Bamboo

Growing Bamboo in the UK

Many bamboos are seen as exotic plants that can add grace, form and movement to a garden and contrary to popular belief many bamboos are not invasive and thus suitable for a small garden. Bamboos as a whole need little more than moist fertile soil and an yearly tidy up. There are literally 1000''s of bamboos to choose from yet only about seventy can be regarded truly hardy and decorative and suitable for planting in the United Kingdom.

When choosing your plant you need to take into account the area where the bamboo will be located in your garden, does it need full or part sun, will the plant need some form of protection from the wind, what kind of soil does the bamboo like and finally what temperatures will the bamboo tolerate? These are all important questions to consider when you are purchasing you bamboo plant.

It is important to give bamboo time to grow at its own speed. A bamboo plant needs time to grow at their own pace to allow for growth and maturity, this is because of their complex rhizome and root structures, which are essential for the continuation and healthy growth of the plant. If the plant is rushed or potted on too early and not allowed to grow and develop at its own pace then it may be of poor quality, and it may also be prone to disease and ultimately die. Consider what the final size of the bamboo you choose will be in relation to the size of your garden. Bamboos vary greatly. They all start out looking much the same in a two litre pots but a " Pseudosasa owattarii" may reach 1 meter (3 feet) in ten years whereas a Phyllostachys Bambusoides can reach 20 meters (65 feet) in its natural surroundings and can top 10 meters (33 feet) in some moderate areas in the United Kingdom. The other option are of garden planter or tubs. Bamboo is in some manner similar to Koi Carp or Goldfish, as they tend to grow in proportion to their environment in other words the larger the pot the larger the plant and vice versa.