The bamboo in my garden: is it a good idea?

When designing your green space, you may hesitate to include bamboos. This family of plants offers a wide range of intriguing varieties that bring various benefits and a touch of exotism to your garden. Despite their notoriety for their fast and invasive growth, there are also non-invasive types of bamboos that can be used safely. In this article, we will explore the world of bamboo, the different existing varieties and discuss whether it’s a good idea to plant them in your garden.

The different varieties of bamboos

The term “bamboo” refers to more than a thousand species belonging to the Poaceae family. Bamboos are traditionally classified into two main categories: running bamboos and clumping bamboos.

Running Bamboos

Running bamboos, also called rhizomatous bamboos, are characterized by their underground rhizomes that grow horizontally and rapidly. These rhizomes allow the plant to quickly colonize large areas, making them potentially invasive. Among these species, we can mention Phyllostachys aurea and Pseudosasa japonica.

Non-spreading Bamboos

The non-running bamboos, or clump bamboos, have rhizomes that grow in clumps and do not spread too far. They are therefore less likely to spread uncontrollably in the garden. Among these species, we can cite Fargesia rufa or nitida.

Planting bamboos: a good idea for my garden?

Bamboos can offer several benefits to your garden:

• Strength and hardiness: Most bamboo varieties are resistant to cold temperatures and require little maintenance.
• Rapid growth: Bamboos are known for their very fast growth, which can be an asset if you are looking to quickly establish a plant screen or a hedge.
• Diversity of uses: Depending on the variety chosen, bamboos can be used as screens, hedges, backdrops for other plants, or even to create decorative structures in the garden.
• Aesthetic aspect: Bamboo unquestionably brings an exotic touch to the garden, thanks to its stems, called canes or culms, and its persistent foliage.
• Promote biodiversity: Certain species of bamboo attract beneficial birds and insects to the garden.

But beware, planting bamboos in your garden can have certain disadvantages, including:

• Invasive potential: As previously mentioned, the species of running bamboos can quickly become invasive. It is therefore necessary to carefully choose the variety and establish anti-rhizome barriers to prevent them from spreading too much.
• Water demand: Some species of bamboo are water-hungry, so you should ensure they are well irrigated in case the garden is not sufficiently watered by rain.
• Aggressive roots: The roots, or rhizomes, of some bamboo varieties can cause damage to structures in your garden, such as slabs or walls.

How to plant and prune bamboos?

Here are some tips for planting bamboo:

1. Choosing the appropriate variety: Opt for non-tracing varieties if you want to prevent the bamboos from becoming invasive. You can also select species that exhibit a particular color or size to align with the desired effect.
2. Prepare the soil: Bamboos prefer humus-rich, drained and slightly acidic soils. If necessary, improve the soil with compost or organic amendment.
3. Install anti-rhizome barriers: If you plant running bamboos, consider installing an anti-rhizome barrier to limit their spread.
4. Space between the plants: Maintain a spacing of 80 cm to 1 meter between each bamboo plant. This will also depend on the desired final size and the chosen species.
5. Mulching: To conserve soil moisture, it is recommended to apply a mulch of at least 5 cm thickness after planting.

To keep your bamboo plants healthy and prevent them from becoming too invasive, it is also important to trim them regularly. Trimming is usually done in autumn or winter:

1. Eliminate old stubble: Cut the oldest stems (those over three years old) flush with the ground to promote renewal and make room for new growth.
2. Reduce the height: If you want to limit the height of the bamboos, make a clean cut at the desired height. Bamboos do not regrow from the cut, unlike some trees or shrubs.
3. Aerate the clump: Remove some canes in the densest areas to prevent the bamboos from becoming too bushy and let less light through.
4. Control the rhizomes: Remember to regularly monitor the expansion of the rhizomes, especially if you have planted running bamboos. The rhizomes generally grow on the surface, so it is easy to spot and cut them if necessary.

In short, bamboo can be an excellent idea for your garden if you choose the right variety and take care to properly manage its implantation and growth. Follow our advice to fully enjoy these original plants and bring an exotic and lush touch to your outdoor space.