What running bamboo plants to grow?

Running bamboo plants are invasive. They spread.

Always use a bamboo root barrier when growing them in the garden. 

 See the top 5 running bamboo you can grow based on popularity and gardeners' preferences.

 

What running bamboo plants can you grow in the UK?

Bamboos are fast-growing hedge and privacy screen plants. 

Yet their invasiveness is a concern. Here are the control measures worth repeating.

• Survey the area before planting running bamboos;
• Use bamboo root barriers.
• Plant bamboos in large heavy-duty pots.

Bamboo plants for sale in the UK

Top 5 running bamboo to plant in the garden

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.

Check out the award-winning bamboo plants and where to buy them.

Red, yellow and black bamboo plants

Bamboos come in many different colours, sizes and shapes. Bamboo gardeners know that there is always the right bamboo for every garden. 

The 5 bamboos above are yellow and green bamboos. 

You can also find out about the stunning red bamboo and black bamboo via the links.

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. 

Related article here – Tools You’ll Need to Remove Running Bamboo Rhizomes. 

What Giant Bamboo Plants Grow in the UK?

They are the fastest-growing plants. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens has one of the largest collections of garden bamboo in the UK. 

At Kew’s Tropical Palm House, you’ll see the giant bamboo.

• Gigantochloa verticillate Giant Bamboo.
• Bambusa ventricosa Buddha's Belly Bamboo.
• Bambusa vulgaris – the Common Bamboo.

The three Giant Bamboos are a must-see. Kew Bamboo Garden also has 130 different bamboo growing naturally.

Gigantochloa verticillate Giant Bamboo

Here is what Kew said about the giant bamboo: 

The giant bamboo is the largest of all the bamboos. It grows 25-30 metres in the wild, as tall as a tree. 

This bamboo is native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, particularly China and Papua New Guinea. In the greenhouse at Kew Gardens, this bamboo reached the top of the ceiling and had to be cut.

Bambusa ventricosa Buddha's Belly Bamboo

Another large bamboo in Kew’s Tropical Glass House is the popular Buddha's Belly Bamboo. 

Its peculiar shiny green culms are a standout – you will hardly miss it. 

The swollen or bulging internodes of its culms resemble Buddha’s fat belly which is why it earns the name Buddha's Belly Bamboo. 

The culms are deep dark green smooth and glossy with multiple branches growing at each node. 

Bambusa ventricosa (Buddha's Belly Bamboo) is probably the most peculiar-shaped bamboo that also grows in the UK. It has a clumping nature, great as a pot plant or garden plant.

Bambusa vulgaris – the Common Bamboo

#Bambusa vulgaris (also known as the Common #Bamboo) pic.twitter.com/cgiBhsx223

— G.B.P (@BambooPlantsUK) March 30, 2022

This giant tropical bamboo also grows in Kew Tropical Glass House, also known as the Common Bamboo. 

An amazing bamboo with glossy green culms, large brown sheaths and hairy rims around the nodes. 

This giant timber bamboo is predominantly used for buildings and constructions and stakes for large garden plants like bananas and sugar cane.

Where to see the giant bamboo in the UK?

The Kew Royal Botanic Gardens is the place to see not only the Giant Timber Bamboos but also garden bamboo plants that grow in the UK.

The Kew’s Tropical Glass House is where you’ll see these three giant bamboo in all their glory. 

So, when you’re in London, visit Kew and see these adorable plants. The Bamboo Garden and Minka Japanese House have over 130 collections of bamboo plants. 

This is by far one of the largest collections of bamboo you will see near London, UK. 

The Bamboo Garden is magnificent, quiet calm and soothing. You can wander through the beautiful walkways and the arching bamboo. Or relax and listen to the rustle of bamboo leaves against the wind. 

Check out our video and image collection of the bamboo at Kew’s Tropical Glass House and Japanese Bamboo Garden.

Uses of Giant Bamboo plants

The giant bamboos are so versatile, they earn the name ‘friends of the people’. 

The bamboo sticks are used in buildings, paper making, utensils and tools, musical instruments and even for food. 

They also protect watershed areas from flooding. In mountainsides, they are important barriers to preventing soil erosion.

However, the giant bamboo natural habitats have now been lost to urbanisation and agricultural land use. Yet, it is often planted in stands as a source of building materials.

How do bamboo plants grow and how long they live

Bamboo plants are either runners or clumpers. The running bamboos are invasive and should be planted within barriers or in pots. Clumping bamboos are exotic plants that are not invasive. Both bamboo types can thrive for many years in the garden, but how long do they really live? 

This article provides the insight into growth behaviour of bamboo plants and how long a bamboo grove can survive.

Check out an extended version of this article - how fast bamboo plants grow and how far they spread.

How do bamboo plants grow?

The growth behaviour of running and clumping bamboo plants, generally, determines how long they live. Whether in the garden or in pots they will grow in the same way, nonetheless.

Bamboo plants will give out new shoots every year in spring. These new shoots will be bigger in size and longer than the previous year’s shoots. 

Every year you’ll have a bigger and longer bamboo plant, and the bamboo grove will also increase in size. In retrospect, the bamboo shoots do not expand in size as the trees and shrubs do. The size of the new shoot remains the same until it thins out at the top at maximum height. 

A bamboo plant will reach its matured height anytime between 5 and 10 years depending on the variety. 

The common bamboos in the UK often reach their maximum heights (and produce full-size shoots) within 5 years. So, every year you’ll have a longer plant and bigger shoot as your bamboo grove takes shape.

How long do bamboo plants live?’

There are many different types of bamboo plants from the dwarf varieties to the giant timber bamboo plants. They can live for many years in the garden. Some estimation puts them between 30 – 50 years, but they can live longer.

As mentioned, bamboo groves re-generate by putting new shoots out every year. This growth behaviour means that they can thrive for much longer than anticipated.

To put it in perspective, a single bamboo shoot will mature within 5 - 7 years and live for about 10 - 15 years within a bamboo grove. It will produce new shoots, resulting in an expanding bamboo grove.

This re-generative growth pattern means that bamboo plants can live and thrive for many years after they are planted.

However, bamboo plants that grow in pots and barriers do not last longer than those grown in open spaces. They’ll struggle to survive in the contained spaces.

 

Bamboo plants can last up to 30 years, and bamboo groves can last longer

Life expectancy of common bamboo plants

The growth and regenerative behaviours of bamboo plants, mentioned earlier, are important factors that determine the life expectancy of bamboo plants.

The table shows the general life expectancy of a garden bamboo plant in the garden or in pots and containers.

Bamboo	Grow medium	Maturity
Shoot	Garden	6 – 12 months to mature
Plant	Garden	5 - 7 years to mature (requires selective pruning)
Grove	Garden	30 – 50 years
Shoot	Outdoor Pot	3 - 6 months to mature
Plant	Outdoor Pot	2 - 5 years (requires selective pruning)
Grove	Outdoor Pot	5 – 10 years (requires repotting)

The Giant Timber Bamboo plants take up to 7 years to mature and live for as long as 50 years in their natural environment. They are massive plants which reach above 10 metres in height.

In the UK, you can see the Giant Timber Bamboo in full growth at the Kew Garden Palm House.

If you want to find out about the running and clumping bamboo plants, follow these links:

• Clumping bamboo collections.
• Running bamboo collections.

Bamboo plants vs bamboo grove

How long bamboo plants last depend on the growth of the individual plants and the regenerative behaviour of the plants in the grove. 

Some bamboo plants will live in the soil until the condition is right before they put out new shoots. Others will spread pretty quickly.

Generally, the common bamboo plants that grow in the UK, US and other cooler regions will last for 30 – 50 years. And, they will continue to grow as long as the condition is right.

How fast does a bamboo plant grow?

We measured the growth of the Phyllostachys Vivax (Golden Yellow Chinese Bamboo) in the garden last summer. We took the length it grew every day and worked out the average growth rate. It was an interesting finding.

How fast bamboo plants grow in the UK - measured.

The obvious advantage of growing bamboo plants is that they are fast-growing. You get the evergreen hedge or screen faster compared to the common hedge shrubs and plants. 

How fast bamboo grows in spring in the UK - YouTube video

How fast bamboo grow in summer in the UK - Video

How far do bamboo plants spread?

Always use the bamboo roots/rhizome barrier when growing the running bamboo plants. They are invasive. 

The rhizomes will spread to other parts of the garden if you do not have a barrier in place. We recommend putting in a root barrier before growing the running bamboo. 

Alternatively, grow bamboo in heavy-duty pots. The bamboo plants will start to spread in the first year of planting. In fact, the rhizomes are underground stems. The new (running) shoots growing above the ground indicate that new rhizomes are also growing underground. 

The growth is prominent after 5 years. That means that bamboo can stay inactive underground until the condition is right for them to put out new shoots. 

So, the running bamboo plants will spread after you’ve planted them or remain inactive until the condition is right. Either way, always use a bamboo barrier when growing the running bamboo.

  Building a bamboo root barrier

How long does a bamboo plant last?

Generally, how long a bamboo plant lasts pretty much depends on the kind of bamboo. There are about 800 different cultivars of running and clumping bamboo plants that thrive in the UK and US.

However, worldwide there are about 1500 species of bamboo plants. Above all, there are two important factors that contribute to the longevity of bamboo plants. 

The ‘growth behaviour of the new bamboo shoots’ and ‘the regenerative behaviour of the bamboo grove’. The two growth behaviours make bamboo plants sustainable. You can grow and enjoy for as long as you want.

Where to buy bamboo plants?

Bamboo plants come in pots. You can remove the plants in the pot and grow them in the garden. If you want to get more plants from a pot, read about how to separate the bamboo plants. Some bamboo plants are running whereas others are clumping. 

Before buying a bamboo plant, decide what type of bamboo you want to grow - running or clumping? 

Here are some renowned UK retailers where you can get your bamboo plants and supplies.

Knowing how fast bamboo grows and how far it can spread will help you to maintain your bamboo plants. Check out the 'blue' links to the Garden Bamboo Plants website and YouTube channel for more information on bamboo care.

Is it legal to grow bamboo plants in the UK?

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

Here are some ideas for bamboo root/rhizome barriers when growing running bamboo.

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.

Timber Bamboo Phyllostachys Atrovaginata - Edible, Tolerates Soggy Soil

Phyllostachys atrovaginata Incense Bamboo is a tall garden bamboo but short compared to other timber bamboos. 

This evergreen running bamboo has tall upright green culms and edible shoots. 

It is also known as the Dark Incense Bamboo because of its scented leaves and dark edible shoots. 

Unlike other Phyllostachys bamboos, the Phyllostachys atrovaginata has special straw-like roots that are adapted to growing in waterlogged areas.

Bamboo description

• Name: Phyllostachys atrovaginata, Incense Bamboo, Timber Bamboo, Black Incense Bamboo.
• Foliage: Evergreen
• Culm: Upright, green canes, dark new shoots.
• Height: 6 - 9m, tall timber bamboo
• Spread: Running bamboo, invasive.

Growth requirement

• Site: Part shade to full sun.
• Soil: Can grow in soggy soil.
• Hardiness: – 20 to –15 degrees Celsius.
• Use: Bamboo forest, woodland, botanical garden, tall privacy screen, edible bamboo.

Buy Timber Bamboos

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.

1. Phyllostachys Parvifolia Running Bamboo
2. Golden Chinese Bamboo Vivax Aureocaulis
3. Edulis Moso Bamboo Phyllostachys Pubescens
4. Giant Timber Bamboo Phyllostachys Bambusoides
5. Slender Weaver’s Bamboo Bambusa Gracilis (Clump-forming)

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. 

You can see most of our work on YouTube.

How close to the boundary can you grow bamboo plants?

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:

• PART 1: EVERGREEN BAMBOO SCREENS FOR BALCONY AND TERRACE
• PART 2: FAST-GROWING EVERGREEN OUTDOOR PRIVACY SCREEN - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW [WITH IMAGES]
• PART 3: HOW CLOSE TO THE BOUNDARY CAN YOU GROW BAMBOO PLANTS?
• PART 4: BAMBOO PRIVACY SCREEN CARE AND MAINTENANCE
• PART 5: HOW DOES A BAMBOO PLANT GROW? [VIDEO]

Solve Bamboo Problems with ‘Access Way’

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. 

Here are some suggestions and care tips that will help you with your choice of bamboo covers.

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.

10 Common Black Bamboo [Phyllostachys Nigra Cultivars]

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). 

Find out where to buy Black Bamboo Plants in the UK

Read more about it here > Black Bamboo nigra

Black bamboo plants best features

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:

• Black Bamboo Nigra (Phyllostachys nigra)
• Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis
• Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'
• Tiger Bamboo or simply ‘Bory’ (Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’)

Other lesser-known black bamboo cultivars

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. 

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.

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.

Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo [Phyllostachys vivax 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.

Tall Bamboo Phyllostachys Parvifolia Loves Shade and Full Sun

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. 

Check out this step-by-step guide on How to Grow Bamboo from Seeds.

Video Tips for propagating tall bamboo from seed

Buy Running Bamboo for screening and hedging

Phyllostachys parvifolia bamboo is an ideal privacy screen for apartments, balconies, porches or any small outdoor space. 

It is also an ideal garden hedge plant because you can prune the leaves and new shoots to give it a neat appearance. 

Here are some great places where you can buy the running bamboos for screening and hedging.

Running bamboo types similar to Phyllostachys parvifolia

Finding tall running bamboo at the local nursery or garden centre can be hard. 

Therefore we provide 5 alternative bamboos that are similar to the Phyllostachys parvifolia. 

The similarities are based on 5 important factors: the type (either running or clumping), height, foliage, hardiness and use. 

Details for each bamboo can be found through the links provided, click for more information.

1. Green Bamboo Phyllostachys bissettii
2. Slender Weaver’s Bamboo Bambusa Gracilis
3. Edulis Moso Bamboo Phyllostachys pubescens
4. Giant Timber Bamboo Phyllostachys Bambusoides
5. Golden Chinese Bamboo Phyllostachys Vivax Aureocaulis

Tall Bamboo Phyllostachys Parvifolia Loves Shade and Full Sun

All in all, Phyllostachys parvifolia is a fantastic tall subtropical bamboo plant. 

This tall running bamboo is perfect for large ornamental gardens, woodland forests, walkways and tall privacy screens.

It will thrive in pots and containers where the soil is well-drained and moist. 

Find out HOW TO MAINTAIN BAMBOO PHYLLOSTACHYS PARVIFOLIA

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 on how to provide the right care and maintenance for bamboo plants. 

You can see most of our work on YouTube.

Bamboo Plants Care - Do Bamboos Grow in Shade

Bamboo plants are undemanding and low maintenance, but neglect is the main cause of yellowing or curling leaves. This stress can result in losing your plants. In this article, you will find out How to maintain bamboo plants and revive them if the leaves turn yellow.

When working in the bamboo garden, you'll need these hand tools.

Care for bamboo plants

Bamboo plants are undemanding and low maintenance. They do not need much attention all year round, but they’ll appreciate a bit of mulch and water once in a while. 

The best time to attend to your bamboo plants is early in spring when the growth is prominent. 5 maintenance tasks you can do to care for your bamboo plants are:

• Add mulch
• Remove the old stems
• Prune the old branches
• Add slug pallets to protect new shoots

If you have not built a bamboo barrier, check out the article which is packed full of practical tips for building and maintaining bamboo root barriers.

   Build a bamboo root barrier

When is the best time to maintain bamboo plants?

Bamboos are hardy plants. They like to rest in autumn and winter. The best time to maintain your bamboo plants is late spring. This is when there is a lot of activity under the ground. 

Prune the plants by removing the dead branches and stems. Add mulch to the grove. That’s all you can do. Your efforts will be rewarded early in summer with lots of new shoots and a vibrant bamboo grove.

How to revive bamboo leaves turning yellow or curl?

The leaves of the bamboo plants are a good indicator of the plants’ health. The leaves will show signs of stress if they are not happy by turning yellow or curling. 

Quick actions will stop the plants from dying completely. The main causes of stress in bamboo plants are lack of nutrients in the soil or waterlogged soils. 

Others include temperature variation and insect and dust infestations. Here is a detailed article on how to revive bamboo leaves yellowing or curling.

What bamboo plants grow in shade?

This is a question that we see appear many times in chats and forums. There is no need to worry about shade because most bamboo plants are shade tolerant. Though some bamboo plants prefer 5 – 7 hours of light, most bamboo plants will thrive in shade and part shade. 

As a general rule, you should plant the variegated, black bamboo, golden yellow bamboo, red bamboo and other coloured bamboo plants in sites where there is enough direct to indirect light. The colours are often more prolific in the light than in the shade.

Yet, the variegated and coloured bamboo plants will still do well in shade to part shade.

Here is an example of bamboo plants used effectively as undercover plants at Bleinheim Palace, Oxford, UK.

Watch the video of the Secret Garden at the palace on YouTube.

Phyllostachys nuda Snow Bamboo [Running Bamboo with Pink Shoots]

 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.

Phyllostachys nuda for Sale 

Here is where to buy Giant Timber bamboo plants online.  

We listed some top UK Home and Garden bamboo suppliers like Crocus, YouGarden or other suppliers on Amazon.  

Phyllostachys Nuda Bamboo Features

• Identification: Phyllostachys Nuda, Snow Bamboo, Nude Sheath bamboo.
• Site: partial shade or shade.
• Soil: sand and clay or loam soil.
• 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.
• Culm colour: 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.'

Although the Nuda Snow Bamboo is very invasive, compared to the other Phyllostachys bamboo plants,  its delicate new shoots are easy to mow. 

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. 

The UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Updates 11 December 2014, now the Guidance 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. 

The bamboo is, indeed, an amazing bamboo.

Phyllostachys Aurea Golden Bamboo [Fishpole Bamboo]

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.

Check out the UK bamboo suppliers.

• 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. 

(Check out where to buy Bamboo and bamboo supplies)

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.

We invite you to check out our YouTube Channel – Amazing Bamboo Plants.