Bamboo

[carolann]

I would like to grow a Bamboo as a hedge, it will be in a south facing garden but open to East and West winds but there is a fence on the East side. I have been to a few GC's and all have said that they will look tatty from wind damage but on some Bamboo seller sites they say that they are wind tolerant, what does this mean? I have contacted a few sites and I am waiting for their replies. Would it help placing a smaller fence on the West side to help deflect the wind a little? Can anyone tell me if there is one which will grow to about 6/7ft and spread down hill quickly I think they call them Running Bamboo because they are invasive. Thanks for any help on this matter.
PS. I would like to get it a little established before the Autumn arrives.

[Plocket]

I really don't know enough about bamboo to be of any assistance, but you could consider contacting Kew Gardens. They have a huge bamboo garden and they might be able to advise you on what bamboos were suitable for your hedge. I've found them very helpful in the past. Just a thought!

[carolann]

Thanks P I never thought of contacting them I will look up there web site and get right on it. Thanks again your a

[Deleted]

Theres two types of Bamboo- Pachymorph and leptomorph. the pachymorph is the clump forming one, creating dense thickets but not being very expansive or invasive. The leptomorph are the runners, the invasive ones- I don't know which of these two would make the best hedge though. There are other considerations:

Bamboos are sensitive to climate. Some prefer shade, some full sun. Pleisoblastus can tolerate shade, Phyllostachys will sulk in cooler spots. Dry climates are not great and none of them really tolerate very strong wind. At Kew, the bamboo does so well because its in a dell in the garden- its quite a sheltered spot. That said, I was in Cornwall this month and saw a lovely clump of the running bamboo Phylllostachys aurea in an exposed garden looking fine- and behind it, giving it some protection was a picket fence. I think though that the extra humidity from being near the coast was probably helping and ultinmately, I'm careful where I plant them- its all down to the micro climate.

[Chuckles]

Found these sites Carolann which might help you

These are all clump forming www.bigplantnursery.co.uk/fargesiabamboos.html

This one actually tells you if they are clump forming or invasive, not many pics though www.duchyofcornwallnursery.co.uk/plantshop_list.asp?ptid=10

Crocus also have some good offers on Bamboo atm but I'm not sure which are the non invasive ones in thier selection.

[JennyWrenn]

I have two; one is a Phyllostachys nigra and in a very windy spot and clay soil. I keep it contained and stop it "travelling" by enclosing the plant with ground matting - had it for about 3 years but I have to be honest and say it looks a little spindly although the canes are very thick and an attractive black

[carolann]

Thanks everyone for all your help. I have not heard from any sites that I have e-mailed about purchasing Bamboo from about what type to get, very rude if you ask me not answering, but not to worry I can alway count on someone on here to steer me in the right direction. Thanks again to you all for your efforts and advice.

[oldmoleskins]

Jul 30, 2008 10:07:22 GMT carolann said:

Thanks everyone for all your help. I have not heard from any sites that I have e-mailed about purchasing Bamboo from about what type to get, very rude if you ask me not answering, but not to worry I can alway count on someone on here to steer me in the right direction. Thanks again to you all for your efforts and advice.

Try Googling norfolk bamboo CA, I saw this specialist nursery at a Plant Lovers Show earlier in the year, and they not only had a bewildering choice of bamboos, they appeared to be endlessly helpful to visitors to their stand. Since you won't actually be buying from them, you might consider starting the 'conversation' with the gambit "there's nothing in this for you, but..."

OM.

ps good response DtheP - do you happen to know how deeply the root-run of the running types are? I might like to try a 'hedge' - would two scaffold boards sunk on edge to their width (9") to form a channel to contain them do you think?

[carolann]

Thanks OM I sent an e-mail to Norfolk and have had a reply, they where very helpful indeed. I also phoned a Company in Derbyshire which is not far from us called Whitelea Nurseries, the gentleman there was very helpful and he gave me almost the same varieties as Norfolk. As a result I have 2 varieties that I like so I just may get both. Thanks again for the Norfolk one.