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Running or clumping bamboo?

uropcardiff0mb0AKkeuropcardiff0mb0AKke Posts: 4
in Plants
Can any expert gardening folk help me to identify the type of bamboo this is?
It's extensive and in the garden of a property we are looking to purchase.
Thank you!

Posts

  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    I don't know the name, someone will come along and tell you, but I can say that it's very invasive and difficult to get rid of. A friend has it in her garden, just a smallish clump, and she's tried digging it burning it and it's still coming back. Weedkiller did no good whatsoever. 
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think that might be a miscanthus rather than bamboo, but someone else will confirm or correct me.  :)
    If it's bamboo, it's not impossible to get rid of, but it takes a bit of effort. Even the clumping ones can still become invasive over time, so if the garden's not massive, it can be a problem.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Bamboo.  I'm not sure which type but looks similar to the "basic" one which grew along the canyons near my property in Spain.
    Looking at the spread, you will have a job on your hands to remove it completely.  From your photos, it looks as if the owner has perhaps tried cutting it back in places but hasn't removed the roots at all.
    I'd certainly take into consideration the work/expense involved in removal when considering the asking price of the property.
  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    I think @uropcardiff0mb0AKke will get quite a shock when faced with the root system. It's like concrete and tightly massed. My aforementioned friend (who is a very knowledgeable gardener) has even considered getting a little digger in to get it out. 
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    edited February 2022
    Looks like pseudosasa japonica.
    We have a huge clump and yes you do have to keep an eye out for the runners as they go underneath the slabs and pop up in the cracks. Cutting back does weaken the growth.
    Common name Japanese arrow bamboo.
    Useless for canes!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think that's what threw me a bit @bertrand-mabel. I couldn't identify any canes well enough.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • uropcardiff0mb0AKkeuropcardiff0mb0AKke Posts: 4
    Thanks for all your replies. Just to update you all it is phyllostachys, a type of running bamboo :(
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Good luck with it if you go ahead with the house purchase. It won't be easy  :/
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • uropcardiff0mb0AKkeuropcardiff0mb0AKke Posts: 4
    Thank you 
    it’s also 130 sq metres of it, in neighbours gardens, etc. Had no idea of the scale of it when we viewed :( So hacked off!
    both removal quotes come in at 15k
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think I'd be looking elsewhere house-wise. Even if I was thirty years younger, I wouldn't fancy tackling that. 
    This is exactly the problem with bamboo, if it isn't correctly planted and maintained.
    It always fills me with dread when people gaily suggest it on the forum as the perfect solution for all sorts of situations.
    I'm afraid - it just isn't  :/
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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