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Bamboo types

ColinAColinA Posts: 392
I am considering planting some Bamboo plants to screen a fence for privacy, I understand that clumping varieties are best to stop spread but what varieties are best for 2.5 mtr height, also which growers/suppliers are best for quality and price
Regards

Posts

  • Fargesia rufa would be a good fit, I think.
  • ColinAColinA Posts: 392
    THANKS FOR THE INFO
  • We love bamboos but know that they can be very invasive.
    You really need to check which plant you want and what it will grown into.
    I know that sounds strange but non invasive doesn't mean it is.
    We have many bamboos that we have had to curtail with membranes etc....and they still get underneath.
    You will have to keep checking for new growths where you don't expect.
    Still we love bamboos but have to keep checking on them
  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    I recommend that you do your research thoroughly ColinA because once they get a hold there's no stopping them and if it went under the fence your neighbour might not be pleased. A friend set fire to hers but still it didn't get rid and she's now thinking of getting  man with a digger to get it out. 
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Hi there, I'm a big fan of bamboo but, as @bertrand-mabel and @Uff have said, you do have to be careful.  I have used several Phyllostachys varieties to good effect, reaching the height you describe in a couple of seasons.  Although it is classified as non clump forming, I have found it well behaved in my shallow, sandy soil.  However, there's no guarantee that it won't "take off" once it gets fully established. 

    Most reputable suppliers recommend using a root barrier when planting bamboo to contain their spread. I have bought plants from this supplier which were of good quality and height: Bamboo - Big Plant Nursery

    This is also a very useful site which explains how bamboo grows - it will help you decide whether it's the right choice for you: How does bamboo grow? – Lewis Bamboo 
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I agree with @Uff and @bertrand-mabel - in theory the clump forming types are well behaved, but in the right conditions, they can still become troublesome, for want of a better word.
    In grass it's easier, as regular mowing round them will help keep them in check, but otherwise a purpose built container is the best route, with a proper, and sturdy,  physical root barrier in place. That's especially important if they're against a boundary with a neighbour. 

    There are lots of better plants than bamboo for the situation IMO.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ColinAColinA Posts: 392
    Thank you all for the comments --very helpful
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