Gardener says give bamboo a chance

A garden expert is calling on Britons to give bamboo a chance and not blacklist it from their gardens.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk says the plant has got a bad reputation for spreading and causing havoc in outside spaces.

He claims choosing the right variety and growing it in the right conditions could have countless benefits for gardeners.

Bamboo is often thought of as being one of the most invasive plants but there are varieties gardeners can use which will blend seamlessly into a garden design without spreading.

Chris says choosing clumping bamboo means Brits can enjoy it in their garden without worrying about it taking over and annoying the neighbours.

Clumping bamboo is ideal for domestic gardens, growing just two and a half centimetres a year and reaching a maximum of two metres tall. It has a much shorter root structure and will form circular clumps.

And it carries all the benefits of the more invasive varieties. It’s a good screening plant and will offer privacy in the garden.

It also works in a themed garden or stand alone in a pot on the patio.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk, said: “Bamboo does get a bad press. We’ve all heard the horror stories of it spreading and causing endless problems. The trick is choosing the right variety and growing it in a responsible way.

“Running bamboo is the one that will cause problems – it’s fast growing and invasive. Clumping bamboo is what gardeners need to consider for their outside space.

“It’s less invasive but can still create beautiful plants which offer good screening and privacy in the garden. They’re a good alternative to traditional hedging too.

“There are lots of varieties. Fargesia Robusta is a great option if you’re looking for hardy and attractive plants. Its thicker canes are ideal for screening and it grows slightly taller than other clumping varieties.

“Or consider Fargesia Asian Wonder. Introduced from China, this graceful bamboo has arching canes and beautiful cane colours running from orange, red, crimson and plum through to olive green.”

Chris concluded: “With World Bamboo Day being celebrated this month, now’s the time for Britons to give bamboo a chance, but to do their homework and make sure they’re picking the right clumping plant for them.”