Bamboo

Practical bamboo plants for outdoors

Bamboo is a fantastic tropical garden plant that belongs to the grass family. One remarkable feature of this plant is that its appearance barely changes all year round, which makes bamboo a stable, reliable choice for any garden lover. Whether you're after a graceful outdoor plant to create an exotic atmosphere, or a natural hedge that gives you privacy and shelter, bamboo is a perfect choice. With its lush leaves and elegant canes, this garden plant adds a tropical feel to any outdoor space. Bamboo is hardy down to around -25 degrees Celsius, so it shrugs off the harshest winters. That means you can enjoy a green accent in your garden all year round, without worrying about frost damage.

What is the difference between running and clumping bamboo?

In the world of bamboo plants there are two main types: running bamboo and clumping bamboo. The two differ mainly in how they grow and in their root structure. Running bamboo has a slightly aggressive root system with long, horizontal roots. These roots spread quickly when planted in open ground and can send up new shoots in all sorts of places, which lets this bamboo take over large areas fast. Ideal, then, for filling out your garden. Regular pruning is needed to keep that growth in check. To stop this bamboo spreading into places you'd rather it didn't, you can install a root barrier to limit its growth.

Clumping bamboo grows more compactly. The rhizomes of these species stay closer to the parent plant, which means they spread far more slowly. They're ideal for gardens where you want controlled, tidy growth. When you're choosing bamboo, it's essential to decide how you want to manage the space. Running bamboo creates a lush look quickly, but needs more maintenance to stop it spreading where it isn't wanted. Clumping bamboo grows in a more controlled way, so it asks less of you and suits smaller gardens and areas better. In the Green Bubble range we offer the Phyllostachys bamboo, which is one of the running bamboo species and is ideal for creating a hedge in the garden.

How fast does bamboo grow?

Bamboo is generally known for its rapid growth. That does depend on several factors, of course, such as the soil, the watering and the sunlight. Bamboo grows fastest during the growing season, usually in spring and summer. In those periods the shoots can put on height quickly.

What can you use bamboo for?

Bamboo isn't only a beautiful ornamental plant, it's also perfectly suited to creating natural screens and hedges that give you privacy and shelter from the wind. Our value bundles with several plants are ideal for this. We offer these bundles in sets of 5 bamboo plants or 10 bamboo plants.

How do I care for my bamboo plant?

Caring for a bamboo plant is simpler than you might think, but it does take some attention to keep your plant healthy and lush. From watering and feeding to choosing the right spot and keeping growth in check, it helps to know how to keep your bamboo happy, so you can enjoy it for as long as possible.

The best spot for bamboo

Most bamboo species like plenty of sunlight, so put your bamboo somewhere it gets at least four to six hours of direct sun a day. Do bear in mind that the plant also needs more water on hot summer days. Bamboo is flexible and strong, but hard gusts of wind can still damage the canes. Choose a spot that's sheltered from the wind, such as beside a wall, fence or hedge, to protect your bamboo and encourage steady growth. Make sure you have enough room for your bamboo to grow, especially with the running species.

Watering the bamboo plant

Make sure the soil around the bamboo is always slightly moist. Test the moisture regularly by pushing a finger into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. When you water, pour the water straight onto the roots rather than spraying the leaves. Watch out for too much water as well, because that can lead to root rot and other problems. Make sure the pot or the ground has enough drainage holes to carry excess water away. In warm weather or during dry spells you may need to water your bamboo plant more often.

Feeding the bamboo plant

The best moment to feed your bamboo plant is in early spring, just before the growing season starts. Choose a plant food developed specially for ornamental grasses and bamboo. When you feed your bamboo plant, it's important to follow the recommended doses on the packaging. Don't use too much plant food, because that can damage the plant's roots and hold back its growth. Feed your bamboo plant the right way and you'll keep it healthy and strong.

How do I prune my bamboo plant?

Pruning is essential for a healthy bamboo plant. Start by removing dead or diseased canes and thinning out densely grown sections so air can move through better. Check regularly for excessive growth and prune where needed. Keep the shape you want by trimming the tops of the shoots. Use sharp secateurs or a sharp knife for this.

Protecting bamboo from the wind

Protect your bamboo from strong winds by giving it a sheltered spot, such as beside a wall or a fence. Use support canes where needed to stabilise large plants and keep them steady. That keeps the bamboo healthy and strong, even on windy days.

Preventing pests and diseases in the bamboo plant

Every plant can run into pests and diseases, and bamboo is no exception. To prevent these problems, it's important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and make sure the soil drains well. Checking your bamboo regularly for signs of pests or disease, such as discoloured leaves or insects, matters a great deal. If you notice anything suspicious, it's wise to act quickly by removing the affected parts or using a pesticide to deal with the problem. That way you keep your bamboo healthy and tackle pests and diseases effectively.

Order your bamboo plants from Green Bubble

Looking for beautiful bamboo plants for your garden or patio? Green Bubble is the place to be. With our stunning bamboo plants you can create an exotic atmosphere or a natural hedge in your garden straight away. Because we work directly with growers, we can guarantee the freshness and quality of our bamboo plants. Every day we aim to supply our customers with high-grade specimens, so you can enjoy your own green oasis in full glory. Don't fancy a trip to the local garden centre? No problem. We deliver your bamboo plants straight to your home. Order your bamboo plants easily through Green Bubble and turn your garden or patio into a beautiful space!