Caring for bamboos
 Despite their exotic appearance the majority of bamboos are very hardy plants, some withstanding very low temperatures. Providing they have suffi cient moisture especially in the first year after planting, they are generally of very easy culture, but they may take four years to become properly established.
Next to drought, their only other dislike is strong wind which can burn the foliage, but some species tolerate this more than others.
Each year bamboos produce a batch of new culms. These usually increase in height annually, some by a few feet or more, until the plant has reached its ultimate height.
The culms live for several years, after which they begin to defoliate, at which time they should be cut out close to ground level, preferably with a sharp saw. Bamboos replenish a percentage of their foliage each year, usually in early summer, just before which they will shed some of their old leaves.
 Today, the majority of bamboos available are non-invasive, their canes forming fairly tight clumps which gain in height faster than they spread horizontally, an advantage in small gardens.
If and when they do become too large they can be reduced by cutting off portions, preferably with about six canes. This will require a sharp spade and saw, for, although bamboos are shallow rooted, their root stocks are very tough.
This is a good way of multiplying your plants as you have an 'instant' specimen larger perhaps than you would be able to purchase. Water the clump well before you divide it, and prepare the hole for your new plant with good friable soil that has had a sprinkling of hoof and horn or blood, fish and bone mixed into it. Water in after planting and stake if necessary until it is re-established.
 Bamboos appreciate an annual dressing of a fast-release general fertiliser and, because of their shallow roots, plenty of water, especially in summer.
Generally speaking, the short-growing varieties will tolerate shade while the taller ones prefer more open situations. Bamboos flower, though rarely, and can consequently die because the plant expends so much energy in doing so; even if the plant survives, it is often left looking so denuded that it is best removed.
Although only a half dozen or so different bamboos may be found even in a good garden centre, there are now actually nearly 200 varieties in cultivation, and a good number may be found in specialist nurseries, click here to search for your nearest. |
