Bamboo requires little maintenance and is usable in many ways. It is evergreen, opaque and does not really need a topiary – that is why it is ideally suited as a hedge. The plant can also be used as single eye-catcher in a pot. Today we wholeheartedly concentrate on the bamboo hedge.
Bamboo sorts which grow upright suit best for a bamboo hedge. They are called Umbrella bamboo or Fargesia. Umbrella bamboos like nutritious and water-permeable ground. The various sorts have different preferences. Overall, you cannot go wrong with a semi-shaded place. Just make sure that plants are not in dry places because they do not tolerate this. In case you only have a sunny place for your bamboo, you can still choose between Fargesia murielae, Fargesia rufa and Fargesia robusta. A shady place prefers Fargesia nitida.
The arrow bamboo (pseudosasa japonica) also works well as a hedge. It has very large leaves which hinder unwanted glances. The arrow bamboo likes a semi-shaded to sunny spot which should be sheltered from the wind. Dryness should be avoided just as for the other types of bamboo. However, the arrow bamboo forms foothills and therefore it requires a root barrier. Without such a barrier, the roots will proliferate into your own or even in your neighbour’s garden. You can prevent this by using a rhizome barrier which, however, is quite expensive.
Planting in
The plants need at least one meter in width. That is why you should calculate enough space. The soil should be loosen and mixed with compost or fallen leaves. Bamboos do not like waterlogging. Therefore, it is advisable to make drainage layer with gravel. It is also good to mix some sand into the ground, this makes it more permeable. After pricking in the bamboo you should water your hedge well. Because of the rhizome barrier, which you eventually put in, the soil can dry up easily.
Autumn fertiliser for our bamboo hedge
In order to make your bamboo more resistant against the impending frosts, you can provide it with a little autumn fertiliser.
Potassium is the main component of so-called autumn fertilisers. It is stored in the cell sap and increases plants' resistance to frost. You can supply your plants with suitable fertilisers into the early autumn. You can find such fertilisers in DIY stores and at specialist traders.
Care
If you want to cut back your bamboo hedge because of space problems or other reasons, you can do this in May. A bamboo does not need a lot, except for nutrients and water. For sufficient nutrients you should supply bark mulch and horn shavings in spring. Water the soil constantly, even in winter months, when there is a warm phase and the ground is frost-free. Besides, you do not have to worry about winter – umbrella bamboos are frost-resistant.
