Getting Ready for Winter
The
following information refers to cold hardy runners, mostly Phyllostachys
spcecies. This is mostly what I sell.
Winter is fast approaching. In most cases your bamboo should be fine
without doing anything. However, there are several things you can
do to help cut down on the stress of winter and reduce or eliminate
damage from cold and wind. As the bamboo gets older and better established
it will be able to withstand even colder temperatures.
First, you should mulch your bamboo heavily. This is a good idea in
general as it will both build and improve your soil while adding fertility.A
thick layer of mulch will help prevent the soil from freezing while
maintaining moisture at the same time. I have somtimes had trouble
with voles in ares with a heavy mulch. These mice like critters build
tunnels between the mulch and soil and eat roots and rhizomes. My
observation has been that the benefits of mulching far outweigh the
minor damage of the voles.
Cold air is often very dry and combined with winter winds can rapidly
dehydrate the bamboo, leading to freeze damage. Protecting the bamboo
from these drying winds is another way of reducing damage. Bamboo
planted near a wall or near shrubs that block northern winds will
often suffer less damage than bamboo planted in an open area. You
should check the bamboo often and water when necessary. If you have
bamboo in containers that you plan on leaving outside you should know
that they are much more likely to suffer cold damage as the roots
are more likely to freeze and dry out. You can place the container
in a protected area such as an unheated garage. Just try to give it
as much light as possible and water ocassionally. Don't overdo it,
let the bamboo stay a little dry during the winter. If the bamboo
is too tall to place inside, you might consider digging a hole and
placing the container in the hole with a good mulch over it all. Just
make sure the hole will drain and not drown the bamboo roots. If this
is impractical you can insulate the container in some manner. I've
used hay or leaves heaped up around a container to protect it.
There are anti-dessicants meant for spraying on the leaves to help
slow down the rate at which the plant loses water. I've never used
these but have heard from customers that have used them with good
results. I sometimes mist the leaves of bamboos that appear to be
particulaly dry and stressed. With a little attention and work your
bamboo can withstand colder temperatures with less damage. This will
pay off with more and larger culms and bamboo that holds it's beauty
through the winter.
