Bamboo is a truly amazing plant. Although it has the size of a shrub or tree, it is actually a type of ornamental grass. They are grown for their attractive canes or culms, delicate foliage and incredible architectural interest.

Bamboo is large group of plants, although most have very similar growing requirements. Most require, full to part sun. One or two can tolerate shade - Thamnocalamus being the most common in cultivation. They also prefer moist, but well drained soils. They don't particularly like dry soils, or boggy, wet soils.

Types of Bamboo

Bamboo has a reputation for agressively spreading in the landscape, but this is not always true. Bamboo is divided into two types:

Running Bamboo (leptomorphic)

Running bamboos have root systems called rhizomes that spread agressively underground. These rhizomes form nodes. At a node, the plant either travels horizontally underground for a distance, or forms a cane/culm that will emerge from the ground. As a result of this growth habit, running bamboos can rapidly fill an area and be difficult to remove. It is for this reason, that all running bamboos should be planted in containers or with bamboo barriers. The most common Running bamboos belong to the Genus:

• Phyllostachys
• Semiarundinaria

Clumping Bamboo (pachymorphic)

On the other hand, clumping bamboos are well behaved and can grow without containment in the garden or even in a container. Underground, the rhizomes will grow from a node for short distance, and then form a new node which will grow an upright cane. New rhizomes may then form from this node and repeat. Above ground, you can always see where the bamboo is growing. It will not popup in random distant locations in your garden. The most common Clumping Bamboos belong to the genus:

• Fargesia
• Borinda
• Thamnocalamus

Planting Bamboo

Like any other plant, dig a hole twice as wide as your bamboo plant, and the same depth as the pot or rootball. Amend the planting hole with bonemeal or other amendments. Position the plant in the hole and back fill the hole with soil. Water it thoroughly.
If your plant is a running variety, consider installing a bamboo barrier at the same time.
 

Watering Bamboo

Bamboo needs water just like any other plant. The best watering regime is a deep water every couple of days. Bamboo is a good communicator. It will let you know if it needs water. Leaves will droop and roll if the plant is suffering from drought
 

Fertilizing Bamboo

Bamboo is a type of grass. Any fertilizer designed for lawns will also work with Bamboo. When in doubt, a good all purpose granular fertilizer will also work
 

Bamboo Pruning

Bamboo canes emerge from the ground and grow upwards, sometimes several inches or more in a day. They reach their final height, and only then do branches and leaves emerge. Once they reach that height, individual canes will not get taller. Similarly, Bamboo canes never get thicker with age. The width at the soil level, will be the width at maturity. As a result, bamboo doesnt need a lot of pruning. But if you want to prune it, recognize that it is different than other types of plants. Bamboo canes should be cut back at ground level, not on top. This forces the plant to put its energy back into growing more rhizomes, and more future canes. Canes typically last 1-3 years. For best appearance and growth, you may want to remove 1/3 of the weakest, thinnest canes each year.
 

Removing Bamboo

Getting rid of bamboo can be a challenge, especially with larger, established plants. The canes and rhizomes are tough and will take their toll on substandard tools. There are two main options, remove the plant by hand or use a chemical herbicide. If you choose to remove the plant manually, dig out as many roots as possible, using any means possible. It will be a multi-year effort to completely eradicate it.  With that said, Bamboo is mostly shallow rooted. If you can get under it, you can probably get rid of most of it.

If you choose to use a herbicide, remember that Bamboo is a grass. Any product that kills grass, will also kill bamboo. Although it might take several applications to accomplish.
Regardless of method, plan on taking action several times as Bamboo is a tough competitor.

Can Bamboo Be Grown In Pots?

Yes! In fact, for Running varieties we highly recommend containing it! With that said, all  Bamboos are strong growers. At some point, the Bamboo will outgrow its pot. At that time, you will have to repot it, or let is suffer without adequate soil and nutrients.