Bamboo in a raised planter

Hi

We are revamping our garden and building a raised planter bed at the back for bamboo (for screening purposes). It will be made from concrete and the bottom (currently) will be left open i.e. touching the soil. One question on this approach:

1. Should I put concrete at the bottom of the planter box and drill drainage holes? The bamboo I have is golden bamboo and I was told at the garden centre that it is clumping variety. Any thoughts on this as I don't want it to run and end up pushing up my new patio.

Thanks

 

If open to the soil it may well spread beyond the container to reach its natural mature size. Which variety is it? There are several which are marketed under the generic name Golden Bamboo.

Clumping bamboos will stay in a clump, that does not mean they will stay small. For example Phyllostachys Aurea can reach a mature size spread of 2.4-4m (height 4m+). I suspect many complaints of clumping bamboos running across gardens are simply because the variety chosen was too big for the space “allocated” for it.

 

All Phyllostachys varieties are running bamboos. I have three different varieties in my garden in confined areas between sandstone blocks. They have behaved well since being planted over 10 years ago. I put this down to my shallow, sandy soil, the confined spaces in which I grow them and the UK's temperate climate.

In your situation, for peace of mind, I would put a solid base with drainage holes in your planter. Both clumping and running bamboos grow outwards, like most grasses, so the width of the planter is important for it to expand naturally if you want the density of your screen to increase.

If you are unsure about the variety you have, a photo will help with identifying it.

 

I agree with @Plantminded ........ solid base with sufficient drainage holes but keep an eye out !! If you make sure the bed is deep enough and well nourished to allow good growth you should be OK.
I have grown both the golden and the black types but always contained. The Black is better behaved but until you can ID your golden one for sure I'd play safe. Neither GC staff nor any labelling can be guaranteed to always be accurate.

 

Thank you all for your views. They are most welcome!

The plant I have is bambusa phyll aureosulcata spectabilis. I am thinking of maybe putting in a root barier at the bottom of the planter with 1cm holes for drainage? Would this suffice in your opinions?

The planter i am planning is c. 9 meters long (back of the garden) 70cm high and 90cm width.

Thanks again!

 

I grow that variety in two places @Niall, it’s got lovely coloured canes. I’ve never used a root barrier but as long as it is guaranteed not to perish or be pierced by roots it should be fine. I’m not sure how your planter will drain though without a gap between the two surfaces of soil. I’d be inclined to incorporate drainage holes on the sides of the planter, near the bottom, facing away from your view so that you don’t see them and any drainage marks.

The size of your planter looks suitable. Ensure that you use a soil based compost like John Innes no 3, not a multipurpose compost. Be aware that your plants will need more attention in a planter than in the ground, requiring regular watering, feeding and pruning. The plants send up new canes in about May, growing for about six weeks. The canes won’t get any wider or taller after that time. I then remove any old, discoloured, spindly or damaged canes, keeping just the best each year. Good luck with your project!

 

Hi

I do like bamboo before it decided to go into next door garden…

can I ask why choose bamboo to screen your garden ? When other options would be less of a headache in the future. Taking account you have neighbours

Spruce

 

Thank you @Plantminded your post is very helpful and inciteful!

I have the bamboo already planted in the garden about a year ago. I really like the look of it and the noise it makes in the wind

 

You are welcome @Niall. They are lovely plants and add a lot to the garden, provided that they are carefully managed. Unfortunately they have a bad reputation in the UK due to the poor knowledge of stockists and property developers, to the detriment of the innocent gardener and neighbours!