Best of all, once you’ve planted bamboo in the pots and containers they’ll grow for years without having to worry about the bamboo invading other spaces.
Note that bamboo plants do not like waterlogged and dry soils. Choose heavy-duty pots and containers that have well-drained bottoms.
The underground parts of bamboos such as the rhizomes, base buds and roots will quickly occupy the spaces in the containers.
These are the common shortfalls of growing bamboos in pots and containers, but they are the best solutions for growing the running bamboos for privacy screens, garden hedging and for small outdoor spaces.
You can still grow bamboo in pots and containers and enjoy them. So, ensure the soil remains well-aerated, moist and well-drained. This will keep the bamboo happy, and they’ll thrive for many years.
Here are practical tips based on our experiences over the years and provide practical solutions to many problems bamboo growers face when planting bamboo in contained spaces.
5 Ways to Create Bamboo Root Barriers
Bamboo root barriers are vital for containing invasive bamboo plants.
We present 5 methods for stopping invasive bamboo plants so that you can choose what is best for you.
One top tip though is to ensure that the soil is not too compacted, especially in the new building sites.
Bamboo plants do not like compacted soil or soil that is high in pH.
In such cases, prepare the area well by adding compost or loam soil before planting the running bamboo.
Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?
We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants.
Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.
Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.
Why it is important to put in bamboo root barrier before growing bamboo?
Maintaining bamboo plants is surely hard work. The intricate overlay of the rhizome and root network makes it difficult to dig, pull and remove the bamboos.
You’ll have to do it bit by bit until you remove the whole lot or use a machine or additional help.
It is vital to put in place a root barrier before planting bamboo in the garden, especially if you are growing the running bamboo near the boundary, driveways or close to the house.
All in all, bamboo root barriers are vital for containing the invasive running bamboo and large clumping bamboos.
The 5 formidable ways of building the bamboo root barriers will help you to contain the bamboo from spreading in the garden.
Always put in the root barrier before planting your bamboo.
Leave a comment and let us know about your personal experiences and what you think about bamboo and bamboo root/rhizome barriers.
For clumping bamboos, raised beds are perfect because they enable you to see the new base buds, nodes and culms which make it easy to thin the bamboo when they expand out of the beds.
Building raised beds does not have to cost a lot of money.
You can use the solid materials that you already have such as patio slabs, rocks, bricks, treated timber or any solid material you find in the shed.
Spring is the best time to check the trench, clear any leaves and dirt and trim the rhizomes.
we listed four other containment methods for those homeowners who may have inherited bamboo or others that have not placed a barrier before planting the bamboo.
For the benefit of bamboo growers and homeowners, it is perhaps important to either build bamboo barriers prior to planting bamboo in the garden.
Top tip for planting bamboo plants
Before planting the running or clumping bamboos, you should build a barrier especially when growing them as hedging plants.
This is an important containment measure because as the runners and clumpers grow, they’ll either spread or expand, respectively.
Barriers can be root barriers, trenches, raised beds or contained structures – any that works for you. Lay root barriers around matured bamboo plants.
The problem with bamboo invading other spaces is due to a lack of care and attention. Bamboo like other plants will grow as long as the conditions are ideal.
Many bamboo growers are using the bamboo root barriers successfully. These barriers are often put in place before or after planting.
Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?
We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants.
Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.
Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.
It is important to create a bamboo barrier when you are planting the running bamboo. This will save you a lot of work when your plants mature.
Bamboo root barriers are vital for containing invasive bamboo plants. This article presents 5 bamboo root barriers for stopping invasive bamboo plants so that you can choose what is best for you.
5] Best way to grow running bamboo plants (plastic root barriers)
Bamboo work is hard work without bamboo barriers.
Solid plastic bamboo root barriers
A solid plastic bamboo root barrier or narrow trench can stop the bamboo from spreading if you did not create a root barrier before planting the bamboo plants.
Building a bamboo root barrier is probably the most common intervention if you have not put any root barrier in the first place when planting your bamboo.
But what are the options for root barriers?
Many DIY shops and online garden shops sell various root barriers. The best thing to do is to choose solid plastic sheets of bamboo root barriers.
These barriers are flexible and bendable, tough and can last over 20 years.
To lay the bamboo root barriers, firstly, dig a narrow trench 30cm to 50cm along or around the bamboo.
This is the ideal depth because bamboo rhizomes are in fact horizontal stems and do not grow deep into the dirt like other plants with taproots do.
Secondly, lay the tough plastic root barriers neatly into the trench with 10 cm to 15 cm layer above the ground level.
The external layer will stop rhizomes from growing over the barrier as leaves and dirt build up over time.
Top right picture shows a layer of bamboo barrier above the ground.
The bamboo root barriers can cost anything from £30 to £250 depending on how thick and strong the plastic barrier is.
An alternative to the reinforced plastic root barriers is patio slabs.
We use the patio slabs, they proved to be good barriers too.
You may have to cover the gaps between the slabs properly as you lay them down because the rhizomes will still make their way through any tiny gaps in the slabs.
Where to buy root barriers for bamboo in the UK?
We would recommend using the tough plastic bamboo root barrier when planting the running bamboo plants.
Also, it is a good practice to use root barriers when planting the Giant Timber Bamboo Plants and Phyllostachys varieties.
Here is a list of renowned UK retailers where you can get the recommended root barriers and bamboo care and maintenance accessories from.
Why it is important to put in bamboo root barrier before growing bamboo?
Maintaining bamboo plants is surely hard work. The intricate overlay of the rhizome and root network makes it difficult to dig, pull and remove the bamboos.
You’ll have to do it bit by bit until you remove the whole lot or use a machine or additional help.
It is vital to put in place a root barrier before planting bamboo in the garden, especially if you are growing the running bamboo near the boundary, driveways or close to the house.
All in all, bamboo root barriers are vital for containing the invasive running bamboo and large clumping bamboos.
The 5 formidable ways of building the bamboo root barriers will help you to contain the bamboo from spreading in the garden.
Always put in the root barrier before planting your bamboo.
Leave a comment and let us know about your personal experiences and what you think about bamboo and bamboo root/rhizome barriers.
Clumping bamboo plants are low-maintenance plants. They do not spread from the parent plants.
Here is a quick tip on how to propagate and grow clumping bamboo plants.
Propagate clumping bamboo ‘Red Zebra’
This clumping bamboo grows well by clump-base division. It can take 4 – 5 years before this bamboo requires some sort of clump division.
The bamboo’s clump base will expand and cover the spaces where you plant them.
You can also get more plants when they’ve matured.
To propagate new Red Zebra bamboos, separate the bamboo into several divisions and grow them in propagation pots before planting them into holding pots or straight into the garden.
This video shows how we propagate propagating using the three different techniques.
Grow clumping bamboo in containers and barriers
Fargesia murielae ‘Red Zebra’ is a tough bamboo, it will thrive in contained spaces where conditions are suitable.
Its height and spread make it a perfect plant for growing in pots and containers, ideal for making a statement in the front entryway like the driveway, porch or veranda.
Newly planted Red Zebra bamboo will require a good amount of water well.
Also, ensure that the soil remains moist but well-drained until the new plants are rooting.
Fargesia murielae Red Zebra bamboo ideal pot plant
To make the work lighter, always select the right pots before planting your bamboo plants.
The best pots for planting bamboos have stable bases and wide tops. Note that it is often hard work to remove the bamboo when they’ve filled out the contained space.
Here is a Guide to Selecting the Right Pot for planting running and clumping bamboo. Watch the video and find out the best way to grow bamboo plants in the UK.
Phyllostachys parvifolia is a tall bamboo that can grow to over 8m in temperate or subtropical conditions. This running bamboo has tall upright culms with thin-walled internodes.
Its shoot has a purplish tint over brown sheaths giving it a rather calm slender appearance. The shoots can grow 5m to 6m before putting out branches.
It is an invasive bamboo. Grow in contained barriers, or in pots and containers. An ideal option for tall screens and garden hedges.
General description
Name: Phyllostachys parvifolia.
Foliage: Evergreen
Culm: Upright, woody thin-walled.
Height: 8 - 12m, tall bamboo.
Spread: Running bamboo, invasive.
Growth requirement
Site: Part shade to full sun, temperate/subtropical bamboo
Soil: Well-drained moist or damp soil.
Hardiness: – 10 to –5 degrees Celsius.
Use: Woodland forest, walkway, large garden hedge, tall privacy screen.
Different ways of growing running bamboo plants
How to propagate running bamboo Phyllostachys parvifolia?
In the UK, many growers use Rhizome Cuttings to propagate the running bamboo successfully.
You can also use Culm Cuttings or Bamboo Seeds to propagate Phyllostachys parvifolia.
Seeds are often hard to find because bamboos can flower once every 10 – 20 years.
This bamboo, in particular, relies on wind pollination, unless it is hand-pollinated it can be really hard to get the seeds.
If you are lucky to have a rare bamboo seed, take extra care to grow them.
Phyllostachys atrovaginata bamboo is ideal for a mini bamboo forest, woodland, botanical garden or tall privacy screen.
It is also edible bamboo, you can grow it in large heavy-duty container pots and enjoy the shoots.
Here are some great UK retailers where you can buy the Timber Bamboos.
If bamboo is not available, please contact the Garden Shops directly or message us.
Timber bamboos similar to Phyllostachys atrovaginata
Finding and choosing an ideal Timber Bamboo at the local nursery or garden centre can be tricky. To help you, we list 5 other bamboos that are similar to the Phyllostachys atrovaginata.
The similarities are based on 5 important factors: type, height, foliage, hardiness and use.
Details for each bamboo can be found through the links provided, click for more information.
Note that the Slender Weaver’s Bamboo Bambusa Gracilis is a tall clumping bamboo in this list.
Large Timber Bamboos
Phyllostachys atrovaginata Incense Bamboo
All in all, Phyllostachys atrovaginata is a fantastic bamboo renowned for its scented leaves and edible shoots.
This tall running bamboo is perfect for large gardens, woodland forests, walkways and tall privacy screens. Root barriers are necessary for growing this bamboo.
At G.B.P, our goal is to provide the right information for selecting the right bamboo to grow in the garden and in pots and containers.
Based on our experience, we also offer bamboo growers’ tips and guides. You can get all the info you need to provide the right care for bamboo plants.
Phyllostachys flexuosa is stunning bamboo with yellow and green culms, slender arching branches and evergreen foliage. Also known as Sinuate Bamboo or Qiuganzhu.
Landscapers may find Phyllostachys flexuosa useful as this bamboo is low maintenance and ideal for privacy screening and hedging.
It's an invasive running bamboo and therefore a root barrier should be used to contain its spread.
Phyllostachys flexuosa can grow to 6 metres and spread 2 metres.
It may not grow to its maximum height and spread when grown in contained spaces.
Use large heavy-duty container pots to grow this timber bamboo.
Note that the new shoots in the second, third and successive years will be reasonably taller than the first shoots.
So, do not be surprised if your Phyllostachys flexuosa is taller than an average Phyllostachys bamboo in the container pots.
This running bamboo will definitely require repotting within 3 – 5 years.
Cultivate in the garden
Phyllostachys flexuosa’s evergreen foliage, arching stems and elongated branches are ideal for creating a calm and serene atmosphere outdoors or in the garden.
It is also a preferable bamboo for privacy screens and hedging.
Perhaps it is important to note that the Phyllostachys flexuosa (Sinuate Bamboo) is an invasive bamboo, therefore building a bamboo barrier prior to planting it in the garden is the best thing to do.
Like the other running bamboos, the Sinuate Bamboo prefers well-drained, moist soil.
Read about the Best Soil for Growing Bamboo
Loam soil for growing bamboo cuttings
Propagate running bamboo Phyllostachys flexuosa
Many UK bamboo growers use Rhizome Cuttings to propagate the running bamboo successfully.
You can also use Culm Cuttings or Bamboo Seeds to propagate Phyllostachys flexuosa.
Seeds are often hard to find because bamboos rarely flower.
If you are lucky to have a rare bamboo seed, take extra care to grow them. Here is the step-by-step guide on How to Grow Bamboo from Seeds.
Buy Phyllostachys Bamboos in the UK
Phyllostachys flexuosa bamboo is ideal for a mini bamboo forest, woodland, botanical garden or tall privacy screen.
It is also edible bamboo, you can grow it in large heavy-duty container pots and enjoy the shoots.
Here are some great places where you can buy the running and clumping bamboos in the UK.
If the bamboo is not available, please contact the Garden Shops directly or message us and we'll be happy to help find it for you.
Bamboos similar to Phyllostachys flexuosa
Finding the right Phyllostachys Bamboo at the local nursery or garden centre can be tricky. We list 5 other bamboos that are similar to the ‘Phyllostachys flexuosa’.
The similarities are based on 5 important factors: the type (either running or clumping), height, foliage, hardiness and use.
Phyllostachys rubromarginata is also called the Reddish Bamboo or Red Margin Bamboo because of the reddish colour of the new shoots.
This running bamboo is tall and upright, fast-spreading bamboo. It is ideal for tall hedges and quick natural privacy screens.
The Reddish Bamboo is hardy to -20 degrees Celsius making it one of the cold-tolerant Phyllostachys bamboos to grow in the cold Winter areas of the UK and US.
The stunning new reddish shoots are a standout feature. Definitely requires root barriers or elevated beds to contain it from spreading.
Should you grow yellow cane bamboo plants in pots?
Bamboos are evergreen and long-lasting. Best to grow in sites where they’ll provide a permanent cover such as in the garden or along the boundary or as hedges and privacy screens.
The yellow cane bamboos are fantastic pot plants.
Though these plants do not flower regularly, the golden yellow canes are naturally beautiful.
Below, is a list of 5 golden yellow cane bamboos and the benefits of growing these bamboos in pots.
Benefits of growing bamboos in pots
Movable: Most bamboos in pots are not easy to move because they are large and heavy plants. The Phyllostachys yellow bamboos (see below) will require additional help or tool to move them around, like this Hand Truck from B&Q. However, the great thing about growing bamboo in pots is that you CAN actually move and adjust the pots to your heart’s desire with a bit of help.
Maintainable: Bamboo are undemanding plants. You can prune the number of culms and greenery you want on the potted bamboos, and they’ll keep producing new shoots year on year. That is why they are great privacy plants.
Protection: Bamboo plants are hardy and can withstand cold and frosts. Though they are generally tolerant to insects and bugs, the new shoots are susceptible to slug attacks. So, growing them in pots and elevating them above the ground is the best protection.
Root barriers: The running bamboos are invasive, especially the golden Chinese timber bamboo, Yellow Bamboo Vivax and other bamboos listed below. Pots provide the barrier and stop them from invading other spaces.
Indoor and patio plants: Bamboos in pots can be used as natural screens for balconies, patios, porches, and verandas. They also provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere for the outdoor sitting areas and are good conversation starters when friends and family visit you.
What yellow cane bamboo plants can grow in pots?
There are several yellow bamboo plants from the families of running and clumping bamboo you can find on GardenBambooPlants.com.
This list is in fact a fine collection of the golden yellow cane bamboo plants, not only popular in the UK but preferred by many homeowners and gardeners.
Click on the links to find out about growth requirements.
1. Q. I want to grow bamboo, but they are invasive. What should I do?
A. Many homeowners and gardeners are worried that bamboos are invasive. There are two varieties of bamboo plants. The running bamboos are invasive whereas the clumping bamboos are not invasive.
In addition, you can use bamboo root barriers or pots and still enjoy all the benefits of growing bamboo either in the garden or in pots.
This is often the case due to neglect or when someone inherits bamboo from a previous owner.
Perhaps it is important to note that bamboo plants are great pot plants, undemanding and providing the best natural covers.
But to keep them in good shape, they’ll need attention.
2. Q. How can I grow bamboo plants from cuttings?
A. Generally, though bamboo plants are undemanding, they will require your attention especially when grown in pots.
So, prepare the pots and soil prior to growing the new plants.
A large pot is necessary for bamboo as they are large plants. As they grow up and outwards, they’ll also expand at the bottom. So, a large pot or planter is ideal for growing them.
Use well-drained and moist soil. All the bamboo plants we feature on GardenBambooPlants.com require well-drained and moist soil to grow well. Here is a detailed article on the best soil for growing bamboo and how to make it.
3. Q. When is the right time to grow bamboo plants?
A. The best time to plant bamboo is early in Spring, or around March.
These are ideal times because the new shoots will be prominent.
Importantly, the new bamboo plants in the pots will require attention.
Keep a watch when they put out the new shoots so that the slugs do not destroy them.
4. Q How many bamboo cultivars to grow in the UK?
A. We feature over 70 bamboo plants.
Most of the running and clumping bamboos thrive in the UK conditions.
You can find out more about them by following the three navigation on this website.
A. Clumping bamboo varieties are great garden plants, they spread more slowly and gradually.
In the garden, they can be used as ornamental or patio pot plants.
Fargesia Simba and Pleioblastus Distichus are the best for garden centrepieces.
6. Q. Is bamboo legal in the UK?
A. There are currently no restrictions on planting bamboo in the UK.
The UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Updates 11 December 2014, now the Guidance to Invasive Non-native Plants) does not classify bamboos as an invasive species.
7. Q Can bamboo grow in pots and containers?
A. You can grow both Running and Clumping bamboo in pots and containers.
Their growth and duration are limited to the size of the pots and will require care or repotting after 3 – 5 years.
A. Although most varieties of running and clumping bamboos like sunlight, they can also grow in shades.
Some varieties of clump-forming bamboos are best for partial and full-shaded areas.
When planting a variety of clump-forming plants to grow in the share, ensure that the soil is well-drained.
9. Q. How much water does bamboo need?
A. Old bamboo plants have natural water storage capacity through their hollow canes/culms and rhizomes (roots). Their deep roots and long canes will be able to store water and become drought resistant.
A. New bamboo will need water to grow until the roots and culms are well established. Water generously, but not too much water to avoid waterlogging. Lack of water or too much water can kill them.
10. When is the right time for pruning bamboo plants?
A. Summer checks: In the Summer, the plants would have grown to full height, and the rhizomes have reached far and wide or packed in clumps.
Prune the culms and rhizomes, but not an ideal time to grow or re-pot the bamboos they may not survive the cold in Winter.
A. Spring checks: In the early Spring, the new shoots are an indication of how far the plants have grown and how healthy they are. This gives you an ideal opportunity to prune, re-pot or dig out the intruding rhizomes and canes.
Bamboo plants for sale UK
Here are reliable UK retailers that sell bamboo plants and get them delivered to you.
The red bamboo plants are a stunning addition to the garden.
They are also ideal pot plants.
The redness in new shoots and culms and change of colourations make these bamboos a standout.
Red bamboo plants are a stunning group of plants, though not so common as the black bamboo plants.
Most of the red bamboo plants are from the clumping variety.
Check out these articles for the 5 best read bamboo plants that grow well in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and other parts of the temperate regions where there are four seasons.
Grow red bamboo plants in the garden
Bamboos are evergreen and long-lasting, best grown in sites where they’ll provide a permanent cover such as in the garden as ornamental plants, or along the boundary as hedges and privacy screens.
The red bamboos are a standout.
So, grow them somewhere obvious where you will admire them all year round.
It is a good idea to use root barriers if you are growing the running red bamboo plants because this will stop them from spreading.
Alternatively, grow them in pots. See below why growing bamboo plants in pots is a great idea.
Grow red bamboo plants pot?
The red bamboos are fantastic pot plants. Though these plants do not flower regularly, the red canes are naturally beautiful.
Movable
Most bamboos in pots are not easy to move because they are large and heavy plants.
The red bamboo plants will require additional help or tool to move them around, like this Hand Truck from B&Q.
However, the great thing about growing bamboo in pots is that you CAN actually move and adjust the pots to your heart’s desire with a bit of help.
Maintainable
Bamboos are undemanding plants.
You can prune the culms and leave the greenery you want on the potted bamboos, and they’ll keep producing new shoots year on year.
The running bamboos have rhizomes that grow away from the parent plants. That is why they are often referred to as invasive bamboos.
The clump-forming bamboo plants are non-invasive. As the name implies, the rhizomes are compact at the base, forming clumps.
You can grow both varieties and enjoy them.
There is no need to worry if you grow them right.
Find out how to grow running bamboos without worrying about their invasiveness.
How to grow running bamboos in the garden
You can grow running (invasive) bamboo plants in the garden, such as hedges, privacy screens, pot and container bamboos, bamboo for sticks and balcony screens.
There are hundreds of bamboo plants that grow well in the UK.
Each bamboo is suitable for gardens and can be used for different purposes.
The running bamboo can be a concern because of the potential impacts on the other structures.
Here at gardenbambooplants.com, we advocate for planning before planting.
This means taking two actions.
Firstly, survey the nearby site. The initial survey does not have to take longer than 10 minutes. Yet, it is important to control the bamboo from the start.
So, find out
what is near the potential bamboo site;
what are the likely impacts on the built environment; and
whether it’s necessary to grow running bamboo there.
Secondly, use a root barrier. Regardless of where you are going to grow the running bamboo plants, a root barrier is vital to spreading.
Take precautions when growing running bamboo
The steps above will stop the running bamboo plants from invading the built areas or neighbours' gardens.
Survey the garden site and use root barriers before planting.
Do not grow the running bamboo close to the paths and buildings.
As a rule of thumb, grow the running bamboo at least 5 metres away from any built area.
Another option is to grow the running bamboos in large heavy-duty pots. The pots will act as barriers so that there is no need to spend extra money on root barriers.
Also, you can move the pots and place them wherever you want.
The disadvantage is that you may have to re-pot the plants every 5 or 10 years.
Not bad because it’s less work than digging up the running bamboo rhizomes in the garden.
Where to buy running bamboo in the UK?
Your nearest garden centres will have supplies of running bamboo plants.
Ask for the features and growth requirements, and what you expect of the plant.
Get their professional opinion on what to do to stop the bamboo from invading other built areas.
Many labels on the running bamboo plants do not have a warning on them.
So make sure to find out how far the running bamboo is likely to spread.
Based on the popularity and gardeners' preferences, here are the top 5 running bamboo plants you can grow in the garden. (Get more information via the links)
1) Phyllostachys Aurea (Fishpole bamboo) – Tall, slim and tough bamboos, ideal for garden sticks. If you want a good supply of bamboo sticks to use in the garden, this is the best bamboo.
2) Phyllostachys Bissettii (Green Bamboo): tall culms and long, dark green leaves, dense evergreen foliage. A fantastic bamboo for the border hedge or privacy screen.
3) Phyllostachy Areosulcata 'Spectabilis' (Golden Groove Bamboo) – spectacular culms, ideal for the driveway, or tall hedge and privacy screens. It’s also great as an individual plant, plant it where you can see the colours (yellow and green stripes) all year round.
4) Phyllostachys vivax aureocaulis (Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo) – similar to Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Spectabilis', but bigger and taller. This timber bamboo has yellow and stunning green stripes. Best for thick privacy screens.
5) Bamboo Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis (Ougon-kou Chiku Bamboo) - is a stunning ornamental plant due to its appearance. At 4m average height, this bamboo is a great addition to woodland forests, large gardens and dense garden hedges. It is edible bamboo. Very invasive.
FEATURED: Phyllostachys rubromarginata, (also called the Reddish Bamboo or Red Margin Bamboo) has a rather reddish colour of the new shoots. This running bamboo is tall and upright. It tends to spread very quickly, ideal for tall hedges and quick natural privacy screens.
What to do when bamboo invades other spaces?
It will cost you a lot of money, time and effort to bring them under control later. If your garden bamboo invades other sections or the neighbour’s side, you’ll have to act fast.
An effective way to remove running bamboo rhizomes is to dig them up completely. Uprooting bamboo plants is hard work because the rhizomes are tough.
But the underground parts do not grow deep, they are often found on the top 30 – 50 cm layer of the soil. To remove the bamboo rhizomes, dig around the plants to get an idea about how far they’ve grown.
Then, use a pickaxe and crew bar to remove small sections until all is done.
Alternatively, dig around the plants and put in root barriers.
Take a look at how we managed to bring our running bamboo plants under control in this YouTube video.
Check out the clumping and running bamboo plants at the beautiful Secret Garden at Blenheim Palace, Oxford, UK.
Facts about clumping and running bamboos
Though the clumping bamboo plants are non-invasive, they pose risk to the built environment.
The base expands over time, which can damage patio or fence structures.
Also, their culms and leaves can cover the garden when neglected over time.
Likewise, the running bamboos will run into the neighbour's side or invade the garden if you neglect them.
So, it is vitally important to plant them right the first time.
Here are some facts about growing the clumping and running bamboo plants.
Common traits of running and clumping bamboo plants:
Running and clumping bamboo plants are fast-growing.
Both bamboo plants require a lot of work to uproot.
They do not grow as deep into the soil as trees do.
Undemanding and low-maintenance plants
Traits of clumping bamboo plants:
Most clumping bamboos are in the Fargesia group.
Clumping bamboos have rhizomes that expand at the base.
Some clumping umbrella bamboo is best for garden hedging and privacy screens.
Traits of running bamboo plants
Most running bamboos are in the Phyllostachys group.
Use a barrier to grow running bamboo. They are invasive.
Running bamboos have rhizomes that grow along the surface.
Some running bamboos are tall and ideal for tall privacy screens.
Warning about invasive and non-invasive bamboos
For every home and garden, there is a perfect bamboo.
They are tough plants and will grow where you put them.
But, before planting bamboo, always follow the 3 steps:
survey the area,
take precautions, and
use roots barriers or pots.
These steps will protect the built structure near where you grow the bamboo plants.
Bamboo without barriers
Many homeowners may have inherited bamboos that do not have roots barrier.
If you are in this position, it is not too late! Take a look at how we managed to control our running bamboo in this YouTube video.
You can do the same, but it is hard work digging the rhizomes. Here is how to dig bamboo plants - you’ll need bamboo digging tools.
Firstly, dig around the bamboo to a depth of 30 cm to 50 cm. Use a pickaxe, crew bar, and a pair of secateurs. See the complete list of tools for digging bamboo roots.
Secondly, lay roots barrier. You can get them from your nearest garden centre or DIY shop. Or, use patio slabs or thick plastic sheets as root barriers.
Then cover the hole, leave 5 cm to 10 cm uncovered.
All in all, barriers are best for stopping clumping bamboo bases expanding, or running bamboo from invading other areas.
This group of special bamboo plants have two features in common.
The leaves and culms have either distinct stripes or spots. They are standout plants for pots and planters or grown as individual plants in the garden.
Great pot and garden plants.
Can be either running or clumping.
Have either culms or leaves variegation.
Come in various sizes, shapes and colours.
Have white, green, yellow, or various stripes on leaves and culms.
5 Clumping variegated bamboo plants UK
Clumping variegated bamboos grow well in the garden and pots.
These bamboos require care and attention just like the running bamboos but are less invasive. The dwarf variegated bamboo tolerates shades and is ideal for undercover plants.
Here are some common features you should know about the variegated bamboo plants.
1. Sasa Veitchii - variegated bamboo
This clumping variegated bamboo has very large leaves.
The leaves turn white as autumn falls, giving them a striking variegated appearance.
It is non-invasive, a great shade plant that can grow to a height of metres. (Sasa Veitchi bamboo has whitestripes along the leaves)
2. Bambusa multiplex Alphonso-Kar
Also called the Alphonso-Kar Bamboo. This clumping variegated bamboo has fine green stripes that contrast beautifully with its yellow culms.
This variegated bamboo is reasonably large at 3 metres in height, ideal pot plants for balconies and patios. (The Alphonso-Kar bamboo has greenstripes along the culms)
3. Arundinaria viridistriata ‘Pleioblastus’
A beautiful dwarf bamboo with variegated leaves, a desirable garden and a pot plant.
It has eye-catching bright yellow stripes on green leaves. This clumping bamboo can grow to 2 metres - an ideal bamboo for large pots.
Grow it in a central location where you can enjoy its beauty, such as near the driveways and patios. (Arundinaria v. 'Pleoplastus' has yellowstripes along the leaves)
4. Pleioblastus variegatus - variegated bamboo
Also called the White Stripe Bamboo or dwarf bamboo.
It grows to less than 1 metre tall and has spectacular white stripes on the green variegated leaves.
This clumping bamboo is a great undercover plant, also grows well in pots and prefers shape to part shaded sites. (Pleioblastus variegatus has stripes along with the leaves)
5. Fargesia Robusta Pingwu
A thick foliage clumping bamboo with variegated culms that are upright, turning green to yellow when mature.
An ideal bamboo for containers and planters.
This clumping bamboo is also used for privacy screening and garden hedging due to its thick foliage. (Fargesia Robusta Pingwu has green/yellow stripes along the culms)
Growing variegated bamboo plants
The variegated bamboos add colour and statement where they grow.
They contrast beautifully with natural garden colours. For example, the white stripes of Pleioblastus variegatus will match the green undergrowth.
So, pick the right colour that contrasts well with the colours in the garden.
A better way to choose the right colour is to start with the list of bamboos in this article.
Take a look at the stripy colours of the culms and leaves from the 10 running and clumping variegated bamboos.
Match the colours to the colours of your garden, patio, balcony, porch, planter, etc.
Then, choose the right bamboo that you think is best for your garden.
Crocus is a UK retailer that supplies variegated bamboos.
Running vs clumping bamboos, UK
We collected data for over 70 running and clumping bamboos that grow well in the UK climate at gardenbambooplants.com.
We advocate for using roots (rhizomes) barriers when planting running bamboos. That way, you do not have to worry about bamboo invasion.
Clumping bamboos are non-invasive.
They are best grown as garden centrepieces or near built areas. But keep in mind that these bamboos need pruning and thinningto keep them in shape.
Variegated clumping bamboo plants UK
Variegated bamboos are spectacular garden and pot plants. Their culms and leaves have stripes ( or spots) that contrast with natural colours.
These bamboos are ideal as standalone or undercover plants.
You can find them as either running or clumping bamboos.
We hope that this article gives you an idea about the variegated bamboo plants.
If you want to grow them in the garden or in pots, check out crocus.co.uk.
