Planting
Your Bamboo
Before
receiving your bamboo you should have picked out a place to plant. Most
of the larger bamboos will need at least a few hours of direct sun or
filtered sun all day. They may grow in areas without much sun but will
be much slower growing and will be spread out quite a bit. If you can
plant the bamboo near water it will be happiest. This does not mean the
bamboo should be planted in a wet area. Most bamboos do not like wet roots.
If you are in a colder climate and trying a bamboo that is borderline
hardy to your zone, then try to pick a well protected area. On the south
side of a wall or building is an idal spot. Anything to help block the
north wind will help. Of coure you should plan on mulching heavily.
When you receive a new order of bamboo try to plant as soon as possible.
If you are unable to plant as soon as it arrives, cut a slit in the plastic
and paper surrounding the rootball and add some water, a cup or so. Place
the plants in a shaded area until you can plant it. It's not a bad idea
to mist the leaves a few time during the day. When ready to plant, dig
a hole just a little larger than the rootball and place the plant so that
the top of the rootball is even with the top of the hole (groundlevel).Some
nurseries suggest digging a hole much larger than the rootball. This is
not necessary. A better method is to take a pick and break up the sides
of the hole allowing openings for the roots or rhizomes to spread out.
Backfill with the soil removed from the hole or any good top soil. Water
thoroughly after backfilling. I like to leave a dish shaped
depression around the plant to make watering easier. I also like
to mulch with leaves or straw in order to keep the plant from drying out.
It is very important to keep the plant watered for the first few weeks
but don't over do it! More plants have been harmed or killed from over
watering than from underwatering. Let the ground dry out a little between
waterings. You may need to water regularly the first year, depending on
your climate and soil, and how much sun or wind exposure the plant receives.
After the bamboo has been in the ground for a few months you will rarely
need to water except during drought conditions. However, providing plenty
of water wil help speed up the growth of your bamboo.
In the spring
use a general purpose fertilizer (after plant is well established) such
as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. Even better is a layer of rotted manure. I have
used both with good results. Leaf or hay mulch will both protect the plant
from the cold and from drying out. This will also keep weeds under control
and help enrich the soil as it decomposes. A healthy, well fed bamboo
is the best protection against pest and disease.
In general
the hardy bamboos are pretty tough and will grow in most soils and locations.
Most prefer a good bit of sun but several will grow in almost total
shade. For my larger bamboos I try to pick
a location where they will get lots of sun but I've planted a few in much
more shaded areas. Those in the shade grow slower and seem to spread out
more between culms. The ideal location would be lots of sun, beside water.
(Creek, pond, lake.) Bamboos like water but don't
like to get their feet wet. Most won't survive if planted in an area that
stays wet most of the time.(Although they will thrive next to such an
area.) Many of the smaller bamboos grow
well in a partially shaded area but some prefer full sun. If I have the
choice I try to plant where they will receive morning sun but be protected
from evening sun. My bamboos also thrive on hill sides as well as valleys
and level ground.
If you plan
to grow your bamboo indoors keep in mind that it prefers the higher ambient
moisture levels found outdoors. It's a good idea to mist the leaves of
indoor bamboo and place in an area that gets lots of light. We often get
request for bamboo to grow indoors. In response to this we have page
offering suggestions on species and detailed information on growing
bamboo indoors. If you still have questons, email
me (or call me at 205-283-5638) and I'll be glad to make some suggestions.
On a final note, I just want to remind you that how fast your bamboo grows
and spreads depends a great deal on you. If you will fertilize regularly,
water during dry spells, and mulch heavily all year, you will be rewarded
with much faster growth and healthier plants.
