Do you want to plant bamboo in your garden? Then you may have heard of the terms 'spreading' and 'non-spreading'. What do these terms actually mean? And why is it important to plant the right bamboo in your garden? You can read all about it here.
First of all, it is a good time to emphasize what a beautiful and versatile plant species bamboo is. Bamboo brings privacy, an oriental atmosphere and the soft rustling of the leaves in the wind also provides a calming effect. Many bamboo species also remain green all year round, so that you also have a beautiful, full garden in the winter.
The problem
Lots of people who rampant bamboo in their garden, were in for an unpleasant surprise. These species, such as Phyllostachys, grow with long, underground root runners (rhizomes) that can travel meters underground. This causes the bamboo to suddenly appear in places where you don't want it, such as at the neighbors, between paving stones or in the middle of your lawn.
Problems with rampant bamboo:
- Uncontrollable expansion: The roots can develop metres further, even under fences or paving.
- Difficult removal: Digging out the roots is a huge job and can take years.
- Angry neighbors: Bamboo suddenly appearing in the neighbor's yard can cause irritation.
- Damage to paving or ponds: The strong roots can push up tiles or damage pond liners.
The solution
Fortunately, there are other types of bamboo available: all the types you see on FloraStore.com are non-spreading bamboo, also called clumping bamboo. This is a type of bamboo that does not produce long underground root runners. As a result, it does not spread aggressively in the garden, unlike rampant bamboo species that can quickly overgrow other plants and are difficult to control.
Characteristics of non-spreading bamboo:
- Predictable growth: Forms neat clumps and does not spread underground.
- Easy to maintain: No root barrier required, as with rampant species.
- Suitable for small gardens: Stays neatly in place without unwanted spreading.
- Winter hardiness: Most species can withstand cold well.
Examples of non-spreading bamboo:
- Fargesia rufa – Compact growth, suitable for hedges.
- Fargesia robusta – Fast growing, dense bamboo, ideal as a windbreak.
- Fargesia nitida – Slender, elegant bamboo with graceful arching stems.
- Fargesia scabrida – Striking colour combination with purple-red stems and green leaves.
- Fargesia papyrifera – Blueish frosted stems, gives a unique, exotic appearance.
These bamboo species are ideal for gardens and patios, as they do not grow aggressively and do not require a deep root barrier. Do you want a beautiful, low-maintenance bamboo without the risk of overgrowth? Then a non-invasive Fargesia is an excellent choice!
View our bamboo collection here!
