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How can i make my bamboo happier?

Arzu.loneArzu.lone Posts: 7
in Problem solving
Hello

My bamboo is in a west facing position. Next to a giant laurel. Nothing on the other side as I am redesigning the bed which was covered in a leggy barberry for what it is worth. 

Behind it is the neighbour's privet hedge. In the West Midlands so heavy clay soil. 

My bamboo hasnt grown or spread. A few  leaves are yellowing and dying around the back. 

Does it needs to be in a more open space or in a different sun position? I dont want to it spread, just want it to be happy ans fulfilled. Please help learned gardeners :smile:

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Arzu.lone There is another thread at present that you might be interested in reading 'Long stems on Bamboo'. I realise that it doesn't directly answer your question but some back ground info is always helpful. Do you know the name of your bamboo? Also they do like alot of water. Late spring I pruned back a barberry by a half they are tough might that help?
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    We planted bamboo on the outside of a Leylandii hedge. Different plants. We are on clay soil.
    When you follow some of the threads you may think that you regret having bamboo.
    But if you keep on the top of them you can make sure they stay where you want them
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Different bamboos grow to different sizes.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    They do take a year or two to get established and they do like water. The already established laurel will be taking a lot of what is available.
    Yours looks similar to my Fargesia which dabbles its toes in a stream and is now taller than me, after over 20 years.  New canes only grow in the spring and yours has a couple of new ones that already reach to hedge height. Keep it well watered, especially if it is hot, dry weather and it should have improved growth next year.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited May 2023
    I'd also say that your bamboo looks like a Fargesia.  I have one growing in a similar position near a fence, with my neighbour's 12 foot laurel hedge immediately behind!  It took a couple of years to show any interest in growing but has now grown to a height of about six feet after about five years.  I'd let those new canes develop now but you could also help your plant generate better growth next year by removing any really spindly, damaged or unsightly canes at the base now.  I've just done that to mine. Thinning the canes out gives more space for the better canes to get light and water and improves the natural vase shape of the plant.

    Your soil also looks a little dry so you could help improve water retention by applying a thick mulch of organic material around the base of your plant.  Fargesia is a clumping bamboo and unlikely to create a problem for you.  It also prefers partial shade but will tolerate full sun. It's worth applying a little TLC, you'll be rewarded with a handsome plant!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Arzu.loneArzu.lone Posts: 7
    Thank you all for your fantastic advice. I had a row of bare root hedging on the other side which i tend to and now acknowledge that have neglected watering and caring for the bamboo. I will mulch and keep it watered and show it some well-earnt TLC. Not sure how it has survived with all of the neglect. It has also moved house with us in 2018, 2019 and transferred it from trug to ground last year which could explain its slightly sorry state. Very forgiving plant. 
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