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Bamboo.. I think I’ve messed up.

tomcr1981tomcr1981 Posts: 51
in Problem solving
Hi, I planted bamboo last year and took great care with a roof barrier. I love bamboo but it had become a wild bush. I was told to wait until the new shoots had come through to prune it right back to the canes, removing small ones. I left from foliage at the top for privacy. I’m not sure it looks right, like it’s got really big hair. Not sure what I should do with it now… would love some advice, I do like seeing the canes though.

Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Hmmm, perhaps you've been a bit too enthusiastic with your pruning!  But there are two good things, you still have a green screen extending your fence height and you can now appreciate the colour and markings on the canes more fully!  I do what you have done every year but I only remove the foliage to about a third or half the height of the cane.  You were right to remove the weaker canes - the canes emerge at the width at which they will continue to grow and won't get any thicker.  Unfortunately the lower foliage you have removed will not regrow.  Just enjoy the canes this year and be a little less enthusiastic with next year's pruning.  Next year's canes with less pruning will create a more natural blend with this year's canes.  Don't worry, we all make mistakes in the garden and many are not permanent!  (As a temporary measure you could perhaps place some terracotta pots planted with complimentary grasses between the clumps to  create a visual anchor to this year's display - I'd use only one grass to mimic the repetition of the bamboo.)  Hope this helps.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • tomcr1981tomcr1981 Posts: 51
    Helps very much !! Looking back I was waaaayyyy to enthusiastic 🤩 
    thanks for the advice. Do you only get new growth in spring/summer ?
    think I was hoping for something miraculous and some new growth.
    at least I’ll have my lesson every time I look out that back !! Should teach me.
    I’ll do as you say and try and dress it ( make it look deliberate 😂)
    thank you !!!
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Yes, bamboo sends up new shoots in spring/early summer.  This link has some really good information on growing bamboo - it's from a grower in the US but the information is valid in UK gardens: How does bamboo grow? – Lewis Bamboo
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    If you painted the fence a dark colour (to match the door frames, for example) the canes will stand out and it will look like you did this on purpose!
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • tomcr1981tomcr1981 Posts: 51
    Wow looks a fascinating read, thanks so much. How amazing is it !!! 
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