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Bamboo

flowersforbeesflowersforbees Posts: 221
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Hi - I need to know if bamboo is nature friendly in the UK - having no pandas

around here I'm not sure if it's really ethical to plant bamboo?!!

 

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  • flowersforbeesflowersforbees Posts: 221

    Thanks Verdun I will look into miscanthus.  I was a bit worried about the

    bamboo being invasive, it was just a neighbour suggested it might be useful.

    I don't want an actual hedge, but just a screen. image

  • 4thPanda4thPanda Posts: 4,145

    There are some Pandas around image image

  • AladdinAladdin Posts: 10
    I have some bamboo's growing in big pots but they do tend to be a bit droopy and hang forward rather than screening...as i really wanted. Don't trust them not to spread even if they say clump forming...mine are and still try to escape their pots.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 26,989

    Are you definitely looking for a grassy screen ffb?  I'd go along with the 'not bamboo' lobby.

    You can  get some from the Chinese supermarket if 4thPanda comes to lunch

    How high do you want the screening?



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Dave MorganDave Morgan Posts: 3,123

    I have a clump forming bamboo, which I have placed as a screen and its very effective.

    I use nasturtium seeds and clematis to grow through them in summer for pollinators, and give extra colour.

    You can get bamboo which you can use as a screen. Containing the roots is fairly simple by buying a bamboo control system. It's easy to fit, but if you are going for bamboo, fit the control system before planting, it's easier than doing it after.

    Bamboo is shallow rooted so the control system does keep them in check.

    I know some don't like them, but there are a good number of useful bugs among the root systems and good leaf cover for overwintering insects.

    Just pick the right type of bamboo. 

     http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.Bamboo-control-system/sort.0/

     

  • Tropical SamTropical Sam Posts: 1,488

    Fargesia bamboo do not run and you do not need bamboo rhizome barriers for them, so no need to buy that. I have aseveral different types of bamboo and Fargesia are very compact, have created a screen quickly and going by the Frogs, Toads and insects that I have found around mine, nature has adapted to them. They quickly form a mulch around themselves as well.

    http://scottishbamboo.com/search.htm?search=fargesia&action2=GO

    Do not bother with them in pots as you will not be able to water them enough and every time you have high winds they will fall over.

  • AladdinAladdin Posts: 10
    Its strange how individual experiences vary. I have never had a problem with watering or them blowing over in pots...perhaps because i use large heavy pots, i don't know. I have certainly found the clump forming bamboo to eventually fill the pots completely and even crack one around a couple of feet wide, which may well be just natural spreading, though i would agree that Fargesia is not as vigorous as some i have tried.

    One advantage i have found from growing in pots, is they can be moved to a sheltered place in winter. They are surprisingly hardy in most cases, however, i have found they do tend to go brown on the leaf tips if left in a windy situation.
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