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Repotting Bamboo
emma lou
Posts: 170
I have 3 largish pots which are displaying some lovely clumping bamboo on some decking at the moment but they are outgrowing the pot. I now realise the best time to do this is Spring time, however they really have got big. I was going to split them into quarters and repot them somewhere else in the garden. I think even though they are clumping bamboo (I think) the roots are still prone to spreading quite rapidly. One website recommends using some lining before putting bamboo in the ground and overlap it by a foot. Does this really help the roots from spreading too much and does anyone know what lining this is please? Can I also get away with repotting them now or not?
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Hi Emma - this is the problem with some of the bamboos. Not sure how long you've had them, but if it was a clumping type, I doubt they'd be outgrowing your pots quickly, so I'd be wary of putting them in the ground. People have differing views on barriers - I think your own soil conditions and climate are a big factor - but I'd not consider using anything other than a very solid barrier like paving slabs on their edge to create a 'container' in the ground. I don't think it would be an issue to split them now, but I expect someone will correct me if I'm wrong about that
We have heavy soil here, which I feel prevents them running in the way they would on lighter soil, but I'd still want them heavily guarded if I ever put them in the ground.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Many thanks, I agree. I think repotting into containers in the Spring is the only option. I was hoping to use them as screening between the driveway and the garden which would also act as some privacy from the neigbour. Can you recommend any shrub suitable that grows quickly? We had a Catalpa tree there and whilst it was private it was totoally in the wrong place, so maybe another tree with slow growing roots or maybe a line of shrubs. We have lots of laurel so more hedgecutting wouldn't go down well.
Have to head out now Emma but will have a think - there are loads!
You'll get plenty of suggestions from anyone dropping in to help too
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Could I replant the bamboo into pots and plant the pots into the ground? Is this one way of using the bamboo as screening and not having the issue of roots spreading too much? If so what pots should I use? thanks in advance.
Thanks very much Philippa. The compost sack idea sounds good. Hadn't thought of that! Have you ever repotted them out of Spring time, as this seems to be the time to do it? They are currently growing in pots and thriving. They will be going into a shady area (at least for the Winter at least) as we don't get as much sun there as it is too low in the Winter.