Fargesia murielae 'Ivory Ibis ' is a clump-forming umbrella bamboo. This bamboo is a standout, it has upright dense culms and ivory evergreen foliage.
It is an ideal choice for a formidable natural hedge or privacy screen.
Bamboo Ivory Ibis is an undemanding bamboo hardy to -25 degrees Celsius and can also tolerate prolonged dry periods. Excellent bamboo for pots and containers, too.
Ivory Ibis bamboo is an ideal plant for privacy screening apartments, balconies, porches or any small outdoor place.
It is also an ideal hedge plant in the garden because you can prune the leaves and new shoots.
You can get more information on bamboo plants, tools and natural bamboo products from the renowned UK Home and Garden retailers we work with.
5 Fargesia murielae bamboos similar to ‘Ivory Ibis’
Finding this bamboo at the local nursery or garden centre can be hard, therefore we provide 5 alternative bamboos that are similar to the ‘Ivory Ibis’.
The similarities are based on 5 important factors: Fargesia bamboo, similar height, similar foliage, and similar hardiness and can be used as a hedging screen.
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.
Working with bamboos
The clumping bamboo plants such as the 'Ivory Ibis' are non-invasive bamboos, however, clumpers in pots and containers will require repotting after 4 or 5 years.
Many bamboo growers will attest to the fact that it is often hard work removing the bamboo from a pot or container when they’ve filled out the space.
To make the work lighter, always select the right pots before planting your bamboo plants.
The Fargesia group of bamboos are generally well-behaved, however, the underground bamboo parts expand around the base.
This clumping habit is visible as the new shoots grow into culms and the underground base buds thicken.
The culms of the Ivory Ibis will definitely require thinning and pruning after the first 3 years because of their dense culm clusters.
This is the ideal time to prune the whole plant and get new plant divisions and bamboo sticks.
Examples of bamboo sticks in use in pots and patio
Fargesia murielae Ivory Ibis
All in all, the Fargesia murielae ‘Ivory Ibis’ is an excellent bamboo for hedging and privacy screens.
Its dense upright culms and thick foliage are the perfect features for creating a natural dense cover.
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.
The 7 DIY checks you should do before building a bamboo fence will help you build a stunning bamboo fence.
1) Dimensions of the bamboo fence
Find out both the width and the height of the bamboo screening product.
Some retailers either only state the width or the height of the bamboo panel.
Make sure that your know both the width and the height prior to buying the bamboo screen that can fit perfectly.
2) How is the bamboo delivered to you?
The bamboo fencing materials often gather dust and absorb moisture during storage.
Moulds and rust can form very quickly when the bamboo screening supplies are stored longer in cool dark places.
So always ensure that the products are delivered to you well packed and free of dust and moisture.
Alternatively, pay a visit to your nearest DIY shop and check out the materials before purchasing.
3) Is the bamboo fence treated?
The untreated bamboo fence panels will blacken when expose to the weather.
Also, the uncoated wires will also rust in time.
The best thing to do is to ensure that the bamboo screening panels are treated, and panel wires are coated to protect the bamboo rolls.
If treated well, these items can last up to 10 years, even longer.
It is up to the shops to ensure that the brand-new bamboo screens are treated.
But a clever customer should always ask about the quality of the bamboo screens before buying them.
4) Read the fencing instructions thoroughly
The bamboo fences are easy to put up but can be tricky to start with.
You do not want to put it up and realise later that the fence is not standing up properly.
Read the instruction carefully before setting the bamboo screening panel.
5) Build 6ft/2m bamboo fencing to withstand the wind
Many bamboo fences are lightweight. They will collapse in strong winds if they are not set up correctly or in a windy site.
To avoid that, set up the bamboo screens using strong posts.
6) Protect against weather and elements
Tall bamboo fencing, especially those built out of bamboo rolls, panels and spits, are susceptible to damp and wet conditions.
The bamboo panels will eventually turn black or the wire rust when exposed to the elements.
If this happens, repaint the fence with wood paints or bamboo stain.
7) Use stable lost posts as a support system
Bamboo rolls, panels and splits will require a firm support system.
For a new standalone privacy screen, use treated (round) log posts to provide support and additional strength.
In this Bamboo Bathroom Storage Hacks, you'll find out how to make a bamboo storage for toothpaste and toothbrish, and bamboo storage tube for storing important documents.
DIY bamboo bathroom storage
A bamboo toothpaste and toothbrush storage tube is a fantastic little product to keep in the bathroom.
It does not take too much space.
You can also hang it up on the wall or place it anywhere near the sink for convenience.
Firstly, cut the bamboo to length leaving a node to act as the base-stopper. It can either be a straight cut or diagonal cut, but it needs to be 1 cm to 2 cm shorter than the length of your toothbrush and toothpaste.
Secondly, give the newly cut bamboo a good sanding all over. Apply heat if you want it to be nice and shiny brown.
Then, drill a small hole underneath the bamboo bathroom storage so that water can drain out.
Finally, your new DIY bamboo toothpaste and toothbrush storage are ready to use!
How to make a Secret bamboo storage box or tube
You will need to make both the tube and its top seal.
Firstly, select a bamboo cane with a long intersection ( or internode).
Secondly, use a handsaw or hacksaw to cut the bamboo into a tube with one side close (node intact) and the other node completely cut out.
Then, use fine sandpaper to smoothen the rough edges.
The secret bamboo storage tube is done.
Next, you need to make the top seal. You'll need a slightly small bamboo that can fit into the tube you made above.
Cut out one side with the node intact.
Give it a good sanding and make it fit into the bamboo tube you cut previously.
Trim out the edges and tidy it up.
Finally, the secret bamboo storage box or tube should be complete with its top seal in place.
Bamboo garden DIY Hacks
Check out this video and our YouTube channel for garden DIY Hacks using bamboo canes.
Each link takes you to the page with detailed intructions and pictures to help you build you own or give you an idea about how to make yours.
Bamboo canes are fantasic materials to use in home and garden DIY projects.
The canes are flexible, you can cut, bend and shape to your liking.
They are used extensively in the Asia and South Pacific regions for many purposes, from cooking food to building materials and making fun arts and crafts products.
The uses are limitless!
Take a look at how to make stationery storage and cups from the common bamboo plants.
Pencil bamboo storage box
The bamboo columns (internodes) are perfect for storing pencils, pens, highlighters and generally school stationeries and supplies.
To make the bamboo storage, you need a handsaw, sandpaper/wood file, candle and a thick (dry) bamboo cane.
Firstly, cut the bamboo at an angle of 10 - 15cm from the node (angle-cut will make it easy to store and retrieve different lengths of pencils, pens, markers, highlighters, etc...).
Secondly, use fine sanding paper to smoothen the edges.
To give the storage box a brownish glow, hover it over the gentle candle heat.
Finally, give it a clean and your bamboo storage box is ready to use.
Apply light varnish or wood paint for a fine finishing touch.
Bamboo water cups
Bamboo internodes have been used as water storage in Asia and Pacific regions for many centuries.
Today, bamboo water bottles and bamboo cups are fantastic traditional products.
It is natural and the water tastes better in it.
If you have a large bamboo pole you can make several cups out of it.
Firstly, the steps are similar to the steps for making bamboo storage. But instead, you'll have to cut across the bamboo forming a cup shape.
Secondly, give the freshly cut bamboo a good sanding.
Then, rinse the bamboo cup in warm water and let it dry.
Finally, your new bamboo cup is ready to use.
You can apply decorations and candle heat to give it a nice brownish glow.
Do not fill the cup with hot water because it is likely to crack.
Why bamboo storage?
Bamboos stems, also called the internodes, are extremely hollow in the middle, slim and long.
The internodes are best for storing pencils and pens, toothbrushes and slim many other similar everyday items.
Bamboo tubes are also best for storing secret documents, paintings and important documents.
Let's have a look at what bamboo storage boxes you can make.
Here are 4 simple but stunning bamboo storage boxes and tubes you can make.
Water cups
Pencil bamboo storage box
Secret storage bamboo box or tube.
Bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste storage.
Bamboo garden DIY Hacks
Check out this video and our YouTube channel for garden DIY Hacks using bamboo canes.
Each link takes you to the page with detailed intructions and pictures to help you build you own or give you an idea about how to make yours.
Bamboo is an eco-friendly material, you can use it to make a variety of home and garden DIY bamboo projects.
What are the things you can make out of bamboo?
In this article, we take a look at 5 things you can make from bamboo sticks by using simple hand tools. Use the pictures and video for clarity.
Bamboo sticks for plants
Bamboo sticks in use in pots and patio
Many gardeners and homeowners are using bamboo sticks as stakes because they are tall, strong and blend incredibly well with other plants in the garden.
There are many fantastic uses of the sticks. One that stands out is staking indoor and outdoor plants.
The bamboo sticks provide a strong support system for small shrubs, tomatoes, beans, soft fruit and vines.
You can cut the sticks to length and tie plants along them to provide the support they need to grow.
Build a nice square bamboo and wood trellis for your garden plants. First, build a square or rectangular frame. Then, use the bamboo sticks as support for the plants to crawl up them.
This can be an easy and rewarding garden project. Your creepy crawly plants will love it.
A square trellis provides good support for creeper plants.
Square wood and bamboo trellis for plants
The square trellis is not only a multi-purpose trellis but makes a nice centrepiece for the garden.
You can grow flowers, soft fruit, vines and vegetables such as cucumbers to grapes and passion fruit.
To build a 4m x 4m square trellis with two opened ends and three closed ends, you’ll need 35 small bamboo sticks and 4 treated posts.
You'll also need hand tools. Here is the material breakdown:
4 treated posts 4m in length,
8 sticks on each side (x2 panels),
8 for the top panel,
10 sticks for strengthening the sides and top panels, and
1 extra.
And, here are the quick steps to guide you when building the trellis.
Firstly, use the first lot of 8 sticks to build the first panel.
Secondly, repeat the 3 steps to build the other - you should have three 4m x 4m trellis panels.
Thirdly, dig the soil and lay the 4 treated posts at each corner.
Next, tie the three panels to the posts.
Then, strengthen the trellis by tying bamboo sticks across the frame (or diagonally along it)
Finally, your square trellis is ready.
The square trellis is a stunner – a great garden centrepiece.
The treated posts give this trellis longevity. It can last for up to 10 years or more.
After that, you can replace the bamboo trellis panels and give them a new look. Your plants are going to love it.
Garden trellis ideas with pictures
Take a look at these garden trellis with pictures and bamboo tomato trellis to get inspiration for your next project.
Building an A-Framed Garden Trellis for Runner Beans is the best thing you can do.
There are many sticks to use for this project, yet the bamboo sticks are ideal as they are slim, tough and durable.
You can use the bamboo A-frame trellis without having to dismantle it.
(L) Making A-frame trellis for runner beans, (R) new runner beans climbing up (Garden Pictures)
A-framed trellis panels
The A-Framed Garden Trellis is best for runner beans and other creeper plants that needed support.
You have the option to build two trellis panels assemble them or build the A-framed structure in the garden.
For a 4m x 4m A-framed trellis, you’ll need 21 bamboo sticks.
To build it, follow these steps:
Firstly, stake 6 sticks on each side to form an A-shape. (The best way to start is to make the front, middle and back As – we call them the 3As)
Secondly, tie long bamboo across the top of the 3As. (This is the length of the A-framed trellis panel).
Thirdly, put the other bamboo stick in between the spaces and tie them together. You will have to space them apart according to the number of plants you want to grow.
Then, tie 3 or 4 bamboo across (or diagonally) to strengthen the trellis panel.
Finally, your A-framed bamboo trellis is ready.
Your runner beans are going to adore the A-framed trellis.
Note that if you are going to build a trellis for planting the runner beans, you may have to stake them 20cm to 30cm apart. That means that you will need additional sticks, where necessary.
Garden trellis ideas with pictures
Take a look at these garden trellis with pictures and bamboo tomato trellis to get inspiration for your next project.
Sweet peas are adorable plants with stunning (sweet-scented) flowers. They will definitely love the support to grow well.
Build frames of bamboo poles and trellis for them.
Bamboo pot trellis: (L) Sweet pea in full summer bloom and (R) the sweet pea and trellis support in winter.
Sweet pea garden trellis
Sweet peas love the pyramid-like trellis with three sides.
If you are growing them in a large pot or in the garden, you should build this trellis.
It looks more or less like a wigwam, but the better because the bamboo sticks will cross-cross close together to form an adorable pattern.
The sweet pea garden trellis will have 3 side panels, when combined they'll form a pyramidal structure.
That means that you will have to make three separate trellis panels and put them together.
As a side note, you can build more than three panels (in this case they'll be squares) and put them together, side-by-side.
You will need bamboo sticks, garden ropes, cable ties, a handsaw and a pair of secateurs.
Here is how to build a sweet pea trellis frame
Firstly, cut 6 lots of bamboos in equal lengths of 4m. (These bamboos will form the sides of the trellis panels).
Secondly, you’ll make three trellis bamboo panels, use 2 bamboos you cut earlier and tie some small bamboo sticks in a triangular shape.
Thirdly, repeat the same step until you’ve made 3 triangular trellis panels.
Then, use cable ties or garden ropes to tie the 3 trellis panels together to form a pyramid structure.
Finally, cut out the uneven edges and tidy them up.
That’s it, your Sweet Pea Garden Trellis is ready to use. Grow the sweet pea seeds or of the new plant underneath and around the trellis. They will look lovely!
Garden trellis ideas with pictures
Take a look at these garden trellis with pictures (including the bamboo tomato trellis and sweet pea bamboo cane frame) to get inspiration for your next project.
One of the best things about growing bamboo is that you can use bamboo canes for staking plants, garden frames and trellis to support creeping plants like the runner beans.
We covered the home and garden uses of bamboo canes extensively in this article – take a look: Bamboo plants for sticks.
7. Use bamboo sheaths, branches and sticks for arts and crafts
Bamboo sheaths, branches and sticks are great for DIY arts and crafts because they are thin, tough and bendable. You can create any shape with them.
The uses are limitless, it depends on your creativity.
For example, the bamboo sheaths can be cut to make windmills and the sticks used for making mini rafts (Below is a video of mini rafts we built out of bamboo canes and had lots of fun with).
Adult supervision will be required when cutting the bamboo sheaths and sticks.
Apart from the 10 uses of bamboo, they have been used extensively to make tea, wine, beers, vinegar and many natural home remedies.
However, there are special bamboos that are fit for these purposes, and not all bamboo plants are useful.
Some bamboos have little hairy spikes on the sheaths that can make skin itch.
Many have tough culms that are razor sharp. Others are invasive.
And not all bamboos are edible.
Therefore, though there are many benefits of bamboo plants, you have to know what kind of bamboo you should grow.
Selecting the right bamboo plant to grow is the first thing to think about.
Common Phyllostachys and Fargesia bamboos
Here at GardenBambooPlants.com, we featured over 70 bamboo plants that thrive in the UK weather. The suggestions above will help you to find the right plant.
At gardenbambooplants.com, we feature these bamboos because they can grow in the warmer parts of the UK.
We also know that bamboo seeds and cuttings are often hard to get.
One suggestion is to contact the plant's nurseries, garden centres or online retailers and ask for the particular plants that you are looking for.
You can also leave a message below to let us know about your requirements and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
The running bamboos have rhizomes that grow away from the parent plants. That is why they are often referred to as invasive bamboos.
The clump-forming bamboo plants are non-invasive. As the name implies, the rhizomes are compact at the base, forming clumps.
You can grow both varieties and enjoy them.
There is no need to worry if you grow them right.
Find out how to grow running bamboos without worrying about their invasiveness.
How to grow running bamboos in the garden
You can grow running (invasive) bamboo plants in the garden, such as hedges, privacy screens, pot and container bamboos, bamboo for sticks and balcony screens.
There are hundreds of bamboo plants that grow well in the UK.
Each bamboo is suitable for gardens and can be used for different purposes.
The running bamboo can be a concern because of the potential impacts on the other structures.
Here at gardenbambooplants.com, we advocate for planning before planting.
This means taking two actions.
Firstly, survey the nearby site. The initial survey does not have to take longer than 10 minutes. Yet, it is important to control the bamboo from the start.
So, find out
what is near the potential bamboo site;
what are the likely impacts on the built environment; and
whether it’s necessary to grow running bamboo there.
Secondly, use a root barrier. Regardless of where you are going to grow the running bamboo plants, a root barrier is vital to spreading.
Take precautions when growing running bamboo
The steps above will stop the running bamboo plants from invading the built areas or neighbours' gardens.
Survey the garden site and use root barriers before planting.
Do not grow the running bamboo close to the paths and buildings.
As a rule of thumb, grow the running bamboo at least 5 metres away from any built area.
Another option is to grow the running bamboos in large heavy-duty pots. The pots will act as barriers so that there is no need to spend extra money on root barriers.
Also, you can move the pots and place them wherever you want.
The disadvantage is that you may have to re-pot the plants every 5 or 10 years.
Not bad because it’s less work than digging up the running bamboo rhizomes in the garden.
Where to buy running bamboo in the UK?
Your nearest garden centres will have supplies of running bamboo plants.
Ask for the features and growth requirements, and what you expect of the plant.
Get their professional opinion on what to do to stop the bamboo from invading other built areas.
Many labels on the running bamboo plants do not have a warning on them.
So make sure to find out how far the running bamboo is likely to spread.
Based on the popularity and gardeners' preferences, here are the top 5 running bamboo plants you can grow in the garden. (Get more information via the links)
1) Phyllostachys Aurea (Fishpole bamboo) – Tall, slim and tough bamboos, ideal for garden sticks. If you want a good supply of bamboo sticks to use in the garden, this is the best bamboo.
2) Phyllostachys Bissettii (Green Bamboo): tall culms and long, dark green leaves, dense evergreen foliage. A fantastic bamboo for the border hedge or privacy screen.
3) Phyllostachy Areosulcata 'Spectabilis' (Golden Groove Bamboo) – spectacular culms, ideal for the driveway, or tall hedge and privacy screens. It’s also great as an individual plant, plant it where you can see the colours (yellow and green stripes) all year round.
4) Phyllostachys vivax aureocaulis (Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo) – similar to Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Spectabilis', but bigger and taller. This timber bamboo has yellow and stunning green stripes. Best for thick privacy screens.
5) Bamboo Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis (Ougon-kou Chiku Bamboo) - is a stunning ornamental plant due to its appearance. At 4m average height, this bamboo is a great addition to woodland forests, large gardens and dense garden hedges. It is edible bamboo. Very invasive.
FEATURED: Phyllostachys rubromarginata, (also called the Reddish Bamboo or Red Margin Bamboo) has a rather reddish colour of the new shoots. This running bamboo is tall and upright. It tends to spread very quickly, ideal for tall hedges and quick natural privacy screens.
What to do when bamboo invades other spaces?
It will cost you a lot of money, time and effort to bring them under control later. If your garden bamboo invades other sections or the neighbour’s side, you’ll have to act fast.
An effective way to remove running bamboo rhizomes is to dig them up completely. Uprooting bamboo plants is hard work because the rhizomes are tough.
But the underground parts do not grow deep, they are often found on the top 30 – 50 cm layer of the soil. To remove the bamboo rhizomes, dig around the plants to get an idea about how far they’ve grown.
Then, use a pickaxe and crew bar to remove small sections until all is done.
Alternatively, dig around the plants and put in root barriers.
Take a look at how we managed to bring our running bamboo plants under control in this YouTube video.