Britain’s ‘Bamboo crisis’ – urgent advice for growing the popular plant

With bamboo being dubbed the new ‘Japanese Knotweed’ as reports of it destroying people’s homes and gardens flood the UK, Brits have been offered advice on what they should and shouldn’t do when planting and growing it at home.

Garden experts from GardeningExpress.co.uk have urged Brits to choose the right bamboo species and grow it in pots and planters where possible to avoid it taking over gardens and becoming a nuisance.

The noughties garden trend has proved increasingly popular over the years as it requires little maintenance.

Bamboo also adds a unique and exotic look to gardens whilst providing an ideal habitat for various wildlife species, with birds, insects, and small mammals using it for shelter and food.

And as one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, it is an excellent choice for quickly creating privacy screens or windbreaks.

However, some varieties spread quickly and can become invasive if not properly contained.

Some parts of Britain are now apparently in a ‘Bamboo crisis’ as misinformed gardeners have unknowingly planted unruly species in their gardens, leaving it to wreak havoc on their own and neighbouring properties.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Bamboo is ideal for garden designs that call for dramatic backdrops, privacy screens, or stand-alone features. You can get black and green varieties and they’re very hardy and low maintenance, which is perfect for Brits that aren’t that green-fingered.

“However, if you’re growing running varieties it’s a good idea to keep them in pots and planters in order to control the growth and spread. It’s as simple as that!

“You should also watch out for pests like aphids and spider mites, and use natural remedies or appropriate pesticides to manage infestations.”

Here is Gardening Express’ advice on how to safely grow bamboo:

1. Choose the right species

Clumping bamboo grows in tight clusters or clumps, with new shoots emerging close to the base of the plant. It is much easier to manage, making it ideal for most gardens. On the other hand,  running bamboo spreads quickly through underground rhizomes, sending up new shoots at a distance from the main plant. This means it can quickly become invasive if not properly contained.

2. Grow in pots and planters

In order to maintain better control of bamboo’s growth and spread, it’s a good idea to plant it in pots and planters. Contained bamboo is typically easier to manage and prune, and it helps in maintaining the desired size and shape of the plant. Bamboo in containers can also be easily relocated to sheltered areas during extreme weather conditions, protecting them from harsh winters or intense summers.

3. Plant at the right time

For best results, you should plant bamboo in spring or early summer. The soil begins to warm up in spring, providing a better environment for root growth.

4. Maintain regularly

Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure healthy and attractive bamboo growth. Newly planted bamboo needs frequent watering until it establishes a strong root system, so make sure to water it thoroughly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

5. Thin it out 

Over time, bamboo clumps can become dense with many canes, leading to overcrowding. Thinning helps reduce this density, ensuring that the remaining canes have enough space to grow properly. It also allows more light and air to reach the interior of the clump, promoting healthier growth and reducing the risk of fungal infections and other issues. Simply look for older, less productive canes that may be yellowing or showing signs of age. These canes often have fewer leaves and are less vigorous. Use sharp pruning tools to cut these canes at ground level. Avoid leaving stubs, as they can be entry points for diseases.