About 60 million years ago in the Paleocene, Europe was covered by a tropical rainforest. Bamboo has been found in European fossils since that time. In 1880 the Latour-Marliac introduced a bamboo from China to France and around 1900 to Germany.
Which types of bamboo are suitable for German gardens?
In Germany, around 20 species of bamboo are possible because they can cope with the climate. Clump-growing bamboos do not form rhizomes and are well suited to smaller gardens, while rhizomatous bamboos spread underground and require more space.
Bamboo plants belong to the sweet grass family (Paceae) and are the fastest growing plants. Over 47 species and 1200 varieties are known worldwide. Due to the climate, only 20 are suitable for Germany.
Which bamboo is the right one?
When it comes to bamboo plants, not only hobby gardeners but also professionals are often overwhelmed by the variety of the range, the growth habits, the space required and the different information on winter hardiness. Bamboos basically differ in 2 groups:
- horribly growing ones that do not form rhizomes
- Rhizome-forming ones that spread without limits underground
If you want to find the right bamboo, you have to decide whether it should be clump-growing bamboo species or not. We want to clear up the bamboo jungle a bit. Learn more about the most popular bamboo species and varieties.
Bamboo location – the most important questions?
Bamboo is not just bamboo! If you want to replant or repot a bamboo, the question arises as to the optimal bamboo location. Different types of bamboo prefer different species-appropriate locations in which they grow optimally. That's why it's also important to know how much space is available overall and for each individual plant. In order to avoid trouble with neighbors, it is advisable to ask the relevant municipality or authority about the permissible plant height and the minimum distance to adjacent properties.
Planting bamboo, what should you consider?
In the Asian bamboo garden, less is often more. Instead of colorful flowers, bamboo plants bring delicate greenery to the Far Eastern oasis. We'll give you the best tips about planting correctly, the best first aid and professional bamboo care.
Is it possible to grow bamboo from seeds?
There are different ways to successfully grow bamboo plants or propagate them yourself. The individual types of bamboo differ in various properties such as height and winter hardiness. The bamboo seeds offered in garden shops should be selected according to the regional climate, location and intended use.
The giant bamboo Moso Phyllostachys edulis – Phyllostachys pubescens could be particularly suitable for the home garden. No matter which variety you choose, it is important to purchase fresh seeds. The ability of bamboo seeds to germinate quickly deteriorates. The main harvest time for moso seeds is between October and November. If the seeds are purchased in September, they are already 11 months old and the germination capacity is lower.
To pre-soak bamboo seeds in warm water for 1 day. To grow, fill special bamboo soil, nutrient-poor lawn substrate or coconut humus mixed with perlite to a height of approx. 5 cm in the seed tray. Spread some finely sifted moist substrate on top. Sow bamboo seeds over it and moisten with a fine spray mist. A temperature of 30 degrees is ideal.
As a giant grass, bamboo germinates in light and does not need to be covered with soil! Keep evenly moist under a transparent hood in a bright, warm place without direct sunlight. After about three weeks the first seedlings will sprout.
Transplanting bamboo – when is the best time?
Depending on the variety, bamboo prefers a suitable location and soil conditions with a pH value of 6.0 to a maximum of 6.5. Early spring or late summer are recommended for bamboo in a pot or garden. As with all evergreen shallow-rooted plants, they need enough time after transplanting to establish themselves firmly before the first minus temperatures.
When is the best time to plant bamboo?
From April to June, most bamboo plants form new stalks. During this growing period you should not disturb the roots. Otherwise, outside of winter temperatures below freezing, the best time to plant is all year round. Advantage in early spring: the bamboo still has the entire growing season to root.
Who will solve the puzzle of the bamboo blossom?
When buying bamboo seeds, keep in mind that some types of bamboo only bloom every 80 to 120 years. Others bloom more often but only produce a few germinable seeds after the bamboo has flowered. The bred offspring often differ from the mother plant in growth and color.
Bamboo substrate – does that make sense?
In general, a substrate loosens the soil, ensures good air permeability and optimal nutrient supply. Special bamboo substrate has a pH value of 6.0 to 6.5. In addition, the lava or slate components it contains store water and prevent waterlogging.
Bamboo – good or bad neighbors?
Bamboo plants love shady trees. But they have to be the right ones. Good neighbors are trees with deep roots - for example oaks, ornamental cherries, fruit trees, magnolias or laburnums. Birch, chestnut, linden, maple and willow compete for water and nutrients and are among the bad neighbors.
Tips & Tricks
Bamboo knowledge: A panda eats bamboo shoots and roots for up to twelve hours a day. That's 15 to 30 kilograms per panda snout per day - it's lucky that bamboo grows back so quickly!
