Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo vs. Yellow Cane Bamboo

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.

Image credit: Val Bradley @valgardening/Twitter -  (Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis)

Garden features

• Site: Grows well in full sun and partial shade.
• Soil: Well-drained chalk and 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: 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.

Read about the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax aureosulcata)

 

STEM of a Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax aureosulcata) - CLOSE UP

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 Yellow Cane Bamboo Plants are large tall plants. 

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.

10 Questions about bamboo plants you should know before growing them

Bamboo plants are adorable. They are evergreen, fast-growing and are fantastic options for traditional hedges and screens.

But, many gardeners ask why these lovely plants are often hard to deal with.

We put together the top 10 questions asked by many gardeners and homeowners for you. 

Bamboo plants for Sale UK

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. 

Bamboo plants can be a problem if left unchecked for 2 – 3 years as many large plants do. 

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.

• Use the search button on the right.
• Check the top Menus.
• Click here – running bamboos vs clumping bamboos.

5. Q. What kind of bamboo is best for the garden?

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.

In-depth Answer: Here is an article we wrote about the Best Bamboos for Pots.

8. Q. Does bamboo grow in shade?

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.

5 Phyllostachys Bamboo for Shade

 The two common types of bamboo plants are clumping bamboo and running bamboo. Each variety has more than 20 varieties that grow well in the UK. 

Garden Bamboo Plants online archive contains a comprehensive collection of these bamboo plants. 

Discover over 100 bamboo collections at the GBP blog (Fargesia & Phyllostachys) and GBP website (Fargesia & Phyllostachys).

The top 5 running bamboo plants according to popularity are listed below.

Pleioblastus viridistriatus [Small variegated bamboo, best for low hedges]

 

How to know the bamboo that is suitable for you

To know the bamboo that is suitable for you, it is important to know the different varieties. Many bamboos are invasive, others prefer shade and are better suited to pots and containers, whereas some are best as outdoor plants.

Here are five Phyllostachys bamboo plants that are ideal for growing in gardens and pots, all year round in the UK. (Note: We identified these bamboos based on the number of Google search interests).

5 stunning Phyllostachys bamboo plants

Phyllostachys vivax Aureocaulis

Also called the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo is a pretty impressive Phyllostachys bamboo you can grow in the UK. 

Its peculiar yellow canes change colours from bright yellow to golden yellow with lustrous green stripes.

Pleioblastus viridistriatus 

This variegated bamboo is a fast-growing, dwarf-Phyllostachys bamboo with green stripes. 

This hardy small ornamental bamboo grows to a maximum of a metre. Ideal for sun, part shade and shaded locations.

Phyllostachys flexuosa 

Also called the Sinuate Bamboo is an evergreen, Phyllostachys bamboo with arching leaves and short stems.

It grows up to 2 metres in height and tolerates shade, part-shade and sun. 

It will grow well in pots and containers, however, it may require repotting after 2 – 3 years.

Semiarundinaria fastuosa 

Also called the Narihira Bamboo is a running bamboo that can grow up to 7m in height and spread over a diameter of 3 – 4m in its natural habitat. 

Grow in pots and containers to contain spreading. It requires repotting after 2 – 4 years. 

It has long stems and thick foliage, ideal for privacy screening.

Sasa veitchii (Kuma-zasa) 

Sasa has broad leaves and small plants with running rhizomes. It grows well in heavily shaded areas. 

Its compact size makes them a good choice for growing in pots and containers but beware that the running roots spread quite fast. 

Use large pots and root barriers to grow this bamboo.

Phyllostachys bamboo for sale UK

 Bamboo root barrier, UK

Some varieties of Phyllostachys bamboo can also grow perfectly in shade and in pots and containers. 

However, most Phyllostachys running bamboo plants are tall and their rhizomes spread far and wide.

Use large pots and containers when growing them. Also, avoid putting the tall bamboo in windy locations.

We hope this article inspires you to grow your own Bamboo plant in the garden and enjoy the beauty of this amazing plant.

What Variegated Running Bamboo to Grow?

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

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

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

Quick facts about variegated bamboos

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

The leaves and culms have either distinct stripes or spots. 

They are standout plants for pots and planters or grown as individual plants in the garden.

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

Running variegated bamboo plants to grow

Gardeners love some colours in their garden. The running variegated bamboo plants bring both colour and style.

Variegated culm (stems) - some have variegated leaves.

The running variegated bamboo plants are spectacular individual plants. 

They also make great pot plants, best grown where you can see them. Especially near driveways and walkways.

1. Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘spectabilis’

Also called the ‘Showy Golden Bamboo Grove 'Spectabilis'. It is a large running bamboo with new pinkish bamboo shoots. 

The culms are thick and zigzag with stunning vertical green stripes. (‘Showy Golden Bamboo Grove 'Spectabilis' has green stripes along the culms)

2. Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘aureocaulis’

Also called the Golden Yellow Bamboo Grove 'Aureocaulis'. 

It is an average size bamboo with reddish new bamboo shoots. 

The culms are golden yellow with green variegated rims near the nodes. (The Golden Yellow Bamboo Grove has yellow rims around the culm nodes)

3. Phyllostachys aureosulcata vivax

Also called the Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo, Golden Cane Bamboo. 

This running variegated bamboo has spectacular green stripes contrasted with the yellow culms. (The Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo has green stripes along the culms)

4. Hibanobambusa tranquillans ‘Shiroshima’

A running variegated bamboo with large leaves and slow-spreading rhizomes. 

One of the few running bamboos with stunning yellow leaf variegation. (Shiroshima has yellow stripes along the leaves)

5. Phyllostachys nigra ‘Boryana’

A stunning Phyllostachys nigra bamboo is also called Tiger Bamboo or simply ‘Bory’. 

It has upright tall stems with distinctive brownish-black spots, hence the name Tiger Bamboo, spots on culms.

Check out the 25 stunning images of these bamboo plants.

Warning: Always use a roots barrier or large heavy-duty pots to grow these bamboo plants. Read about the best ways to grow running bamboo plants for privacy screening and garden hedging.

Growing variegated bamboo plants

The variegated bamboos add colour and statement where they grow. 

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

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

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

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

Crocus is a UK retailer that supplies variegated bamboos.

Running vs clumping bamboos, UK

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

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

Clumping bamboos are non-invasive. They are best grown as garden centrepieces or near built areas. 

But keep in mind that these bamboos need pruning and thinning to keep them in shape.

Variegated bamboo plants UK

Variegated bamboos are spectacular garden and pot plants. 

Their culms and leaves have stripes ( or spots) that contrast with natural colours. These bamboos are ideal as standalone or undercover plants. 

You can find them as either running or clumping bamboos. 

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

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

 

What Variegated Clumping Bamboo Plants to Grow?

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

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

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

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

Quick facts about variegated bamboos

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

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

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

5 Clumping variegated bamboo plants UK

Clumping variegated bamboos grow well in the garden and pots. 

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

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

1. Sasa Veitchii - variegated bamboo

This clumping variegated bamboo has very large leaves. 

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

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

2. Bambusa multiplex Alphonso-Kar

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

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

3. Arundinaria viridistriata ‘Pleioblastus’

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

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

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

4. Pleioblastus variegatus - variegated bamboo

Also called the White Stripe Bamboo or dwarf bamboo. 

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

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

5. Fargesia Robusta Pingwu

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

An ideal bamboo for containers and planters. 

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

Growing variegated bamboo plants

The variegated bamboos add colour and statement where they grow. 

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

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

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

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

Crocus is a UK retailer that supplies variegated bamboos.

Running vs clumping bamboos, UK

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

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

Clumping bamboos are non-invasive. 

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

Variegated clumping bamboo plants UK

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

These bamboos are ideal as standalone or undercover plants. 

You can find them as either running or clumping bamboos. 

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

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

 

Yellow Cane Bamboo Plants UK

In this article, we take a look at the question many of our readers ask - what yellow bamboo plants can I grow in pots? 

5 Yellow Cane Bamboo Plants that will thrive in contained spaces like pots and containers. These bamboos are also popular in the UK. 

So let’s find out what these bamboos are and why you should grow them in pots.

Popular bamboo plants UK

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

We have details of over 70 bamboo plants on GardenBambooPlants.com. 

There, you'll find a fine collection of bamboo plants that do well in the UK, including the Common Green-culm Bamboos and Black Bamboos.

Check out all the collections of Yellow Bamboo and Red Bamboo

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. Bamboo Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis
2. Phyllostachys aureosulata ‘Aureocaulis’
3. Golden Yellow Chinese Timber Bamboo Vivax
4. Fishpole Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys Aurea)
5. Golden Groove Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulata ‘Spectabilis’)

These links provide an in-depth collection of the features, growth requirements and care tips for each of the bamboos mentioned. 

The featured articles here will give you a better understanding of the height, spread and other specific details for growing the bamboo plants.

What are the yellow cane bamboo cultivars that grow in the UK?

 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 using the three navigation methods here.

• Use the search bar on the right.
• Check out the top Menus.
• Click here – running bamboos vs clumping bamboos.

All in all, the golden yellow cane bamboo plants are adorable. 

They are undemanding when grown in pots. 

They provide a calm and warm atmosphere in the outdoor spaces and in the garden. 

The benefits of growing the 5 yellow cane bamboos in large pots outweigh the fact that they are invasive.

How to Grow Clumping Bamboo Fargesia murielae Red Zebra

 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.

If you are looking for clumping bamboo plants for sale, check out the link to UK retailers.

Grow clumping bamboo in the garden

This clumping bamboo is a standout in the garden the transformation of the stems from purplish brown to dark red as the culms mature.

Red Zebra is a great ornamental bamboo best planted in the front garden, along the side walkways or where the culms are visible.

Award-winning bamboo plants

We also featured a special group of Award-Winning Bamboo Plants. 

These bamboos received the RHS Merit Award in the UK and other Bamboo Awards for their notable garden features. 

If you are having difficulty selecting bamboo, this group of bamboo plants will not disappoint you. 

Clumping bamboo for sale

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.

How to grow Chinese dwarf bamboo plants

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

Are Chinese Dwarf Bamboo Plants invasive?

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

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

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

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

How to Grow Dwarf Bamboo Plants

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

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

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

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

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

Where to buy Dwarf 'Clumping' Bamboo Plants?

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

They come in different size pots. 

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

Caring for Small Bamboo Plants

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

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

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

You should be happy when this happens.

When is the best time to plant bamboo?

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

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

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

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

Chinese dwarf bamboo plants are great outdoor 

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

They are less demanding. 

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

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

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

Is your favourite bamboo on this list?

Leave a comment and let us know.

How far do bamboo plants spread?

How far do bamboo plants spread? There are different types of bamboo plants, some are running bamboo plants and others are clumping bamboo plants. 

The running bamboo plants do spread, so 'always' build a bamboo barrier when growing the running varieties.

How long 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

Check out the video and see how we build the running bamboo root barrier.

How far do bamboo plants spread? There are different types of bamboo plants, some are running bamboo plants and others are clumping bamboo plants. Always build a root barrier when growing the running bamboo plants. 

How to grow red bamboo plants?

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. 

That is why they are great natural 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 red running and clumping bamboos are either invasive or will expand at the base. 

Either use the large heavy pots or root barrier to stop them from spreading.

• 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. 

You can grow the red bamboo in the garden and use root barriers to stop them from spreading. 

Alternatively, you can use the pots to grow these bamboos. 

Either way, the red bamboos will give your garden and home a different but natural appearance.

Bamboo fast-growing evergreen hedge plants?

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. 

We will identify what makes bamboos a good option for hedging, but first, you may be interested in this article that let’s compare the growth rate of 6 common hedging shrubs and trees in the UK.

 

Why use bamboos as a hedging plant?

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. 

The clumpers are perfect for low hedges. 

You’ll have to buy enough clumping bamboo to give you a good hedge or alternatively split the bamboo potted plants so that you can get the thick hedge. 

The running bamboos will spread and ultimately form a dense hedge within 2 to 3 years and reach matured height in 10 to 20 years. 

So, space them out at least a metre to 1.5 metres apart. 

Reassuringly, you do not have to worry about how far to space them. Once the bamboos grow, you can then move them around to cover the gaps.

Care for bamboo hedges

As mentioned earlier, not all bamboos will require trimming. 

They grow to a certain height (called the matured height) and remain that way for 10 – 20 years. 

Whereas other bamboos can be pruned to give a neat appearance. Either way, it boils down to selecting the right bamboo that suits you. 

 The common bamboo care and maintenance include:

• thinning,
• mulching,
• pruning,
• fertilising,
• dig a trench, and
• build boot barrier.

More details on How to Care for Your Bamboo here.

 Provide the right care for your bamboo hedge

Must-do when growing bamboo plants

Before planting bamboo, whether it’s a runner or clumper, you should build a barrier especially when growing them as hedging plants. 

This is an important measure because as they grow, they’ll either spread (runners spread) or expand (clumpers expand). 

Barriers can be root barriers, trenches, raised beds or contained structures – any that works for you.

Tall bamboo plants in the UK

Bamboos are amazing plants, they come in different sizes, heights and colours. 

Some are clumping whereas others are running. In particular, tall bamboo plants are best for privacy screening. 

Let’s take a look at the 10 tall bamboo plants for sale in the UK and where you can get them.

 

10 tall bamboo plants – all you need to know

Here at GardenBambooPlants.Com, we provide information about running and clumping bamboo. They are available for free. 

We summarised the information and make it easy for our visitors to select the right bamboo. 

You can identify the uses, spread, colour, height and details of the tall bamboos that grow in the UK. 

Click on the image to find out more about the 10 tall bamboos we featured here.

 

Tall Bamboo Plants for Sale in the UK

Buy tall bamboo plants online from the UK home and garden shops. 

We are affiliate partners with renowned UK suppliers of bamboo plants and products. They deliver the highest quality plants that are ready for planting upon arrival.

Our relationship with the top UK bamboo sellers enables us to find the bamboos that you'll love. 

We refer you straight to the sales page where you can make your buy safely and securely. 

Rest assured that when you buy tall bamboo plants online, you get the best service they offer to customers.

How tall do bamboos grow?

Bamboo plants come in different heights. The Fargesia clumping bamboos are shorter than the Phyllostachys running bamboos. 

The common bamboos that grow in the UK range from 0.5 metres to 15 metres such as the Dwarf Fargesia bamboos and Chinese bamboos, respectively. 

Also, the giant bamboo (Gigantochloa verticillate) growing inside the Kew Garden Palm House is 20 metres tall, they had to snip the top off. So, there is a range of heights. 

Here at GardenBambooPlants.Com, we classify the bamboo collections into the following categories:

• Tall bamboos (6 metres+).
• Medium bamboos (4 – 6 metres).
• Small bamboos (0.5 – 4 metres).

Follow the links for more information.

How to use tall bamboo plants for screening

Some tall bamboo plants are running whereas others are clumping. They are perfect for tall privacy screens. They are undemanding plants and will grow well in the UK climate. 

The image from Kew Royal Botanical Garden shows the tall natural screen, contrasting perfectly with the plants at the front. 

Other uses include landscaping, potting plants or adding a unique focal point to your garden.

Grow bamboo, enjoy the evergreen foliage

Bamboo plants are becoming a popular oriental plant and it’s easy to see why. They are fast-growing plants, undemanding and provide the evergreen cover all year round. 

You can use bamboo roots/rhizome barriers or grow them in pots to stop them from invading other spaces. 

Here is the best advice on how to grow bamboo plants, and provide the right care and maintenance.

We hope that this article points you in the right direction, where you can find the best tall bamboo plants.

How fast do the giant bamboos grow in the UK?

 The giant bamboo Gigantochloa verticillate at Kew Garden grows to 2.4 metres in just 16 days.  

In Kew’s Tropical Palm House, the conditions are right for the bamboo plants. The greenhouse imitates tropical conditions, that is why the bamboo grows at this absolutely crazy rate. 

 The giant bamboo Gigantochloa verticillate at Kew Garden grows to 2.4 metres in just 16 days.  

How fast do the giant bamboos grow in the UK? 

To put it in perspective, the giant bamboo grows at a rate of 15 cm per day. Think about a typical classroom ruler is 30 cm, right? 

That would be how tall the bamboo grows in just 2 days. There are several factors that affect the growth of the bamboo plants such as humidity, sunlight, soil and moisture. 

As for UK bamboos, we measure the growth rate of Phyllostachys aureosulcata spectabilis in Summer (one of the common garden bamboos in the UK). 

This running bamboo grows at a rate of 1.43 cm per day. Take a look at how we measured and calculated how fast bamboo grows in a day.

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 bamboos 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 bamboos. Or relax and listen to the rustle of bamboo leaves against the wind. 

Check out our video and image collection of the bamboos 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 to maintain Phyllosyachys Aurea in the UK

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. 

The Fish-pole Golden bamboos are no different, they are prone to slug attacks. 

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.

Phyllostachys aurea.

(Also called the Fish Pole #Bamboo for its extensive use as a fishing rod.) pic.twitter.com/3RxG5K98hK

— G.B.P (@BambooPlantsUK) April 29, 2022

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.

Its stems are great garden sticks. 

Bendable, you can make any shape with it. 

Re-usable, you can use a stick for many years.

Here is more to learn about this bamboo plant:

• Why is Phyllostachys aurea called Fish-pole Golden Bamboo Plant?
• Common Cultivars of Phyllostachys aurea bamboo plants
• How to maintain Phyllosyachys Aurea in the UK

Best way to grow bamboo plants

 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 best way to grow bamboo plants is in pots and containers.

Grow healthy bamboo plants in pots?

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.

Check out best ways to grow healthy bamboo in pots, or see our sales page where you can find the renowned UK Home & Garden retailers for bamboo plants and supplies.

Bamboo plants in pots, undemanding

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 benefits of growing bamboo in planters outweigh the cons. In fact, it is less demanding compared to growing bamboo plants for hedging in the garden. 

Bamboo growers do not have to worry about the plant invading the neighbour’s side or creeping into the garden. 

Effectively, the running and spreading habits are confined within the growing container.

The best way to grow bamboo is in pots and containers as they act as root barriers and stop rhizomes from spreading.

What to do when growing black bamboo plants? [VIDEOS]

Black bamboo plants are expensive compared to the other plants. For the success of the new plants, here is what you can do.

Check out the black bamboo plants for sale at Crocus.co.uk

How to grow black bamboo in pots?

When growing the bamboos in pots, always choose a pot that is stable, and remember that size does matter! 

(Read about how to choose the best pot for planting bamboo)

Here are the steps for growing the black running and clumping bamboo in the pots and containers.

• Select a good (open-top & stable) pot or container.
• Lay placeholders underneath the pot to stop it from wobbling.
• Put the pot planter into place.
• Lay the base of the pot with porous sheets, pebbles or gravel for drainage.
• Fill the pot with a 50/50 potting mixture or loam soil.
• Soak the bamboo before planting it in the pot.
• Add soil and compact it into the pot (leaving 10cm to 15cm space at the top)
• Add mulch.
• Water generously.

Check out this article for the guide to how to select the best pot and container plants. 

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.

1. Use root barriers
2. Build a raised structure
3. 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.