Joe Brecha on mon 12 jun 06
Dear Tony, I have found that the paranoia about bamboo taking over the =
known universe is greatly exaggerated especially in the northern areas =
that have winters. The cold will slow them down. Areas that stay warm =
year round present more ideal growing conditions. First of all there =
are many many varieties of bamboo which have many different growth =
habits. Some are clumpers, some are runners, some tolerate cold, others =
not. There are two great books on temperate bamboo to reference. You =
should talk to a local bamboo nut who has tried a number of varieties in =
your area. I have some clumpers from South America (chuquesa) that make =
large hedges. Avoid smaller stem runners, they have a tendency to run =
rampant. Get one that has a larger stem (culm), they seem to not run =
quite as rapidly. A couple larger running varieties to look at would be =
vivax, or henon. These are both "timber bamboo" and will make shoots up =
to 3 to 4 inches over time, and get 50 ft tall. Both are good to around =
5 degree f if I'm not mistaken. The reference books will confirm vigor, =
planting suggestions, height, size of culm, lowest temperature, =
clumping, runnning etc. If you have a lot of snow avoid the vivax, it =
has thinner walls and will break easier. The henon could be black, =
green, or mottled. The area you are planting in will also influence =
growth. Cool and shady, slow growth. Warm and sunny, more vigourous. =
As far as maintenance goes, you can dig around the clump every year and =
cut off the rhizomes that escape. There is barrier available as well. =
If you have space this is a great group of plants to grow.Joe Brecha
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