Imposing and exotic, that's how you could describe the giant bamboo in a nutshell. After all, here in Germany it will be 15 m high or even more if it feels really comfortable in its place.
How do I plant giant bamboo correctly?
To plant giant bamboo successfully, choose a sunny location, prepare nutrient-rich, loose soil and use a rhizome barrier. Water the root ball thoroughly before planting, ideally in spring.
The best place for giant bamboo
If you have a lot of space in your garden, you can easily plant a giant bamboo there, provided it is sunny enough. Because the Dendrocalamus giganteus, which is otherwise quite easy to care for, likes it bright and protected from the wind. Plan on an area of around 10 square meters for the fully grown giant bamboo.
Which soil is suitable for the giant bamboo?
The preferred soil for the giant bamboo is loose and nutrient-rich. It can also be a little damp, but under no circumstances should it become waterlogged. This will cause your giant bamboo to die if you don't intervene in time. A little horse manure provides the necessary nutrients and you can loosen the soil with fine gravel or coarse sand if necessary.
Water the root ball of your giant bamboo thoroughly before placing it in the new location. This makes it easier for him to grow. The ideal planting time is spring, so strong roots will have formed by the warm summer.
Does the giant bamboo need a rhizome barrier?
All types of Phyllostachys form long root runners, these are called rhizomes. Like the black bamboo, the giant bamboo is also one of these rhizomatous species. To prevent it from overgrowing your entire garden in a few years, you should incorporate a so-called rhizome barrier into the soil.
Trade offers special films as a rhizome barrier (€169.00 at Amazon). Pond liner is not suitable for this purpose; it is not a major obstacle to the outward-reaching roots of the giant bamboo. When planting, work the rhizome barrier into the soil according to the manufacturer's instructions; incorporating it later is very time-consuming and labor-intensive.
The most important planting tips in brief:
- plant in sunny or partial shade
- nutrient-rich and loose soil
- possibly upgrade with well-rotted manure (horse manure)
- loose up with sand or gravel
- Install rhizome barrier
- Water the root ball well before planting
Tip
If you plant your giant bamboo later in the year, then pay particular attention to watering it regularly.
