If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that makes a big impact, bamboo is a perfect choice. Bamboo is hardy, fast-growing, and can be used to create privacy screens or windbreaks. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about planting bamboo. We’ll cover the different types of bamboo plants, how to prepare your soil, and how to care for your bamboo plants. Let’s get started!
What Is a Bambo Plant and What Does It Look Like?
Bamboo is a type of grass that is native to Asia. Bamboo plants can grow up to 100 feet tall and can live for over 100 years. There are many different types of bamboo, but the most common type used for landscaping is Phyllostachys bamboo. Phyllostachys bamboo has green or yellow culms (the main stem of the plant) and grows in clumps. Bamboo plants prefer low light and are fantastic for bathrooms! They will remove pollutants from the air, as well as eliminate mold.
Types of Bamboo Plants
There are two types of bamboo plants: running bamboo and clumping bamboo.
Running bamboo spreads quickly and can become invasive if not properly controlled. Clumping bamboo is slower-growing and will not spread as aggressively.
When planting bamboo, it’s important to choose the right type for your needs. If you’re looking for a fast-growing plant to create privacy, running bamboo is a good option. If you want a plant that won’t spread aggressively, choose clumping bamboo.
Planting Bamboo: How To Do So & What To Look For
The first step is to choose the right type of bamboo for your planting location. If you’re planting bamboo for privacy, choose a variety that grows tall and dense. If you want to use bamboo as a windbreak, choose a variety that is resistant to strong winds.
Once you’ve selected the right type of bamboo, it’s time to prepare your planting area. Bamboo grows best in moist, well-drained soil. If your soil is too dry or too wet, your bamboo plants will not thrive. Amend your soil with compost or organic matter to improve drainage.
Preparing Your Soil for Bamboo
Bamboo plants prefer well-drained soil with a pH of around neutral (between six and seven). Before planting, test your soil to see what amendments need to be made. You can have your soil tested at a cooperative extension office or by sending a sample to a soil testing laboratory.
Adding organic matter to your planting site will improve drainage and help the roots of your bamboo plants to establish quickly. You can add compost, aged manure, or peat moss to your planting site. If you’re planting in an area that is too wet, you may need to create a raised bed. If your soil is very dense, you may need to amend it with sand.
Planting Bamboo
If you’re planting running bamboo, choose a planting location that is at least 20 feet away from any buildings or property lines. If you’re planting clumping bamboo, choose a location that is at least 15 feet away from any buildings or property lines.
To plant bamboo, dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Watering
It’s important to water your bamboo plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Bamboo plants are drought-tolerant, but they will not thrive if they do not receive enough water. Water your bamboo plants deeply and regularly to keep the soil moist.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your bamboo plants twice a year with an all-purpose fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in spring and summer when the plants are actively growing.
How To Prune After Planting Bamboo
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant, so you will need to prune it regularly to control its size. Running bamboo will need to be pruned more frequently than clumping bamboo. Use sharp pruning shears to cut the culms (the main stem of the plant) back to the desired height.
Pruning running bamboo is a bit more complicated. To control its spread, you will need to dig up the rhizomes (the underground stems) and remove any new shoots that are growing outside of the planting area.
Bamboo is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant that makes a big impact on the landscape. By following these simple planting and care instructions, you can enjoy bamboo in your garden for many years to come.
Do you have any questions about planting bamboo? Contact Us and we’ll be happy to help!
