Black Bamboo Plants for Sale UK

Black Bamboo nigra is an award-winning bamboo for its unique features. 

The RHS described it as ‘one of the most elegant bamboos, with polished, damson-black mature canes and dark green leaves.’

Black Bamboo is a standout. It does behave like clump-forming bamboo in parts of the UK where it's cooler.

Black Bamboo Plants for Sale UK

Here is where to buy clumping bamboo plants. We listed some top UK Home and Garden retailers like Crocus and YouGarden.

Features of Black Bamboo Plants

• Identification: Phyllostachys nigra, Black Bamboo nigra, running bamboo (behaves like clumping bamboo in cooler climate)
• Site: Grow in full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers moist but well-draining loamy soil.
• Uses: Windbreak, pots and containers or individual plants.
• Winter hardiness: -15 to - 20 degrees Celsius.
• Height: Fast-growing plant, 4 – 6m.
• Spread: Invasive bamboo
• Foliage colour: Evergreen dark foliage all year round.
• Culm colour: Ebony expresso black

Black Bamboo Phyllostachys nigra 'Megurochiku'. (Also called the Olive Cane bamboo)

Black Bamboo Stems

Black Bamboo nigra is a fast-growing bamboo, known to be an invasive variety of running bamboo. It is a spectacular bamboo with ebony dark black to matured expresso black stems.

At an average height of 4 – 5m at maturity, the black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) is a tall and slender arching bamboo variety, fully hardy to -20 degrees Celsius.

Bamboo Nigra is known as one of the most distinctive bamboos of the Phyllostachys group. There are different cultivars of black bamboo nigra. Check out the full collection on GBP Blog.

How to Propagate Black Bamboo Nigra

The three ways to propagate Black Bamboo are

• seed propagation,
• separation of the clump-base and
• culm (stem) or rhizome (root) cuttings.

Bamboo seeds are often hard to buy near you because they do not flower regularly. The best way to propagate the black bamboo is by base separation or roots and culms cuttings.

Experiences of Propagating Bamboos

We tried the different ways of propagating bamboo and know that it requires a lot of prep and effort to get the bamboo growing. 

Yet, watching the germinating bamboo is often rewarding.

Black Bamboo Care

Although black bamboo is a low-maintenance plant, the new growths will require care and attention.

Beware that the slugs adore the tender new growths, they can widen them if left unprotected.

If you are propagating bamboo plants from rhizomes or culms cuttings or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding the slug killers.

Here is my YouTube video showing a 4-week-old bamboo attacked by slugs.

Grow Black Bamboo Plants UK

When growing the Black Bamboo Nigra, perhaps an important factor to consider is the invasiveness despite showing some common features of the clump-forming bamboo.

If you are growing bamboo in the garden, put it in an area where there is room to spread.

The old black bamboos will thrive in well-drained soil with high moisture and nutrients, but like most bamboos, they do not like compacted dry soils.

It will require re-potting when it outgrows the pot so if you want to keep it longer, use a large pot or container. As a rule of thumb, the size of the pot should be twice the size of the base clump.

If you see browning in the culms or the bamboo leaves turning yellow, check the soil. Here is an article on how to revive your bamboo plants in a case where there is a sign of distress.

Black Bamboo preferred sites

Although the Black Bamboo Nigra is an elegant variety, it is an invasive bamboo. As mentioned earlier, it requires a lot of space to grow.

The arching culms and evergreen dark leaves can spread 4 – 6m on average. It is important to take this into consideration when choosing a site to plant to grow the black bamboo nigra.

As a pointer, this peculiar bamboo is ideal as an individual plant in the garden or contained in large pots and containers for balconies and terraces.

Fast-growing Evergreen Outdoor Privacy Screen - All You Need To Know

An outdoor Bamboo Screen is the best way to shield off unattractive features near the hedge and add a space of admirable greenery. 

Many gardeners and homeowners prefer garden bamboo screening because they have desirable features such as dense evergreen foliage, height, spread and hardiness.

About this article: This article is a guide for finding suitable bamboo plants for privacy screens. The bamboo plants are placed into tall, short and medium. If you want an 8 ft privacy screen or a modest natural bamboo screen, check out the original article here.

Garden Bamboo Hedging Screen Ideas

A privacy screen can be thin or thick, tall, short or medium. They come in many shapes and sizes. 

The common bamboo plants in the UK have dense evergreen foliage and come in various sizes.

You can find the perfect bamboo Phyllostachys or Fargesia for screening. 

To help you, we group the bamboo into different ‘height’ and ‘spread’ categories so that you can use the suggestion as a guide when selecting a bamboo plant for screening.

Height of bamboo privacy screen - Idea #1

Bamboo plants often grow (very quickly) to a full height in the first 3 years and remain evergreen for 10 to 20 years. 

Some bamboo plants are tall, best for the tall bamboo privacy screens that are about 8ft tall.

Others are short or fall in between tall and short bamboo. The options are endless.

We group the bamboo into 

• tall (6 metres+), 
• medium (4 metres to 6 metres), and
• short (1 metre to 4 metres).

Note that the online bamboo suppliers and bamboo retailers will clearly show the average height on the labels. 

We use them as the standard heights (and spreads) and do not guarantee that the bamboo plants will reach their full potential because soil condition and the environment can affect their growth.

The new bamboo plants will require some care and attention to grow to the maximum heights.

Also, the bamboo plants are tolerant and hardy, but they will succumb to slug attacks and poor soil conditions. So as any good grower should do, always prepare the site before planting.

 Check out the guides on how to prepare the site for growing bamboo plants.

Bamboo privacy screen choose the right spread - Idea #2

Another important feature of bamboo plants to consider for privacy screens is the ‘spread’. The spread is basically how wide the bamboo can spread from the parent plant to shield off the unsightly structure.

Some varieties of clumping bamboo are perfect options for low hedging privacy screens but may not be ideal for blocking an overlooking-window high up. So, it is vital to take into consideration all you want the plant to do.

Notably, the running bamboo plants are invasive and will spread if left unchecked. They are ideal for a tall narrow screen. On the other hand, the clump-formers do not have running rhizomes. 

Although they are considered non-invasive, the clumps and culm (or cane) clusters will outgrow the designated site.

We group the bamboo plants, both running and clumping bamboo, into 3 categories - see here. The groupings are based on their average spread. 

We hope that the groupings will help you to identify the bamboo plants by how far they spread from the parent plant.

Dense culm clusters thick hedging bamboo screens - Idea #3

The clumping bamboo plants rarely grow to 6 metres and are much denser than the running bamboo. They thrive in the UK climate.

The bamboo plants in this category are predominantly clump-forming with either thicker culms or produce masses of culms in Spring. 

As the name suggests, the clumping bamboo canes (culms) tend to grow into a tight cluster around the parent plant, forming a formidable tight screen.

If you are screening a short wall or the neighbour's shed, the clump-forming bamboos are the best options. However, you may have to buy more than one plant to provide a good cover. 

As a rule of thumb, plant the clump-forming bamboo no more than 1.5 metres to give you are dense hedging screen.

Here are the 5 bamboo plants that tend to form clusters of ‘Dense-culms and provide small to medium garden bamboo screens.

Arching bamboo for dense privacy screens - Idea #4

The ‘dense foliage' category is made up of tall and arching running bamboo plants commonly referred to as the Umbrella Bamboo. 

Their new shoots grow very fast and tall to about 2 – 3 metres before putting out branches.

The dense arching bamboo plants tend to reach a height of about 4 to 6 metres, ideal for thick screens. 

For example, these bamboos provide an evergreen cover (or screen) for boundaries, walls and low buildings.

‘Upright’ bamboo for tall privacy screen ideas - Idea #5

Check out where to get this bamboo here.

This category is an extension of the Tall garden bamboo hedging screen listed above. 

Additionally, this extra list separates the tall upright bamboo plants from the arching plants. 

Take it as an exclusive list of only the popular Phyllostachys running bamboo plants, except the clumping bamboo Standing Stone.

As the name implies, upright bamboo plants tend to grow straight up. Some can reach over 6 metres if the conditions are right.

Many of these upright bamboo plants tend to do well when they are planted away from the direct wind, providing the best natural screen all year round. 

Here are the 5 upright bamboo plants that thrive in the UK, in fact, most of them are on crocus.co.uk.

How to select the best privacy screen - Idea #6

The bamboo privacy screen is the best way to create an admirable natural green space in the garden. 

Here is a risk-analysis checklist, a guide to selecting bamboo hedging plants, to help you choose the best garden natural privacy screens.

This table is a tool that will surely help you to identify the right garden hedging bamboo screen. Here is how to use the table:

• firstly, make a shortlist of  suitable bamboo plants,
• secondly, use what you know and your expectations of the bamboo and
• finally, use the 5 bamboo plants we stated to identify, by elimination, the bamboo you want.

You will select the right bamboo if you follow these 3 simple steps.

How to grow bamboo for a privacy screen? - Idea #7

Bamboo growers have always asked ‘how close to a structure or the neighbour’s side should they plant bamboo?’.

Some bamboo varieties can destabilise the structures or creep into the neighbour’s side.

If you a going to plant a bamboo hedging screen near the boundary, you’ve got to choose the site well.

There are several factors that will affect your choice of site for planting the running bamboo screen. 

If you can control the bamboo from the start, it will become easier as they grow, but how close to the neighbour’s side should you plant a hedging bamboo?

Guide for selecting the right garden bamboo hedging screen

So we have covered many tips and ideas and presented several suggestions for selecting bamboo for hedging garden screens. Here is the 'Guide' to help you make your decision!

Note that the questions are structured especially for you to eliminate the undesirable bamboo plants, leaving only the best option for you. Download the PDF version - Guide for Selecting Garden Hedging Bamboo.

Right garden bamboo privacy screen matters

Finding the best, even better the right, bamboo is what matters the most. 

So, use your preferences to find the right bamboo for garden screening.

Other factors to consider are, for example, how high the bamboo should grow and how much space is available for it to spread. 

These important factors have been included in this article, so you will not go wrong when selecting a fast-growing evergreen outdoor privacy screen.

Furthermore, growing bamboo on the hedge as a privacy screen sometimes means that you will have to plant the bamboo close to the neighbour’s side. 

All these risk-benefit analyses are important as you choose bamboo for your garden.

Conclusion

To conclude, the right option for a Fast-growing Evergreen Outdoor Privacy Screen depends entirely on your situation and choice.

We create the risk-analysis table as a tool for helping you choose the right bamboo. 

So, use the suggestions in this article to help you identify the best home and garden hedging privacy screen.

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]

Bamboo Privacy Screen Care and Maintenance Insights

There are two groups of bamboo – the running bamboo and clumping bamboo. 

Bamboo plants can grow at an astonishing rate of 2 - 5cm in a day. In our experiment, we found out that the bamboo we monitored grow 1.43cm in Autumn.

The running bamboo plants grow horizontal underground stems (canes) called rhizomes. They are invasive.

When growing bamboo screens, always have in mind how you will maintain the plants when the need arises.

Garden bamboo privacy screen care insights

Here are three options for ensuring complete control over your garden hedging privacy screens so that the bamboo screens do not spread.

• Build Raised-base: The raised base will help you to spot the rhizome tips and trim them before the tips creep into the small gaps in the pavement or the neighbour’s side.

• Dig narrow trench 0.3m to 0.5m deep: The running bamboo rhizomes tend to grow on the top layer of the soil. As the name implies, the rhizomes are running horizontally, not deep into the soil. A narrow trench will help you to monitor the rhizomes and trim them as they grow out. The narrow trench acts as an open root barrier.

• Plant the bamboo in large pots: If you are growing bamboo plants for balcony privacy screening, plant them in large pots or containers. This is the best way to contain the bamboo.

Bamboo privacy screen maintenance

Also, the rhizomes do not grow deep into the soil like other deciduous plants with taproots do. Though the plants are tough to deal with, the privacy screens are maintainable.

If the running and clumping bamboos are left unchecked, they will encroach on other spaces, so it is important to keep them in check. 

These evergreen hardy plants need attention once or twice a year.

If you are growing a new bamboo plant or propagating them from seeds and cuttings, you will find this care guide useful. The guide provides handy tips for propagating bamboo successfully.

Grow bamboo in the right place

Always grow the running bamboo where you have control over them when they are growing.

As a rule of thumb, plant the bamboo at least a metre away from your neighbour’s boundary if there is no raised structure or root barrier.

This is an important space that will provide the access to the bamboo plants as they grow.

Here is an article about ‘how to control the running bamboo plants’ from invading the neighbour’s side. It also provides more information on planting hedging bamboo near patios, pavements and houses.

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]

 

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.

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.

How to split bamboo plants?

Can you split bamboo plants for planting? The answer is yes, of course, you can divide bamboo into many parts before planting it in the ground. 

But importantly, will the segmented plants do as well as the parent plant? Let’s have a look at how you can divide a bamboo plant and yet get the best result.

Split running bamboo and clumping bamboo

The bamboo plants from the nurseries come in pots ready for planting.

Many gardeners and homeowners prefer to plant the potted bamboo straight into larger pots or in the garden. 

It is perfectly fine if you are growing bamboo for decorative purposes or as ornamental pot plants. 

However, if you plan to use bamboo as a natural screen for a small outdoor space or for garden hedging, it would be ideal to separate the bamboo into smaller segments so that you can get several plants growing at once. 

In fact, you can split both the running and clumping bamboos into small divisions and plant them out. They are vigorous plants and will do well under the right growing conditions. 

If you need more details, here is how to provide the right conditions for new bamboo plants to grow.

How to split bamboo plants?

So, how do you split bamboo plants? 

The best way to split bamboo is to divide them into equal parts while keeping the roots hairs and rhizomes intact. 

These 10-pointers will help you to split the bamboo plants and grow them for the best results.

1. Remove the bamboo from the growing pot. (If the bamboo is too hard to remove, add water – or soak the whole pot in water – before trying again)
2. Inspect the rhizome nodes, root hairs, and signs of new growth.
3. Use a hacksaw or handsaw to separate the bamboos. Ideally, you should have 3 – 5 culms on each segmented bamboo.
4. Remove any dry culms, branches or leaves.
5. Trim the top of the long culms to redirect nutrients and energy to other parts of the plant where they are needed the most.
6. Soak the segmented bamboos in water before repotting or planting in the ground. It is a good idea to plant the segmented bamboos into the ground immediately. Always, keep the root moist if you need to take a break before planting.
7. Compact the soil or compost into the hole or pot.
8. Support/Stake any long culms.
9. Add Mulch generously.
10. Add water.

Tools for splitting and planting bamboo plants.

 

Pros and cons of splitting bamboo plants

Splitting bamboo plants into equal segments is particularly beneficial if you do not want to buy additional plants for privacy screening or garden hedging. 

In hindsight, you save money when dividing a bamboo plant before planting, and will probably get the most out of what you buy. 

Alternatively, grow the bamboo in the garden and separate them as they grow to fill out the gaps in the hedge. 

Note that the bamboo plants are fast-growing, but it can take 3 – 5 years before you can safely take cuttings off them. 

The major factor that you should consider when splitting bamboo is the growth factor – whether the segmented plants will do well or not!

Split potted bamboo plants before-care

Cutting the plants can cause stress which can destroy the whole bamboo. Instead of getting more than one plant, you might end up getting nothing. 

So, here are three things that are important to ensuring the segmented bamboo plants grow: time, site and soil. 

Time: 

The planting season is important. This is also the time when you can separate the potted bamboo plants and re-grow them.

Many experts recommend planting bamboo early in Spring when the plants’ growth is prominent. 

Site: 

Prepare the site properly. 

Bamboos are tolerant plants. They will grow where you plant them. 

However, to create an ideal growing site, dig holes twice as wide as the diameter of the plants, and deeper than the heights of the ‘holding pots’. 

Understandably, the wider and deeper the holes, the easier it will be for the new bamboo plants to establish themselves. 

Soil: 

Use loam soil which is best for growing bamboo plants. Alternatively, use 50/50 compost. 

Add mulch and tend the plant immediately after planting and the following Summer to protect and care for them as they grow. 

Water generously, but not too much that it gets waterlogged.

Split bamboo plants after-care

In the early stage, you need to pay close attention to the bamboo, especially the bamboo plants that you grow from divisions. 

Not only that the plants are under stress, but the new conditions may not be favourable. 

Furthermore, it is going to be fairly warm in Spring and Summer. The new plants will require a generous amount of water. 

Also, the slugs will be out to ‘party’ – add slug pellets to protect the new growth. Other care provisions include the following:

• staking the new culms so that they do not break,
• adding mulch to preserve and or retain moisture, and
• weeding and removing fallen leaves that are covering any new growth.

Keep an eye on the new plants to make sure they do not dry out in the summer. 

In closure, you can split a bamboo plant into segments and grow them. The pros of splitting bamboo plants outweigh the cons. 

Get the time, site and soil right when splitting and planting the bamboo in pots or in the garden.

Why Phyllostachys aurea called Fish-pole Golden Bamboo Plant?

Phyllostachys aurea bamboo plant is one of my favourite bamboos. Its stems are small, tall, bendable and strong. The stems are perfect fishing poles. In the UK, they are ideal garden sticks.

Phyllostachys aurea

Fish-pole Golden Bamboo

The Phyllostachys aurea bamboo plants have thick inner stem walls which means the stems are strong but flexible. 

The stems have been used as fishing poles in China and other parts of Asia and the Pacific regions for centuries. That is why the Phyllostachys aurea bamboo has been called the Fish-pole Golden Bamboo. 

Today many gardeners are using the tough Fish-pole Golden bamboo canes as sticks for staking plants in the garden and pots. 

Their tough and flexible canes are ideal for making climbing frames and sticks for pot plants and other garden plants that needed support. 

The sticks are not too big like the Bamboo Vivax poles or too small like some clumping bamboos seen in the UK. They are just the right bamboo for garden and pots & containers.

We created a list of some top UK bamboo sellers online. Check them out on our website.

Phyllostachys aurea in UK Garden

Video of fish-pole bamboo in our garden

Uses of Phyllostachys aurea called Fish-pole Golden Bamboo Plant

Here are some ways in which we used the Phyllostachys aurea Fish-pole Golden Bamboo Plant in the garden - visit our YouTube channel for more videos on the uses of bamboo sticks in the garden.

Tomato plants trellis frame

Garden Fruit Netting

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

Diagram showing Parts of a Clumping Bamboo Plant

 

Parts of a clump-forming bamboo

The rhizomes of the clumping bamboos are stout, and thick and grow upwards from the parent plants, also called the Pachymorphs rhizomes. 

Usually, the base culms are much thicker than the stem, compact as they grow upward, forming solid tight clumps.  Dia: Adapted from Bamboos by C.Recht & M.F. Wetterwald

Importance of knowing the parts of a bamboo

As mentioned earlier, there are many different groups of bamboo cultivars. 

The common bamboos we know in the UK are the clump-forming and running bamboos. 

The running and clumping bamboo plants have different parts which are important when it comes to identifying them. 

This is vital especially when reading material or working with bamboo. 

We hope that this information gives you some ideas about the parts of a bamboo plant.

Parts of a running bamboo plant - diagram

The running bamboos have noticeably long-running rhizomes with pointy tips, also called the Leptomorph rhizomes and can grow over a considerable distance.

Here is the diagram of the parts of a running bamboo plant.

 Dia: Adapted from Bamboos by C.Recht & M.F. Wetterwald

Importance of knowing the parts of a bamboo

As mentioned earlier, there are many different groups of bamboo cultivars. 

The common bamboos we know in the UK are the clump-forming and running bamboos. 

The running and clumping bamboo plants have different parts which are important when it comes to identifying them. 

This is vital especially when reading material or working with bamboo. 

We hope that this information gives you some ideas about the parts of a bamboo plant.

Main Parts of a Bamboo Plant

Bamboos are members of the grass family. 

They are common in the temperate and tropical zones mainly in Asia, Central and South America and the Pacific region. 

The bamboo’s woody stems grow fast. 

Like the other grass species, bamboos have hollow stems, and slender (bladed) leaves that form formidable evergreen foliage.

 

Parts of a bamboo plant

This outline will help you to identify the 10 common parts of a bamboo plant. 

In fact, knowing the different parts is important for understanding your bamboo plant. 

Let’s take a quick look at these parts starting from the ground up.

Rhizomes

Bamboo rhizomes are common in both running and clumping bamboos. 

In the running bamboos, the rhizomes are also known as the horizontal underground stems. As the name implies, the rhizomes run along the ground and spread aggressively. 

In the clumping bamboos, the rhizomes tend to keep close together and form tight bases or clumps, hence the name clumping bamboos. 

The rhizomes are the ‘engine rooms’ where a bamboo plant derives its ‘power’ and ‘energy’ for growth and development.

Bamboo Roots

Bamboo roots are not rhizomes. 

The roots, feeding roots or root hairs, are the thin underground tendrils that grow into the soil, usually from the rhizome nodes. 

The roots are vital for nutrient and water uptake and for supporting the whole bamboo plant.

Bamboo Leaves

Bamboo leaf and foliage are often used interchangeably to mean the same thing, however, there is a slight difference. 

A leaf is the single green vegetative part of the bamboo that appears on the branch, whereas foliage refers to a cluster of leaves.

Bamboo growers say, ‘there are lots of green leaves on the bamboo’ or alternatively they say ‘this evergreen foliage is pretty'. That latter sounds right, hey!

Either way, the bamboo leaves create notable evergreen foliage that appears all year round.

Of course, the leaves are also vitally significant for photosynthesis and transpiration in bamboo plants.

Bamboo Culms

Bamboo culms are often referred to as bamboo stems or canes. 

The culms start off from the ground as tender shoots. 

The culms are cylindrical and have nodes between two internodes. 

Bamboo culms are usually hollow with different thicknesses. 

The lower parts of the bamboo culms are the culm base and culm petiole which are found either underneath the ground or just above it.

Parts of a running bamboo

The running bamboos have noticeably long-running rhizomes with pointy tips, also called the Leptomorph rhizomes and can grow over a considerable distance.

Dia: Adapted from Bamboos by C.Recht & M.F. Wetterwald

Parts of a clump-forming bamboo

The rhizomes of the clumping bamboos are stout, and thick and grow upwards from the parent plants, also called the Pachymorphs rhizomes. 

Usually, the base culms are much thicker than the stem, compact as they grow upward, forming solid tight clumps. Dia: Adapted from Bamboos by C.Recht & M.F. Wetterwald

Importance of knowing the parts of a bamboo

As mentioned earlier, there are many different groups of bamboo cultivars. 

The common bamboos we know in the UK are the clump-forming and running bamboos. 

The running and clumping bamboo plants have different parts which are important when it comes to identifying them. 

This is vital especially when reading material or working with bamboo. 

We hope that this information gives you some ideas about the parts of a bamboo plant.

Bamboo Grow and Care

We have a lot of useful materials as well as bamboo features that you may find useful. 

Check out the main menu, or related articles below for more information.

1. Working with Bamboo - Digging Tools
2. Separating Bamboo Tips: How to split bamboo plants?
3. Bamboo Care: How to take care of bamboo plants?
4. How to Grow Bamboo in Pot and Container Planters
5. Bamboo Privacy Screen for Balcony, Deck, Patio or Porch

If you are looking for info on a specific bamboo, why not leave a comment below? 

We may be able to help. Or alternatively, we will refer you to the right place where you can get the right help. 

Follow us on Twitter and YouTube where we are active.

How to identify clump-forming bamboo plants?

Clumping bamboo and running bamboo are members of the grass family. There are several varieties of bamboo plants. 

Bamboo plants are common in the temperate and tropical zones mainly in Asia, Central and South America and the Pacific region. 

The plants growing in the UK, US and Australia are either clumping bamboo or running bamboo. Sometimes referred to as clumpers or runners, respectively.

5 distinct parts of a clumping bamboo

Identifying the exact bamboo can be difficult unless you have enough time, and botanical knowledge and are curious to find out. 

Also, it can be tricky to identify bamboo by its appearance. 

The 5 distinct parts will help you work out if the bamboo is a clumper or not. 

Use this diagram to help you. 

Clumping bamboo parts showing rhizome, shoot, culm base, Base buds, nodes etc.

1. Rhizome: The rhizome is short, stout and thick forming a tight clump around the parent plant.
2. Shoot and culm: New rhizome grows upright into a new shoot which eventually becomes culm close to the parent bamboo.
3. Culm base: The culm base, also called the stem base, is much thicker, at the bottom, than the culm.
4. Base buds: The base buds (the potential new shoots and rhizomes) are found very close together along the parent rhizome.
5. Rhizome nodes: The node rings (or rhizome nodes) underground are close together.

All in all, the bamboo rhizomes and underground parts are vital for separating bamboo into groups. So, take a closer look at the rhizome of bamboo if you want to work out if it is clumping or running bamboo.

How to identify clumping bamboo?

Comparing clumping and running bamboos can give you a better idea about these two varieties. 

Check out this article for in-depth information on clumping vs running bamboos). 

It is also best to know the standout features. So, what is clumping bamboo and how can bamboo growers identify it? 

Use the 5 distinct parts of the clump-forming bamboo plant to identify it.

Where to buy clumping bamboos in the UK?

We work with some big UK home and garden brands. 

Click here to check out the collection of Clumping and Running bamboo plants from the Home & Garden retailers in the UK.

If you want to grow clumping bamboo, but do not know how to pick them, this Complete Guide to Selecting Bamboo will help you. 

Download the PDF for Free

Guided questions for selecting a bamboo.

Clumping bamboo collections

Fargesia group of bamboos are popular clumping bamboo cultivars. They have a spectacular stem and sheath colourations. 

We feature many of these bamboos here at G.B.P. To find out about the 5 clumping bamboo collections listed below, click here.

• 1. Fargesia nitida
• 2. Fargesia murielae
• 3. Fargesia robusta
• 4. Fargesia umbrella bamboos
• 5. Award-winning clumping bamboos

 Simba is a popular clumping bamboo

What to do when buying bamboo?

Bamboo plants from garden shops and online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon have clear labels. 

This makes it easy to identify the bamboo. However, mix-ups are likely when buying bamboo plants online and also in stores. 

Whether you are buying bamboo seeds or bamboo in pots, it is always the right thing to read the labels properly. 

Also, read the reviews and plant descriptions before making a purchase. 

What if you cannot find the bamboo you want? 

We suggest checking these renowned UK garden shops. 

If they still do not have the clumping bamboo that you want, contact them directly. In most cases, they will find what you are looking for.

Grow clump-forming bamboo plants

The 5 parts will help you to identify these bamboos successfully. 

The parts are based around the rhizomes and govern the way these bamboos behave. 

Knowing the parts and their general behaviours can help you work out if your bamboo is clump-forming or not. 

If you have any questions or cannot find what you are looking for, leave a comment and we will get back to you. You can also follow us on Twitter and YouTube.

Clump-forming Bamboo Plants UK

We featured over 50 clumping bamboos on Garden Bamboo Plants (G.B.P.) and wrote numerous articles detailing their:

• uses & qualities;
• growing conditions & growth requirements; and
• care & maintenance.

This article features both the clumping and running bamboos that are common in the UK. 

We can reliably say that there are over 50 common clumping bamboos that can grow well in the UK, including the US and Australia.

• How to identify running bamboo plants
• How to identify clumping bamboo plants

Pros and cons of growing clumping bamboo

Generally, there are lots of good stories about growing clumping bamboos in the garden or in pots. 

Also, many bamboo growers like clumping bamboos because they are great for garden hedging and privacy screening. 

Their clumping habit makes them the ideal choice for growing in small and contained spaces like balconies, terraces and apartments. 

The clumping bamboos will demand care and attention, either as new plants or in Spring when the new growths are prominent. 

Also, the mature bamboo plants can be difficult to remove when they expand out of the allocated space, or if left unchecked for 2 to 3 years. 

The growing habits of these bamboos indicate that the pros of growing them definitely outweigh the cons. 

Clump-forming bamboo habits

Look closely at the parts that are underground, especially the areas around the clumps. 

The clump base of clump-forming bamboo plants, as the name suggests, is stout and compacted, unlike the running bamboo plants that have elongated rhizomes (underground stems).

The clump-forming bamboo is extensively characterised by the behaviour of its rhizomes. 

Alternatively, here is an article that gives a clear comparison of the parts of clumping vs running bamboo. 

 

Click here to check out the collection of Clumping and Running bamboo plants from the Home & Garden retailers in the UK.

How to Identify Running Bamboo Plants?

In this article, you’ll find out how to successfully identify the common running bamboo cultivars. 

This group of bamboo is common in the temperate region and includes the Phyllostachys and Pleioblastus bamboos. 

The common bamboos that grow in the UK, US, Canada and Australia are grouped into either clumping or running bamboo plants.

• Phyllostachys Bamboo Plants for sale     Crocus.co.uk
• Clump-forming Bamboo Plants for sale  YouGarden UK

How to identify running bamboo?

Comparing running and clumping bamboos can give you a better idea about these two varieties. 

However, it is also best to know their standout features. So, what is running bamboo and how can bamboo growers identify it? 

Generally, a running bamboo has ‘running rhizomes’. The rhizomes are underground stems that grow (or run) along the ground, hence the name running bamboos or runners. 

It is quite challenging to identify the exact type of running bamboo unless you have enough time, botanical knowledge and are curious to find out. 

Also, it can be tricky to identify most of the bamboo cultivars by their appearances.

To help you, here are 5 rhizome facts for beginners to use when selecting a running bamboo or identifying them.

Find out about the advantages and disadvantages of growing running bamboo plants. 

5 distinct parts of a running bamboo

For any beginner bamboo grower, the 5 distinct parts will help you work out if the bamboo is a runner or not. 

Pay particular attention to the area where the culms meet the rhizomes. 

1. Rhizomes: the running rhizomes are long and thin with long pointy tips.
2. Rhizome internodes: The underground internodes are hollow and long.
3. Shoots and tips: The new shoots and rhizome tips grow from dormant rhizome buds on the rhizome nodes, often further away from the parent bamboo.
4. Base buds: These buds are potential new shoots and rhizomes (in 3) and are spaced further apart unlike the buds in clumping bamboos.
5. Culms: The culms (also called the stems or canes) are much thicker in diameter than the rhizome from which they grow.

Diagram of the parts of a running bamboo plant

Parts of a Running Bamboo

  Running bamboos have running rhizomes

All in all, the bamboo rhizomes and underground parts are vital for identifying a bamboo as clump-forming or running. 

So, take a closer look at the rhizome of bamboo to work out if it is running bamboo or not.

Read about How to Identify a Clumping Bamboo using a similar 5-point identification strategy. 

As mentioned, look closely at the parts that are underground, especially the areas around the rhizome of the running bamboo. 

This is because it literally gets its name from the habits of its rhizomes – running! 

One way to know the different parts is to use the diagram as a reference point. 

Alternatively, read to this article, it gives a clear comparison of the parts of running vs running bamboo.

Where to buy running bamboos?

We work with some big UK’s home and garden brands. 

Check out the links to go straight to their website where you can find out the bamboo collections and read more about each one.

• Phyllostachys Bamboo Plants     Crocus.co.uk
• Clump-forming Bamboo Plants           YouGarden UK

Identifying runners and clumpers

The Phyllostachys nigra Black Bamboo, though an invasive bamboo, can also behave like clumping bamboo in the cooler temperate area of the UK, US, Canada and Australia. 

Like other running bamboos, the Black Bamboo can spread quickly if left unchecked. 

Here is how and when to provide the right care they may need. 

Furthermore, such occurrence shows that some of the common bamboo species can be tricky to identify. 

So, pay closer attention to the parts of the bamboo around the joint where the culm meets the rhizome. 

 Phyllostachys nigra running bamboo (It also behaves as clumping bamboo)

Identify bamboo successfully

The 5 facts will help you to identify the running bamboos successfully. 

They are based around the rhizomes and determine the growing habit of these stunning bamboos. 

Knowing the parts and their general behaviours cab be useful when finding out about bamboo that you want to buy or have inherited. 

If you have any questions or cannot find what you are looking for, leave a comment and we will get back to you. 

Shade-loving Clumping Bamboo Fargesia murielae ‘Dino’

Fargesia murielae 'Dino' is a fantastic clumping bamboo plant, hardy and shade tolerant. 

It has bright green stems turning yellow-green as it matures an excellent bamboo for planting in pots and containers, rarely reaching any more than 5 metres in height. 

This clumping bamboo will thrive in most situations, but preferably in well-drained moist soil. Tolerant of shade and a very reliable clumping bamboo.

General description

• Name: Fargesia murielae ‘Dino, Bambus Dino
• Foliage: Evergreen, upright.
• Culm: light green with shiny brown sheath, turning yellow.
• Height: 3 – 5m.
• Spread: 0.5 – 2m, clump-forming.

Growth requirement

• Site: Full sun, part shade and shade.
• Soil: Well-drained moist soil.
• Moisture: Well-drained and moist.
• Hardiness: Fully hardy bamboo.
• Use: ornamental plant, pots and containers, landscaping, architecture, individual plant.

Where to buy Fargesia murielae 'Dino'?

We feature prominent UK Home and Garden retailers where you can buy bamboo plants, tools and products. 

Check out the the UK retailers here

How to grow Fargesia murielae Dino?

Grow in pot and container

Fargesia murielae ‘Dino’ is a tough plant it will thrive in contained spaces where conditions are suitable. 

This bamboo is great as a windshield or as a privacy screen for apartments or terraces. 

Water well and ensure the soil remains moist until the new bamboo plants are well established in the pots or containers.

Grow in the garden

This clumping bamboo is a standout in the garden due to its long culms, pointy tips and brown shiny sheaths. 

Unmistakable among other vegetation and plants in the garden, Dino is a great ornamental bamboo with its evergreen foliage. 

This bamboo is also a good addition as either a garden centrepiece or decoration.

Propagate clumping bamboo ‘Dino’

This clumping bamboo is best propagated by clump-base separation.

Other techniques for growing such bamboo plants include stem cuttings and air layering of the branches. 

Maintain Fargesia murielae ‘Dino’

Bamboos, like other plants, will require attention to grow well. 

The care tips will help your Fargesia murielae ‘Dino’ remain healthy. 

In this other article, we provide a detailed guide to Bamboo Care and Maintenance, it gives further details on Before and After Care.

Thinning & Pruning

Trim the old culms to promote new healthy growth. 

Also, trim the new shoots to control the clumping bamboo Dino from expanding, often done once or twice a year to keep the plant under control.

Pruning bamboo is intensive work compared to thinning bamboo. 

Dig and remove the parts of the bamboo that have outgrown the allocated space, also an ideal time to take the bamboo divisions for replanting. 

Often done after 4 or 5 years.

Mulch

Mulching is a highly recommended care and maintenance job to keep the soil moist and protect the bamboo from frost and frozen soils. 

Always use the bamboo leaves as mulch since they contain silicon which is naturally high in nitrogen. 

Organic mulch such as tree barks, and grass cuttings mixed with twigs and branches are also great bamboo mulch. 

The best time for mulching is early in Spring before the new bamboo shoots come out; or late in Autumn when you expect cold Winter.

 

Maintain Fargesia murielae ‘Dino’ in Shade

The clump formers are non-invasive bamboos, however, clumpers in pots and containers will require repotting after 4 or 5 years. 

It is often hard work removing the bamboos from a pot or container when they’ve filled out the space. Perhaps it is important to select the right pots before planting your bamboo plants. 

The best pots for planting bamboos have stable bases and opened tops - here is a Guide to Selecting the Right Pot for planting the Running and Clumping Bamboos. 

Also, the clumping bamboos in the garden do not grow out of the allocated space as the running bamboos do. Nevertheless, they tend to expand around the base. 

This clumping habit is visible as the new shoots grow into culms and the underground base buds thicken. 

In such cases, you’ll have to prune the whole plant which is also the ideal time to get new plant divisions and bamboo sticks.

Fargesia murielae Dino shade-loving bamboo

All in all, the Fargesia murielae ‘Dino’ is a stunning bamboo to grow in pots or use as landscaping and architectural plants in the garden.

It is one of the best bamboo plants to grow in full shaded sites.