Jeanette Harris on thu 8 jul 04
Sunset magazine http://www.sunset.com/sunset/=20
currently has an article about bamboo. This is=20
from the latest issue. You may be able to sign in=20
and look at it even if you are not a subscriber.=20
Sources are: http://www.bamboogarden.com
http://www.bamboogardner.com
http://www.bambogiant.com
http://www.bambooheadquarters
http://www.bamboosourcery.com
http://www.horseshoenursery.com
" Keep in mind that immature bamboos (in 1-, 5-,=20
and 15-gal. cans) can take 6 to 10 years or more=20
to produce full-size stems and attain their=20
ultimate height. On the other hand, a mature=20
running bamboo in a 25-gallon container can fill=20
a 100-square-foot area within three years. To=20
create an instant screen, purchase plants with=20
mature rhizomes from a specialty bamboo nursery;=20
plant them 3 feet apart to create a solid hedge=20
within two to three years. For more information,=20
contact the American Bamboo Society.=20
http://www.americanbamboosociety.com
Runners or clumpers?
"Clumping bamboos have short roots; clumps expand=20
by only a few inches per year. Running bamboos=20
send out rhizomes (underground stems) that travel=20
sideways in the top 2 to 18 inches of soil, some=20
varieties wandering many feet from the mother=20
plant.
"Running bamboos fill in quickly and are best for=20
long screens, hedges, or groves. Most are=20
cold-hardy. The plants need to be contained with=20
barriers or they'll take over your yard. Use=20
barriers made of flexible polyethylene 30 to 40=20
millimeters thick (60 mil for very aggressive=20
types) and 22 to 28 inches deep. Install the=20
barrier around the planting's perimeter, leaving=20
a 3-inch lip protruding aboveground; overlap and=20
clip the ends together with a fastener or by=20
using galvanized bolts and=20
polyethylene-compatible glue. If rhizomes "jump"=20
over the exposed top of the barrier, cut them off.
"There's a bamboo suited to almost every Western=20
climate. Some are very hardy (to -15=B0 or -20=B0);=20
others are damaged at 20=B0. Varieties that grow as=20
understory plants in nature prefer shade, while=20
others thrive in full sun. Running bamboos can=20
form beautiful groves; clumpers make dramatic=20
focal points.
"Plant bamboo in rich, well-drained soil. Water=20
deeply and regularly (when the soil is just=20
slightly damp to the touch about 4 inches below=20
the soil surface). Apply a high-nitrogen=20
fertilizer two or three times a year between=20
spring and fall, or according to package=20
directions. Any lawn fertilizer will do (such as=20
a 16-6-8 formulation). To create open groves,=20
thin out some old stems once plants are well=20
established. To produce the largest stems on=20
established plants, cut out the thinnest, weakest=20
new shoots each spring."
The article also says that golden bamboo sends=20
out runners to every corner of the garden. Uph! I=20
hate to think of all the little dishes of it for=20
sale I've seen at shows. I sincerely hope no one=20
is planting those at random.
By far the most interesting ones mentioned are=20
Blue bamboo (Himalayacalamus hookerianus).=20
Powdery blue stems with dark purple rings. Stems=20
3/4 in. wide; to 20 ft. tall. Partial shade or=20
morning sun; 15=B0-25=B0 and Leopard-skin bamboo. The=20
mottled canes of this species are used in=20
furniture and crafts.
--
Jeanette Harris
in Poulsbo WA
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