Bamboos are unusual and so characteristic plants that they cannot be confused with other species. They belong to the familygrasses , in the wild state they are found in Asia, Africa and South America. Bamboo shoots grow with incredible speed (some species - from 40 to 90 cm a day) and reach a length of approx. 20 m, and giants even 50-60 m with a diameter of 20-30 cm.Stems , most often woody, have characteristic thickenings in placesnodesThey are a true miracle of nature, inspiring designers and inventors.
Bamboos for the garden
Various species of bamboo have become established in European gardens, but the most widespread are plants of the genus Fargesia and Phyllostachys.In the 1990s, specimens of the species Fargesia murielae began to bloom en masse and died out after fading. Such a phenomenon is not the result of some disease, but another characteristic feature of bamboos. It repeats itself every 80-100 years and affects all individuals of the same generation. The seeds of the deadplantsgrow new specimens that will bloom after 80 years at the earliest.
In the climatic conditions of our country, bamboos in the garden will survive without covering in the western and coastal regions. They suffer the worst frosts when winter is snowless. Don't worry if the shoots freeze. They will knock out new root stumps in the spring, as long as the frost does not damage it too much. The shoots themselves can be saved in winter by covering the sides of the clumps with bubble wrap or non-woven fabric. New varieties, such asbambusFargesia 'Juizhaigou' with reddish blades, are so little known that it is difficult to say anything specific about their resistance to low winter temperatures.
Rhizomes under control
True bamboo lovers appreciate the various Phyllostachys bamboos, which, reaching a height of 6-10 m, look much more impressive than the Fargesia bamboos growing up to 3 m. Their stalks, depending on the species and variety, are green, yellow, green-yellow or black-brown.
Unlike Fargesia bamboos, they grow rapidly and strongly. So that the expansive plants do not get out of hand, their stumps should be planted in special covers. Bamboo roots dry out the soil very much, therefore few perennials can live and grow in their vicinity. Among these selections are:geraniumGeranium nodosum,white violetViola sororia 'Albiflora' and rdestJapanese Reynoutria compacta 'Rosea'. When buying bamboo, it's worth seeing its roots. A well-developed root ball with young shoots is better than a lot of old shoots.
If we are going to grow bamboos of the genus Phyllostachys, it is best to plant them immediately in a cover to prevent uncontrolled growth of rhizomes. To make the screen, you will need a sheet of plastic 2 mm thick and 70 cm wide. We connect both ends of the sheet with two metal rails to form a large ring. Its diameter should be at least 1.5 m. In such an enclosure, the plant will not suffer from a lack of moisture. The upper edge of the ring should protrude above the ground so that the shallowrhizomescannot get out too easily. The pond liner is not a suitable material. It is very soft, so the hard, sharpends bamboorhizomes can easily pierce it.
