Bamboo plants: the best variety for every type of garden

Which bamboo is non-invasive in the UK?

Always buy a clumper, never a runner. Of the hardy types, the good old Fargesia species are mostly clumping (non-spreading) and the most widely available; however, there are other forms that behave themselves, including Borinda, Chusquea, and Thamnocalamus.

Can you stop bamboo from spreading?

Of the spreading forms, the most widely available is Phyllostachys, and each species and variety of Phyllostachys differs in its spreading nature. The site and climate they are planted in will affect how these running (invasive) types behave: in cold regions, they often remain compact; however, the hotter summers that climate change is bringing us mean that they have more oomph and can be a nightmare in milder areas. The standard advice is to contain them with a barrier, but since a barrier will hinder a plant, protrude above the soil, and may need replacing over time, it’s arguably better to buy a non-invasive form that’s the right size and temperament for your garden. If you do want to buy a spreading form because some of them are beautiful, check with your supplier that you are buying a type that is readily controlled with a barrier, such as Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis or P. aureosulcata f. aureocaulis. These less enthusiastic running forms can be contained by inserting a bamboo barrier. But be warned that barmier bamboos (such as Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda) will hop over a barrier and surge into the rest of your garden.

Fargesia Rufaemer1940

What is the safest bamboo to grow?

Overall star

Dragon head bamboo (Fargesia rufa, which reaches 2.5 metres) is a beautiful, leafy emerald bamboo with an arching habit. In its native China, it is one of the favourite foods of the giant panda, and in the UK, it is perhaps the best non-invasive bamboo for most small gardens. As well as being clumping (non-spreading), it tolerates a variety of conditions, including drought, wind, and even dry shade; it responds well to clipping, if you want a short bamboo hedge; and it is excellent in a container.

Compact

An even smaller gem is Shibataea kumasaca, which grows to 1-metre tall. In its native Japan, it is widely used for clipping into low hedges. Grow it in neutral to acid soil or ericaceous compost in a pot.

Drought-tolerant

Fargesia robusta (5 metres) is one of the best non-invasive hardy bamboos and fares exceptionally well in periods of drought. It provides great privacy, maturing into a vertical dense mass of green canes (that are sheathed with white early in the season) and a cloud of light-green leaves. Its cousin Fargesia nitida is also resilient in dry weather.

For shade

Charming and non-invasive, Thamnocalamus crassinodus ‘Kew Beauty’ (4m) has blue culms that gradually take on cinnamon tints. It dislikes drought and excess heat, so plant in light shade. Fargesia angustissima and Fargesia nitida also relish light shade or dappled shade.

For cold regions

The non-spreading Fargesia bamboos fare well in cold areas, especially F. rufa, F. nitida, and F. robusta.

For screening and hedging

Both Fargesia rufa and F. robusta are non-spreading and clip well into hedging; pick the latter for a taller hedge. Another gem for very cold gardens is F. frigida, which has rounded, dense growth that screens well. Borinda perlonga is gargantuan, but non-spreading once it’s reached its maximum girth and makes a great screen.

For colourful canes

Semiarundinaria yashadake f. kimmei produces a mass of slender, bare golden canes beneath high-sprouting leaves. It is vigorous (to 4 metres), but clumping. The Chinese fountain bamboo, Fargesia nitida (3m) boasts grey and purple-black culms and tolerates drought, heat, cold, and shade. While good red forms include Fargesia scabrida (syn. ‘Asian Wonder’) and Fargesia Red Panda.

For size and impact

If you have a large garden and want height and width, it is still sensible to opt for a clumping form, albeit selecting one of the bigger ones. The foxtail bamboo (Chusquea culeou) has distinctive bushy spires of olive-green foliage that grow upright to 4 metres or more, depending on which form you buy; Chusquea gigantea is also superb, although rarely available. The blue dragon bamboos (Borinda macclureana and Borinda papyrifera) send up silver-blue canes that can soar to 7 to 10 metres and spread to 4 metres wide, but will not invade the rest of the garden. Be warned that because some of these bamboos are very slow to propagate, they can be expensive.

How to plant bamboo

Most bamboos can be planted in sheltered sun or semi-shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil, but some have specific requirements, so check with your supplier. Borinda papyrifera and Fargesia nitida, for example, prefer light shade, while Phyllostachys nigra and Semiarundinaria fastuosa like full sun. Do not overly dig the soil before planting; rather gently fork the hole and add some peat-free compost.

Can you grow bamboo in a pot?

Yes, many bamboos thrive in containers, and it can be the best way to enjoy the spreading (invasive) forms. Use a mix of loam-based (John Innes No 3) and multi-purpose compost. If planting in autumn, provide the plant with some winter protection (such as fleece); if planting in spring, water regularly in summer drought and heat.