese Timer Bamboo in large pots and containers.
This impressive bamboo may not grow to its full height in contained spaces, but planted in nutrient-rich soil with good moisture, it will surely exhibit its best features.
Here is a video to show you how to provide support for tall bamboo.
Homeowners and gardeners are wondering which bamboo plant would be most suited for screening purposes.
Some bamboo plants, called running bamboo plants, can become a serious problem if planted in the garden without a barrier.
There are many cultivars of running and clump-forming bamboo. The common ones are the Phyllostachys and Fargesia bamboo plants.
So, which bamboo plants is best for privacy screens?
Which bamboo is best for privacy screens?
Many gardeners play it safe and opt for the clump-forming Fargesia over Phyllostachys.
The Fargesia bamboo plants hold more foliage which offers more density for screening whereas the Phyllostachys is more about the stem colour and height.
Different Fargesia cultivars will produce different thicknesses and heights so it really depends on your need for screening.
For Fargesias, the Fargesia Umbrella bamboo plants produce thick screens and Fargesia Robusta cultivars are mostly tall.
The charm of the foliage and elegance is quickly lost when you see roots and shoots emerging in all parts of the garden, interfering with the built structures.
Even worst when they cross the boundary over to the neighbour's side and cause some 'neighbourly discussions'.
Most Phyllostachys bamboo plants have running rhizomes that spread. But, there are cost-effective ways to grow running bamboo for screening.
You can still enjoy the charm and elegance of these beautiful plants by building a rhizome barrier before growing them.
Use bamboo root barriers
When growing the running bamboo plants within barriers you won't have problems with them invading all parts of the garden, built structures and neighbour's side.
There are many different ways to create bamboo barriers from growing bamboo in planter boxes, pots and containers to building raised structures and securing bamboo roots within roots barriers.
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.
Bamboo plants are great because they are fast-growing and beautiful natural plants.
They are also invasive, but not all bamboo plants do spread. We advocate for bamboo root/rhizome barriers when growing the running bamboo plants.
Here are some tough questions that you should ask when growing bamboo along the boundaries and build-up areas.
How close to the pavement to grow screening bamboo?
Careful when growing privacy screening bamboo near patios and pavements.
The patios and pavements laid with sand do not stand a chance against the rhizome’s tips. The tips will invade the tiny gaps and force their way through the pavement blocks.
Choose a suitable clumping bamboo to plant near patios and pathways.
If you choose running bamboo, create a barrier. Alternatively, dig a small trench or a raised base (bed) to protect the pavement.
How far away from the neighbour’s side to grow bamboo?
Grow the bamboo in a barrier and at least a metre away from the boundary. This ‘one-metre’ space provides Access Way to the bamboo plants and will help you to monitor the growth of the new shoots and rhizome tips.
The key point is that the Access Way helps you to spot and stop running rhizomes and shoots growing into the neighbour’s side. In other words, leave a gap between the boundary and where you chose to plant the bamboo.
If you wish to grow a bamboo privacy screen close to the boundary, use a raised base (bed) or dig a narrow trench to stop the bamboo from creeping onto your neighbour’s side.
Related articles on Evergreen Outdoor Privacy Screen
Readers' note: This article is so long that we split it into several parts. Here are the related parts that you may also like to read:
Many people want to grow bamboo, but they fear it might spread uncontrollably.
Reassuringly, there is no need to worry if you want a quick result for a bamboo screen. Try to understand how a bamboo plant grows and use the 4 tips to grow healthy bamboo plants.
The tips are based on our experience dealing with running bamboo plants growing along the boarder. They are effective in keeping the rhizomes from spreading.
Create an ‘Access Way’: The hedging bamboo plants are controllable if you create an ‘Access Way’. The access will enable you to monitor the new growths that are not behaving.
Trim the new shoots: Trim the new bamboo shoots close to the ground, usually in Spring, when the new plants are germinating. (You will need the access way to monitor the new shoots).
Control the new rhizome tips: To stop the running bamboo rhizomes from misbehaving, dig the new rhizome tips and remove them, immediately.
Selective pruning: This applies to both the running and clumping bamboo where you can remove the old culms to promote new growth. You can also direct the new growth into the foliage to create a dense hedge. the video of our work running bamboo. We tie back the Phyllostachys aureosulcata Spectabilis and create a dense hedging screen)
Importantly, without any access to the hedging bamboo screen, it is going to be hard to control them as they grow.
How close to the neighbour's side should you grow bamboo plants? How these questions and answers with tips will help to avoid any potential neighbour's dispute.
Bamboo plants in pot and container planters are great for instant privacy screens. Besides, you do not have to worry about the bamboos’ invasiveness because the planters are barriers.
They also provide the benefit of moving them around to optimise on space available, perfect for small and narrow spaces.
There are more benefits to using the plants. However, growing bamboo in pot and container planters requires extra care and attention, unlike the garden hedging bamboo screens.
In this article, you will find out about how to:
choose the best bamboo for small outdoor spaces,
select the best planters to grow bamboo and
provide long-term care for the bamboo plants.
How to select the best pots and containers?
There are a lot of recommendations for larger and bigger bamboo planters, but these are not often the best recommendations for narrow outdoor areas like the deck, patio, balcony or porch.
Unless, of course, use a bigger planter if the outdoor area has enough space for a bigger plant.
When choosing a pot or container for growing bamboo, size, weight and stability matter!
That begs the question what is the best pot or container for planting bamboo plants?
The three-pointers will help you to identify the bamboo planter that suits you.
A strong and durable frost resistant pot or container planter will act as a root barrier and protect the plant against the cold. Avoid the thin plastic pots because they do not stand a chance against the bamboo rhizomes and clumps in compacted space.
Avoid growing bamboo in containers that have small openings and heavy tops. If you use these planters, it will be hard to remove the bamboo plants for repotting, or the tall plants will topple to the ground.
Perhaps the important point to consider when selecting a pot or container for growing bamboo is the space available on your porch, patio, deck or balcony. Most of these spaces are usually narrow.
Ideally, the narrow rectangular heavy-duty containers are best for this kind of space. For the corners, you may want to choose a heavy-duty square container planter.
Some DIY wooden and metal containers are great for other plants, but not ideal for bamboo plants.
Furthermore, the metals pots do not have good insulations as they either absorb or lose heat pretty quickly in Summer and Winter, respectively.
If you still wish to use DIY wooden containers to grow bamboo, the best thing to do is to use the treated timbers that can last longer than 5 years.
As for the metal containers, ensure that they are well insulated from heat and cold.
Above all, ensure that the pot and container planters for growing bamboo are strong and stable, are well insulated, and have good drainage.
Choose large pots or container planters
You can move the bamboo into a larger pot or container planters. It is going to be a tedious operation getting the bamboo out.
However, if you are using the square and rectangular container box, you’ll find it easier to uproot the plant and repot it while saving the old container box.
In a case where it is difficult to remove the plant from the container planter, you will have to decide whether to keep the plant or keep the planter box. That means that you will have to destroy one and save the other.
The best time for repotting a bamboo plant into the container planters is early Spring when the new growths are prominent.
Avoid environmental stress in confined areas
Like other potted plants, bamboos in pots require attention if they were to thrive in the confined space.
One of the main reasons why bamboo leaves turn yellow (more info here) is the lack of moisture and nutrient in the soil.
Undoubtedly, bamboo in pots and container boxes will grow well where there is good moisture and nutrient in the soil.
Many pot and container planter boxes have a hollow bottom where the water drains out pretty quickly.
Bamboo plants tend to lose more water through transpiration through the thin and slender leaves compared to other thick leaves plants.
Poor drainage and a high rate of transpiration are often the main reasons why the soil in pot planters becomes devoid of nutrients and moisture. This is the main cause of the yellowing of bamboo leaves and browning culms.
How to improve soil condition in pots?
There are two things you can do to improve the soil moisture and soil nutrients in pot and container planters.
Firstly, fill the base of the pot and container planters with pebbles, gravel or a porous pot filler to stop it from losing water.
Do not block the hole at the bottom of the planters completely because the bamboo plants dislike waterlogged containers.
In addition, leave a spacing of about 10cm to 15 cm at the top of the pot and container planters after you’ve planted the bamboo. This space is very important for mulching and fertilising the plants later.
Secondly, use nutrient-rich loam soil and or potting compost when potting bamboo plants into containers to give them the best start.
Here is the right mixture of clay to sand to silt to create an ideal loam for growing bamboo.
Alternatively, a 50/50 mix potting compost contains the right nutrient and moisture for new bamboo plants to thrive in the pots.
If you need more information on how to grow bamboo, check out the Instructional Guides from YouGarden.
How to stop tall bamboo in pots from falling down?
Ominously, the tall bamboo plants will sway in the wind and topple to the ground if the pots are unstable. When this happens, you are likely to have a damaged plant, or pot, or both.
To avoid bamboo in pots falling to the ground, choose a pot or container planter with good stability.
A regular occurrence is when the tall bamboo culms lean out of the bamboo cluster or grove. In this case, use the garden ropes to tie them back.
Protect potted bamboo roots and rhizomes from cold and frost
The bamboos in pots and container planters require insulation in Winter when the temperature falls to negative values.
Although the bamboo plants are tough and hardy, the roots and rhizomes are above ground level and are directly exposed to the weather, unlike the plants on the ground.
The bamboo plants in the planter pots are prone to frost, frozen soil and, even, the Winter’s chill.
The best way to protect the bamboo in the planters is to add mulch and cover the base of the pots with an insulating blanket, bubble wrap or special plant insulation fleece.
Do these when bamboo in pot and container planters grow big
The running and clumping bamboo plants will reach full growth in the pots and containers within 2 – 5 years. That is the period when the plants are at their peak.
They’ll display evergreen foliage, shiny culms and beautiful leaves – an ideal time to enjoy the beauty of your bamboo plants.
The plants will thrive for more than 5 to 10 years in large pot planters under the right conditions and care mentioned in this article.
To continue to enjoy them, there are a couple of things you can do to keep the plants in the pot longer.
How to maintain bamboo plants in pots and containers?
Bamboo plants are relatively hardy bamboo and can withstand air temperatures as low as – 20 degrees Celsius in normal growing conditions.
However, bamboo plants in pots and containers without the right insulations will struggle to survive at such very low temperatures.
So the first thing to do before planting them is to insulate the containers by using styrofoam which is light and great for extra insulation.
In addition, the new bamboo plants are prone to slugs damage. Add Slugs and Snail Killer to protect new shoots and rhizome tips.
Here are some general protection measures to apply when planting bamboo in pot and container planters;
Apply Slug and Snail Killer around your new bamboo.
Add organic mulch.
Tie the long culms to bamboo sticks or poles.
Add insulation inside the pot and containers.
Cover the pots and containers with additional insulation fleece or blanket when the temperature drops to negative degrees Celsius.
‘Thinning’ bamboo in pot and container planters
Remove the old unhealthy culms (canes) to give the new shoots a chance to reach full height. In fact, the new shoots will be stronger and taller than previous bamboos, so encourage new growth if you want taller and healthier plants.
After 5 – 10 years, you will have to carry out ‘thinning’. Remove the older bamboo culms and rhizomes from the pots and containers, and separate the culms into segments for repotting. This activity is best done in Spring.
At this juncture, we provided insight into how to select and grow the perfect bamboo plants in pots for the small outdoor space at home, the office or the rental place.
Bamboo plants are great shade plants. They are also undemanding, shade and drought tolerant. Some varieties are invasive whereas the others are non-invasive.
The new bamboo in pot and container planters will need the right amount of water and attention in Spring as the roots start to develop.
Pay extra attention when planting the bamboo cuttings in late Spring or early Summer as they will need water every other day to support the new growths.
Mulching is highly recommended at this stage too, as it will help to retain moisture in the soil or in the pots and containers.
For the older bamboo plants, you will have to add NPK fertilisers, fresh organic mulch and water to keep them happy.
The best way to check for moisture in the soil is to dig out a layer of soil to a depth of 5cm. It is an effective way to inspect the soil for moisture content.
The soil in the pots and containers should be nice and moist, not too dry or too wet.
If it gets too cold in Winter, move the plant into a sheltered area like the garage, patio or veranda to keep them warm and safe from the chill and wind.
Add more mulch or grass cutting to provide the added layer and heat.
Growing bamboo in pot and container planter boxes for privacy screening might seem like hard work, but frankly, it's not.
These stunning plants, like other privacy and hedging plants, will need just the right attention to thrive in contained spaces.
The bamboo plants require watering, feeding and mulching. They’ll also demand separation and repotting.
Generally, bamboo plants will thrive in container planters for 5 – 10 years. All the while, producing the evergreen foliage and providing natural privacy screens.
The article puts into perspective why it is important to use the right pot plants and why you should follow each step above.
Re-potting black bamboo plants
The black bamboo plants will require to be moved into a bigger pot or into multiple pots. Either way, you will need additional help.
The plants that are grown in the pots with the small top and open bottom are going to be really hard to remove.
Therefore, it is important to choose a pot that has an open top, which is going to make your work easier when it comes to removing the plants from the pot for repotting.
To re-pot, firstly separate the plants into smaller segments (ideally 2 or 4 parts), then soak the segments in water and then plant them in pots or in the garden. Careful not to disturb any rooting and budding rhizomes.
This activity is best done in early Spring!
Select a site for growing black bamboo
When growing bamboo as a garden hedge or for screening an unsightly structure near the boundary, it is important to choose the site carefully.
There are three things you can do to stop the running black bamboo from invading other spaces.
Use root barriers
Build a raised structure
Plant the bamboo 1 to 2 metres away from the boundary, patio, pavement and building.
Grow black bamboo in the garden
Choose the site carefully.
Dig a hole twice the size of the diameter and depth of the pot holding the plant.
Soak the black bamboo in water before planting it.
Add nutrient-rich soil and compost.
Compact the soil into the ground.
Add mulch.
Water generously.
Fast-growing plants
The running bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) and clumping bamboos (Black Pearl & Volcano) are fast-growing plants.
The new culms can grow up to 2cm per day or 60cm per month. The former is a tall arching plant, whereas the two clumping black bamboo plants will grow to 4m or less.
Bamboo will require care and maintenance to grow well. In this article, we take a look at how you can take care of your bamboo plants, and when to attend to them.
Thinning is important because sunlight will reach the inner part of a bamboo plant and promotes growth.
The young plant will do well when it does not have to compete with the older, more established plants in the stock.
The best time for thinning bamboo is early Spring, just before any new shoots from the previous year establish themselves.
It is important to note that thinning bamboo is likely to cause distress to the whole plant.
To avoid any significant damage to the plant, cover it with access soil, and add mulch and water.
Add mulch
Bamboo plants will grow thick and fast where there is well-drained soil with good moisture.
It is also good to way add warmth and protect the bamboo from frost and frozen soil in Winter.
Mulching is important for the soil to retain moisture in Summer, promote new bamboo growth and preserve the plant from Winter’s cold.
It also gives your garden a neat appearance.
The best mulch to use is bamboo leaves. They contain silica which is high in nitrogen and nutrients plants need. So rake the bamboo leaves and put them back onto the plant.
Other options are grass cuttings, tree barks, dead leaves and small twigs.
You can add organic mulch as and when your bamboo needs it, but the ideal time for mulching is early in Spring or late in Autumn.
Maintain bamboo plants
Bamboo is a tough plant, however, there are two ways to protect the new shoots.
Slug attacks
Firstly, the new plants are prone to slug attacks.
In fact, slugs love the new bamboo leaves and shoots. They can devour the plants in one visit, this happened to one of our new bamboos.
If you see any new growth, add Slug and Snail pellets to protect them.
Staking new shoots
Secondly, the tall bamboo and new shoots will require staking.
This stem support encourages the shoots to grow upright and protect them from the wind.
Staking the plants is important if you grow bamboo in pots or as windbreaks.
You can use bamboo sticks and garden rope to tie bamboo as they grow.
The ideal time to stake your bamboo is when the new growths are coming out. They will need this support.
Taking care of bamboo plants outdoors
If you are planning to build root barriers or thin out the bamboo rhizomes and culms, do it in early Spring.
After attending to your bamboo, always add the access soil and mulch to the base of the bamboo plants, and tidy up the base of the bamboo before Summer to stimulate new growths.
Here are helpful tips for taking care of (and growing) bamboo plants.
Care is an important element of growing plants in the garden. Phyllostachys aurea bamboo plant (also known as the Fish-pole Golden Yellow Bamboo) will require care and maintenance as they grow.
We created a list of some top UK bamboo sellers online. Check them out on our website.
Care for Phyllostachys aurea
The running bamboos are resilient plants. They tend to thrive in the UK and are commonly used as privacy screens and for garden hedging.
However, these bamboos will require care and maintenance as they grow. Use the two tips below to help your plants grow unobstructed!
Firstly, add Slug and Snail pellets to protect them when your bamboos put out new growths.
Secondly, tall culms and new tender shoots will require staking.
Protect new bamboo shoots
We have seen slugs devouring the new plants in one visit.
So, apply the Snail and Slug pellets to stop the slugs from damaging the new growths.
Tie new shoots upright
The support you provide will encourage the tall plants to grow upright and protect the new tender culms from the wind.
If you grow the Phyllostachys aurea bamboos in pots, they will require some support. Staking them is one option.
Another option is to tie the culms into a tight grove, providing a neat and upright hedge or screen.
The ideal time to care for your bamboo is when the new growths are coming out early in Spring to Summer.
If you have problems dealing with bamboo in the garden or in containers, here is a detailed guide that will help you to deal with the common bamboo problems.
Buy Phyllosyachys Aurea
If you are wondering where to to buy Phyllosyachys Aurea, check out the list of UK retailers.
You can buy the plants online on at any of these sellers near you.
Root barriers, essential for maintaining Phyllosyachys aurea
The root barrier is essential for containing the rhizomes of invasive plants like the Phyllostachys aurea.
They are running bamboos, top above the invasive varieties.
In fact, they will require some sort of barrier, either as raised beds, pots and containers or a trench.
Create a root barrier before planting running bamboo, unless you are growing them in a contained space.
If your bamboo does not have a root barrier, here are some places where you can get one. The plastic root barriers are formidable – strong enough to stop rhizomes from spreading.
Know more about Phyllostachys aurea bamboo
The Fish-pole Golden Yellow Bamboo is one of my favourite bamboo plants.
When you know this bamboo plant personally, you'll understand why it is popular among many bamboo growers in the UK.
Phyllostachys nigra, also called Black Bamboo, are evergreen fast-growing ornamental plants.
The black bamboos have spectacular ebony black stems (culms).
However, do you know there are other cultivars of the Phyllostachys nigra?
In fact, there are over 10 Phyllostachys nigra bamboo plants with black stem colourations, spots and stripes.
Phyllostachys nigra 'Black Bamboo'
This black bamboo plant is awarded the RHS merit for its unique features, described as ‘one of the most elegant bamboos, with polished, damson-black mature canes and dark green leaves.’
Nigra Black Bamboo is a standout due to its ebony black stems (culms).
The black bamboo plants are resilient running bamboo varieties. They thrive in variable soil and weather conditions and are tolerant of pests and diseases.
These stunning bamboos have black culms, or black and brown spots and stripes along the sulcus.
Their culms are tall, slender and upright with gentle arching foliage.
They are fully hardy to – 20 degrees Celsius.
Black bamboos are formidable landscaping plants, also ideal for garden hedging and privacy screening.
Some cultivars of black bamboo plants also thrive in pots and containers, and other confined outdoor spaces.
What are the different black bamboo plants?
There are over 10 black bamboo plants (cultivars), however, you can find half of them in-store or online within the UK.
They are obviously called black bamboos because of the predominantly black culms.
Some bamboo cousins of the black bamboo nigra have green culms with black spots and stripes.
The 4 common black bamboo plants that grow in UK gardens are:
Recently, the other lesser-known black bamboo cultivars (such as the Phyllostachys nigra henonis, ‘Boryana' and ‘Megurochiku’) are growing in popularity among curious and enthusiastic bamboo growers.
Here are some black bamboo cultivars that you may want to find out more about.
These bamboos can be quite hard to find near you.
Phyllostachys nigra 'Fulva'
Phyllostachys nigra 'Hale'
Phyllostachys nigra 'Othello'
Phyllostachys nigra 'Han-chiku'
Phyllostachys nigra 'Tosaensis'
Check out the black bamboo plants for sale at Crocus.co.uk
Cost of Black Bamboo Plants UK
How to identify Phyllostachys nigra bamboo plants?
We covered the qualities and features of the cultivars of Phyllostachys nigra in detail in this article.
For comparisons, follow the links, see the images, and watch the video. Generally, all the Phyllostachys bamboo plants have black or black colourations on the stems. Most are slightly flattened on one side.
The branches appear in pairs at the node with slim elongated shiny leaves.
Phyllostachys nigra black bamboo plants have distinctive black culms, but the other Nigra Bamboos have green culms with dark spots or stripes that run along the internodes and sulcus.
The stem colourations are often prominent in sun. These running bamboos are invasive.
Why use bamboo Root Barrier
Using a bamboo root barrier is essential for containing the rhizomes of invasive plants like the Phyllostachys nigra.
These bamboos are running bamboos, top above the invasive varieties.
Create a root barrier before planting running bamboo, unless you are growing them in a contained space.
If your bamboo does not have a root barrier, here are some places where you can get one.
The plastic root barriers are formidable – strong enough to stop rhizomes from spreading.
For more on how to maintain black bamboo plants, check out this article. It has details on care and maintenance as we as videos of care and maintenance of bamboo groves.
Bamboos are not the only fast-growing hedge plants. The other fast-growing shrubs for hedging and privacy screening. They are great alternatives to traditional hedge plants like the Green Leylandii, Photinia, Red Robin, Western Red Cedar, Portuguese Laurel and Beech.
The hedging shrubs are evergreen and retain their foliage all year round, while the others are deciduous and lose their leaves in Autumn.
Many of the hedging trees and shrubs require pruning and mulching to provide neat covers or they’ll grow tall uncontrollably.
Bamboos are fast-growing, if not the fastest, among the hedging and screening plants.
In addition, the bamboos are a standout because they come in different varieties.
The bamboos are a group of special hedging plants.
They will grow fast, reach a certain height and remain evergreen for many years. They have been used extensively in modern landscaping and garden designs to great effects.
Growing at 2 – 5 ft or 60 - 150cm per year, bamboo is the option for quick hedging. It is fast-growing, evergreen and stands out as the only grass plant for hedging.
There are, in fact, many varieties of clumping and running bamboos that are suitable for both home and garden hedging.
Furthermore, these plants come in various sizes, shapes and colours perfect for tall and short hedges. You can trim some bamboos to give a neat hedge while others may not require any trimming at all.
What are the best bamboo plants for hedging?
Although the running bamboo plants are invasive, growing them in contain structures or pots and containers are ideal containment measures.
Alternatively, choose the clumping bamboos as they are the better options for dense hedges.
So, if you are looking for a better alternative to the common trees and shrubs and other hedging plants, bamboo hedges are great options.
All You Need to Know About Selecting Bamboo Plants is a guide that will lead you to the right bamboo depending on your preferences. So, check it out and download the PDF version.
Pros and cons of bamboo hedge plants
As a grass variety, bamboos have slim culms, are tall, and slender and tend to grow in masses providing dense evergreen foliage covers all year round.
But, the running bamboo varieties are invasive and spread very quickly putting out lots of shoots and rhizomes every year.
This is one of the major reasons why many homeowners and gardeners do not want to grow bamboo hedges.
Many homeowners who inherited bamboo may find it overwhelming to control the bamboo. These neglected bamboos will require a lot of work to remove.
They are like a rowdy toddler if you neglect them.
However, the pros of growing bamboo far outweigh the cons.
Bamboo plants are formidable hedges. You have to select them carefully, choose the ideal site and care for them as they grow just like the other hedging plants.
How to grow a bamboo hedge?
Clumping bamboos will need spacing of less than a metre in between them. As the clumpers grow, they’ll cover the spaces and provide a formidable hedge.
