It doesn't always have to be the XXL version of a bamboo. The dwarf bamboo, which grows an average of 50 to 80 cm high, also impresses with its appearance. But what does it look like in winter? Does frost affect him?
Is the dwarf bamboo hardy and how do you protect it in winter?
The dwarf bamboo is hardy, but you should protect it at temperatures below -10 °C and for young, freshly planted specimens or potted plants. Brushwood over the roots is sufficient, leaves or layers of compost are not recommended.
Planted out specimens are well hardy
A planted dwarf bamboo is well hardy in this country. Depending on the variety, it can tolerate temperatures down to -20 °C. Some varieties are a little more sensitive. Their winter hardiness is -10 to -15 °C.
An exception is the dwarf bamboo Pleioblastus viridistriatus. It comes from northern Japan and impresses with its enormous winter hardiness of -24 °C! You can leave it outside throughout the winter without any protection.
It is better to protect under certain circumstances
But sometimes winter protection is not a mistake, for example if:
- temperatures fall below -10°C
- the location is in an unprotected location
- There is cold frost
- these are freshly planted, young specimens
- the dwarf bamboo is in the pot
As winter protection, it is sufficient to place some brushwood over the roots of the dwarf bamboo. It is not advisable to use a protective layer of leaves or compost as the airflow there is rather poor.
There is nothing to consider when preparing for winter. Under no circumstances should you cut back the dwarf bamboo in autumn! The stalks protect the plant from moisture, which is not uncommon in winter (e.g. from melting snow). As soon as winter protection is no longer necessary, you should remove it to prevent possible rot.
Protect or house dwarf bamboo in the pot
A dwarf bamboo in a pot must either be protected outside in winter or put inside. Bright locations are necessary for indoor wintering. For example, a winter garden with temperatures of 3 to 10 °C is well suited.
Alternatively, the potted plants can be kept outside through the winter by protecting them like this:
- Cover the bucket with fleece (€34.00 on Amazon) or jute
- Place the bucket on a block of wood or Styrofoam
- Move the location to the protected house wall
- water lightly every now and then
- do not fertilize
- keep away from direct sun (otherwise you risk burns)
Tip
Individual stalks may freeze back in winter. But that is no cause for alarm. You can cut out the frozen areas in the spring.
