Planting, growing, spreading, containing, controlling...Our perspectives and approaches
Clumping bamboo can be planted in the ground without fear of spreading. Its core spreads out by only a few inches per year. Clumping bamboo does great in containers and can grow happily for many years before needing to be repotted or divided. Nonetheless, we still recommend you not plant a clumper right up against a neighbor’s fence as it will eventually pop up on the other side. Running and timber bamboo are another story. These plants can spread vigorously through horizontal rhizomes that spread from the mother plant sometimes several feet or more per year. But alas, all is not lost! Running bamboo can be managed and should be considered for your landscape depending on your situation. And while we love our clumpers and they serve a purpose, runners offer a much larger variety in terms of color, size, form and acceptable growing conditions.
Invasive vs. Aggressive
But first a few words on invasive vs. aggressive. We think running bamboo gets a bad rap (kind of). Many consider bamboo as invasive. However, the definition of an invasive plant typically means a non-native plant that has been introduced into an area and is spreading and displacing the native plants of the area (think Himalayan Blackberry and Ivy here in the PNW). We are not aware of any bamboo displacing plants in native natural areas in the PNW. In fact, we have some bamboo groves growing right next to our Doug Fir and Cedar woodlands which are spreading away from the native areas. We have heard that down south it is different story, and bamboo is spreading into natural areas. Yes, running bamboo is an aggressive spreader and will move into nearby areas (think grass lawn, flower beds, septic systems, under the fence into neighbor’s yard) if planted in the wrong location or not controlled. But there are ways to let this wonderful plant do it’s thing without destroying your landscape.
Grow A Grove
Running and Timber Bamboo tends to form a grove 30 to 50 feet in diameter here in the PNW. If you have a large property, consider growing a bamboo grove. A grove of bamboo with canes 40 feet high and five to six inches in diameter with a path cut through the center is a wonderful thing to behold. If you want to keep the grove a bit smaller, simply mow or stomp down the shoots around the perimeter every spring to keep it in check.
Installing a Barrier
Bamboo rhizome barriers are commonly used to control the spread of running bamboo. They are very effective and allow even large timber bamboo to be grown on urban lots without overtaking the neighbors. Proper installation is key. We do not carry barrier in stock but can order some for you or refer you to vendors who sell it.
Root Prune
Root pruning (or really, rhizome pruning) is an essential technique for managing bamboo plants, particularly when they become too aggressive or overcrowded. Proper pruning encourages healthy growth and ensures that your bamboo remains manageable. We typically prune our roots once a year, in the fall when annual growth is slowing. Decide how much you want to reduce the root system. A radius of about 1 to 3 feet from the base of the plant is typically sufficient. Carefully dig around the bamboo clump, cutting through the soil with your spade or shovel. Aim for a depth of about 12 to 18 inches. Our preferred method is to maintain a trench around the clump we are controlling so when new rhizomes emerge, they are easy to spot and snip off. Look for thick, white, and fleshy rhizomes that extend from the main plant. The trench works great but some find it unsightly. An option is to fill the trench with sand or bark mulch to easily find the rhizomes without a lot of digging.
Grow in Containers
Clumping bamboo grows well in containers. Plant in a containers larger than the nursery pot and it will slowly expand to fill the pot before needing to be repotted. Running bamboo will also do well in containers but will fill them faster. As such, the larger container the better. Metal stock tanks work great and we use them often here at Handrex. Keep in mind that the runners will eventually fill the tank and need to be divided. It takes a little work, but is not too difficult and results in bamboo to share!
Deciding on a Bamboo
In addition to choosing clumping or running bamboo and whether to plant in the ground or in containers, consider several other attributes:
-How much sun will the plant receive? In general, most clumpers like shade to part-sun although several species can take full sun here in the PNW (see specific plant descriptions). Runners tend to prefer full sun to part shade, but most will grow in shade but not as vigorously.
-Yellow canes, green canes, striped canes, colored canes, straight canes, crooked canes, bulging canes or some combination of features? One of the fascinating things about bamboo for us has been the many cane colors and forms available.
-Purpose: Are you looking for a specimen? A screen? A hedge? A grove? Shoots to eat? Poles to harvest? Canes for weaving? A container plant?
We very much enjoy talking about bamboo and helping you decide what might be the best plants to meet your needs.
Have a question not covered above? Call us at
360-901-5522, or email us at handrexbamboo@gmail.com. You can do so here.
