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Bamboos

Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713
in Plants

If most bamboos grow fairly quickly, spreading easily, why are they so expensive to buy?

Which are the best, evergreen, fairly quick growing types to buy for a shady, damp position?

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  • a1154a1154 Posts: 1,046

    Hmm im not sure they are expensive really. an evergreen tropical looking fast spreader is sasa palmata. Sounds an ideal position for it, it will romp. I have it in a more challenging position (a bit dry and windy) but its doing ok. You should pay £15-£25 depending on size. 

    I suspect most people wouldn't plant this due to its invasiveness though. 

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 13,282

    I planted Sasa palmate many years ago, in a wilderness area at the back of the pond.

    I have spent the last 15 years trying to tame it.

    There are ashtrays of emulsion,
    for the fag ends of the aristocracy.

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713

    It is a plant that I am toying with planting, nothing is final yet, but I like the idea of a plant that will hide bits of the garden paraphernalia that I would rather not see, dustbins, old pots & pond pumps etc. I am hoping to get to the GC this w/end to see what they have in stock and the cost too.

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 28,852

    Judicious trellis panels and a clematis or rose GD!  Much better behaved.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • a1154a1154 Posts: 1,046

    They dont have much bamboo in my GC, though yours may well be better, have a look online. I have used scottishbamboo.com though you wont need our level of hardiness, the pics and descriptions are good. 

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,366

    I'd go with Obelixx's suggestion. Much nicer to look at, and no fear of having to prevent them taking over the world either  image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713

    Thanks for all the advice and the lovely pictures of your Japanese garden Philippa which is delightful and looks to be mainly evergreen which is what I am striving for in a very amateurish way.

    Yes, I am hoping to get another Montana clematis this year, but also a bamboo if it feels like the right plant for that area.  I should know more in a few weeks once the pond liner has been cut - then we can see just how much room there is for this in Verdun's words "thug" of a bamboo. It's early days yet, but my mind is trying to visualize how various plants will look in certain places.

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,366

    GD - if you decide to go for the bamboo, and I know you're doing a lot of constructing at present  - you could always consider making a purpose built 'bed' for it with a barrier of blockwork under the soil surface, or paving slabs set in the ground vertically. That way, you can give it room, but prevent it going mad and giving you a headache in the future!

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Guernsey Donkey2Guernsey Donkey2 Posts: 6,713

    I have got a large old Safeway plastic tub, about 12 " deep by 18 " long, would that be sufficient for the bamboo plant?

    The blockwork idea is also possible with some help from the guys.

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