How to grow lush and graceful Bamboo

Many species of bamboo are grown nowadays as a renewable resource for an ever expanding world. They also have a position in many Asian histories. It is also famed as one of the fastest growing plants in the world. Some old species have a bad reputation as an invasive garden specimen, however most cultivars now available are clumping varieties, ideal for growing in the home garden.

How to grow Bamboo in a garden

Choose a position in full sun or part shade with well drained soil.
Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.
Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.
Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well.
Mulch with an organic mulch like woodchip or pea straw.
Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
Feed with Yates Thrive All Purpose Granular Plant Food. TIP: for an added boost apply Yates Thrive Fish Blood & Bone Plant Food Concentrate.

How to grow Bamboo in a pot

Choose a smaller growing variety which is suitable for pots.

Choose a large pot at least 600mm wide.
Choose a position in full sun or part shade and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
Remove the plant from the container and gently tease the roots.
Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down.
Water in well.
Feed with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food. TIP: for an added boost apply Yates Thrive Fish Blood & Bone Plant Food Concentrate.

Growing tips

For a screen or hedge, plant bamboo in a trench lined on either side with builder's plastic, sheet metal or hardboard. The barrier need not go deeper than about 45cm as bamboos are shallow rooted but may spread naturally by underground stems or rhizomes.
Keep very well watered until established. Bamboo dislike to dry out.
To minimise problems with bamboo, choose varieties of bamboo that are clumping rather than spreading.
To eradicate unwanted bamboo that has got out of hand, cut the canes down to ground level, and apply Yates Zero Super Concentrate Weedkiller as per label instructions. Any suckers which emerge later should be similarly treated being careful not to let the spray drift onto other plants.