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Bamboos in containers

For those with restricted space, small gardens and acres of patio, there is no reason why Bamboos can’t be used in pots to provide a mobile display. The following points may be noted to make container culture easier:

Never over pot a Bamboo, pot on in stages as the root develops.

Never let the plant dry out at any stage.

Be prepared to divide (often with a saw) every two years; reduce some of the leaf area when this is done.

Use a heavy compost. Mix a loam based with peat based and add some grit for weight. Slow release fertilizer is essential and liquid feeding a bonus.

Be prepared to prune, to keep the plant in shape and reduce height if necessary. Never prune a cane until it has matured and come into leaf or it will abort.

As the roots are above ground in Winter, when the weather becomes severe, either plunge the container, or move to the shelter of a wall and wrap the container. The aim is to prevent desiccation of the leaves as frozen roots can not take up water.

Bamboos drink and sometimes feed all year round, be prepared to water in Winter.

For more detailed information see the September 1997 issue of ‘The Garden’ (RHS Journal) pages 632-635.