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Bamboo spacing

shajaat123NPe5wtMQshajaat123NPe5wtMQ Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi everyone. I'm using some fargesia robusta campbell bamboo as a screening solution for a little privacy. Before I get digging, I'd like the opinion of the good folks on here to tell me I'm doing it correctly. 
Here's a picture of the area I speak of. 

1st pic is the spacing and area I'm planning on planting the bamboos (there's 3, the one in the back is in the shade). 

2nd picture is the area I'd like screened (ignore the plant already in place, I've moved that to another location). 




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Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Those are nice healthy plants you have there!  This bamboo can grow up to 1.5m in width and up to 4m high.  To ensure a good screen as quickly as possible, personally I would plant bamboo of that current size about 1m apart.  If you're more patient, space them at 1.5m apart.

    Another consideration is access for maintaining and pruning the bamboo each year.  The space behind your shed looks a bit tight.  If it's less than 1.5m wide, you're going to struggle with watering and maintenance as the plants expand so you might want to think about this.

    There's some useful information on this link: Fargesia Robusta 'Campbell' - Bamboo | Hedgeplants Heijnen | Hedgeplants-heijnen.co.uk

    I hope this helps and Welcome to the forum!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • shajaat123NPe5wtMQshajaat123NPe5wtMQ Posts: 4
    Thanks for your reply. So do you think 2 would be more suitable rather than 3?.

    Also, how shall I water the bamboo before planting them? 

    Thank you
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @shajaat123NPe5wtMQ Can you still plunge the pot in a bucket and water until the compost is covered?You should get some air bubbles coming up ,leave for a good half an hour. Not sure it is a good idea to plant out in the garden at present.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • KT53KT53 Posts: 9,016
    How are you planning to control growth?  Although it's non-invasive it can form very large clumps.  The one in my garden is now about 8 feet across.
  • shajaat123NPe5wtMQshajaat123NPe5wtMQ Posts: 4
    KT53 said:
    How are you planning to control growth?  Although it's non-invasive it can form very large clumps.  The one in my garden is now about 8 feet across.
    I was under the assumption I didn't need to and I'd be ok to plant them straight into the ground... There's nothing even remotely nearby apart from the shed.
  • shajaat123NPe5wtMQshajaat123NPe5wtMQ Posts: 4
    GardenerSuze said:
    @shajaat123NPe5wtMQ Can you still plunge the pot in a bucket and water until the compost is covered?You should get some air bubbles coming up ,leave for a good half an hour. Not sure it is a good idea to plant out in the garden at present.
    Why do you say that? Am I better off leaving them in a pot for now? 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @shajaat123NPe5wtMQ I purchased and planted a fargesia in the spring. It has been difficult to keep it alive in the ground it has taken 8 gallons every other day since planting. At some points it has looked grim..   In a pot you have some control especially if you do as mentioned. Spring is the best time to plant so now we are in a drought situation it is difficult to offer advice that takes into consideration the weather over the next few months.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    If you plant behind the shed you’ll need to keep the clump under control by pruning any excess canes back to ground level each year.  This won’t be necessary for the first two or three years in my experience with Fargesia varieties.  I think @GardenerSuze was concerned about the hot spell.  As long as you can keep your plants well watered you can safely plant now as cooler weather will follow shortly.  Although there are no other plants present, the proximity to the fence and shed will limit the availability of rainfall as the plants will be in a bit of a rain shadow.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I wrote my previous post without seeing yours @GardenerSuze, so I'm sorry not to have considered your thoughts before writing!

    It's a bit tricky with newly purchased bamboo in pots. They have often been in those small pots for a long time with very little compost to retain water and nutrients.  Personally I would plant in the ground now @shajaat123NPe5wtMQ to ensure that the roots have a chance to establish and grow before the plants become dormant in autumn, taking advantage of being liberated into freshly prepared soil with additional compost or manure added.  It is vital that the plants are kept well watered, with the soil being moist but not waterlogged.

    Alternatively if drought is forecast to be a problem in the area where you live, consider putting your plants in larger pots with fresh compost to tide them over until spring.  If you do this, use a soil based compost like John Innes no 3 which is more suitable for bamboo in pots, available in garden centres and DIY stores.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Plantminded Thank you I had hoped you might be able to help as you helped me in the Spring with my bamboo. It is going to be increasingly difficult offering advice when we really have no idea regarding the seasons and the weather.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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