What are the best bamboo plants for Queensland?
The best screening bamboo plants for Queensland is Gracilis bamboo, also known as ‘Slender Weaver’ bamboo, and Goldstripe bamboo. As a hedging plant, Malay Dwarf Variegated is also a great option for bamboo in Brisbane, growing up to 4 meters in ground and staying beautifully bushy with foliage to the ground. This bamboo provides a privacy screen like no other.
Where do bamboo plants grow best?
Bamboo plants grow best in native tropical and sub-tropical environments, with humid air and moist soil. A hardy plant bamboo is generally happy if it is getting sufficient water and the soil drains well. Bamboo does well as an outdoor, in ground plant, but can also thrive indoors if well looked after.
Do bamboo plants regrow when cut?
Bamboo plants do regrow when cut, and often cutting or trimming bamboo can help it bush out and throw up thinner culms. It’s important to note that, if you are cutting bamboo plants much shorter, you maintain some foliage as this is vital for plant growth. With each culm, aim to cut it just above a node – about and inch – and be sure to keep up watering and seasonal fertilizing.
What is the best bamboo plant to block out neighbours?
The best bamboo to block out your neighbours is one that can quickly and easily reach the desired height and offer enough density to block out prying eyes – and noise! Gracilis is a popular bamboo plant for blocking out neighbours, planted along a fence for privacy or a better view from gardens.
What is the easiest bamboo to grow?
The easiest bamboo plants to grow are ones that are right for your space. If you have a narrow planting area, opt for bamboo plants like Gold Stripe or Boniopsis. If you want height, and your planting area has more depth, Gracilis is a great option, as is Old Hamii – particularly if you want real height.
Typically, a hole of 400-500mm wide and deep is sufficient – depending on the plant size when you purchase it – and planting a meter apart and away from other plants is the best way to avoid competition for nutrients in the soil.
Bamboo plants in pots can also grow relatively easily. Take a look at this guide for growing bamboo in pots to learn more.
What to look for when buying bamboo?
When buying bamboo, here are some things to look for and consider:
- Temperature: Look for bamboo that will do well in your local climate. Cold temperatures can cause leaf burn and loss of leaves, but there are options that may work. Warmer temperatures may result in needing to water more frequently.
- Plant bed depth: If the plants are going in the ground, you will need to plant them at least 1 meter apart, and in holes of 400-500mm deep and wide, depending on the pot size on purchase. As a rule of thumb, even for smaller plants, this is a good hole size as you can back fill the hole with fresh healthy soil.
- Drainage: It’s a good idea to test out the soil drainage when you’re digging your holes. Bamboo likes well draining soil. Here’s how to test your drainage – fill your hole with water, and see if, and how quickly it drains. This will tell you if your bamboo plant will be sitting in water and be at risk of root rot. Once done, fill it again – this means the soil around the plant will be moist and not zap up all the water you try to give your plant when it goes in the ground.
- Suitability: If you’re looking for screening, look at Gracilis or Gold Stripe. They’re quick growing bamboo plants that provide a great privacy screen. If you want a hedge, look for hedging plants specifically – give your plants the best possible opportunity to impress you by choosing the right ones.
- Access to water: Once in ground, your bamboo plants will need 30 seconds to one minute on the hose each day, really penetrating the root ball. If you don’t have a hose or tap nearby, or the option of irrigation, consider how you will water your plants.
Have questions about bamboo plants?
