The Secrets of Bamboo in the Garden

Bamboo is a wonderful and peaceful looking plant. Serene and mystical in its shadowy depths, bamboo calls out from somewhere far to the east. It's also known as an invasive species and in some areas it is considered an illegal problem dealt with on a state level. Bamboo may have roots in evil by having the reputation of being a garden space hog, but with these tips, you can enjoy bamboo in your garden.

Moso

This bamboo is one of my favorites, that's why it's at the top of the list. This huge species of bamboo can grow up to be over 50 feet tall and over four inches in diameter. Its impressive sizes make it desirable for use in wood flooring and other composite wood products.

Umbrella

This species of medium sized bamboo is a non-invasive species. It is a slow growing species of bamboo and spreads into clumps about four or five inches from the main shoot. These can easily be picked off and removed.

Crook stem

This medium to large sized bamboo is very hardy and features a golden brown color contrasting with its bright green leaves. This bamboo is used in higher end bamboo furniture and other bamboo objects. This bamboo spreads by shoots and rhizomes. The shoots have to be trimmed back each year or you'll have an outbreak of bamboo. It's listed as a non-invasive species because it grows very slow and spreads only once during the year.

Controlling Shoots

Runners are feeder vines that produce rhizomes on the end which in turn creates new bamboo. By building a berm and raised bed for bamboo, their shoots will come out of the ground in their quest for soft and loose soil to propagate. Cut off the exposed shoots and the bamboo will stay where it's supposed to.