Care Planting in ground
Planting bamboo in the ground - needs a little planning
To grow a Running type bamboo, please review our 'escape proof' bamboo page.
Right here we focus on Clumping bamboo.
Some species stay quite small, others get really big. Let's separate them into small, medium and large.
Small Clumping Bamboo (1 - 2 metres)
These need no help to stay where you plant them.
Medium Clumping Bamboo (3 - 8 metres tall)
To isolate the bamboo say, from a boundary or pathway, position HDPE Rhizome Barrier, hard up against the bamboo.
1. Dig planting hole and position bamboo as far from boundary as suitable.
2. Position barrier next to bamboo.
3. Backfill.
Medium clumpers can form a clump 1.5 metres (5') across after a few years. Manage the clump at this time by removing the old culms (with a set of lopers), Clean out the old growth in the centre which is where it all started. And around the edges as required.
Large Clumping Bamboo (12 metres plus)
The large clumping species are very strong underground. The rhizome can crack a brick wall. So, don’t plant any closer than 2 metres (6’), to a masonry structure.
HDPE Rhizome Barrier (600 mm deep), positioned right next to the bamboo can restrict its growth. Even so, don’t plant closer than 1.5 metre (5’), to masonary footings.
Reinforced concrete, 60 mm (2 1/4”) minimum, is the way to isolate large clumping bamboo.
Now, planting bamboo in three steps Get your hands dirty
Step 1
Think about drainage
Poor drainage can kill bamboo
Instead of planting into clay or hard soil, make a big mound of good soil mixed with compost, and plant your bamboo on top of the existing soil. After it has become established it will grow into the clay and access those minerals.
Be attentive.
Keep roots and leaves moist, and shade your bamboo. Especially on hot days, windy days. If it must be waiting in the sun for you, stand it up to prevent the culms from overheating. This happens quickly.
Still thinking
Nearby plants will compete with your new bamboo. They pump water from the soil. Think about incorporating a water retainer to give your baby the edge.
Step 2
NOW, dig a hole bigger than the bamboo root ball.
Mix in a cup of dolomite this will attract worms, plus a few inches of your good soil/compost.
Gently place the bamboo in the hole. Plant a little deeper than the surrounding soil, this will support the plant a bit more.
Step 3
Finish it right
Backfill with friable soil, add some little compost but don’t include soluble fertiliser or manure because it may burn the roots.
When backfilling the point is to minimise air pockets, the root ball should be in intimate contact with the surrounding soil. Carefully tamp in the soil taking care not to damage roots or buds.
While tamping hose add water to form a slurry. That'll fill the voids. Now you can top dress with fertiliser, compost and other organic goodies. Form a trench in the new soil right around the bamboo, to contain water. Water in well. And also the next day.
Not finished yet my son
Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds. In windy conditions or where the new plant can be knocked, support it with stakes either side and link with twine.
Bamboo loves organic fertiliser (don’t we all). However, organics don’t have much potassium and bamboo needs it, so an occasional dressing with a complete fertiliser will provide this element. Fertiliser for bamboo: N:10. P:5. K:5. Add trace elements once a year.
Let me expand on the magic of mulch
Bare soil dries out quickly. That same soil covered with 100 mm of mulch maintains its moisture.Worms crawl about on what once was the surface and is now dark and cool and under colonisation by millions of beneficial organisms. Plant roots can come right into the mulch, breaking it down. Soon fallen bamboo leaves will create a self renewing mulch.
You can go now.