Despite its exotic appearance, the Dendrocalamus giganteus, also known as the giant bamboo in Germany, is quite hardy. To ensure that it survives the next winter well, you should not leave it to its own devices but rather give it the care it needs.
Is giant bamboo hardy and how do I care for it in winter?
Giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) is hardy down to -15°C. In winter it needs wind protection, frost protection for young plants, regular watering on frost-free days and no fertilization. Protected from icy winds and properly cared for, it survives the cold season well.
The giant bamboo can withstand temperatures down to -15 °C, even for a longer period of time. However, it doesn't tolerate icy winds particularly well. If your Dendrocalamus giganteus is in a windy place, give it a windbreak at least during the winter. Young or freshly planted giant bamboo is also very grateful for protection from frost.
How do I care for my giant bamboo in winter?
With a size of around 15 meters and rich foliage, the giant bamboo requires a relatively large amount of water. After all, it can grow about 40 cm in a day. Your Dendrocalamus giganteus is very thirsty even in winter because it is an evergreen plant. The more sun he gets in winter, the more thirsty he is.
Therefore, the giant bamboo should be watered on frost-free days, slightly less than in summer, but as regularly as possible. However, it does not need fertilizer. If you stop fertilizing in late summer, growth will be complete for the current year. By the way, the giant bamboo likes horse manure containing nitrogen. But you can also use other organic fertilizer or special bamboo fertilizer.
A young giant bamboo is not as robust as an older one. Give it winter protection. Protect the root ball from the worst frost with a layer of straw, leaves or brushwood. You can wrap the stalks with a special fleece (€23.00 on Amazon). This not only protects against frost but also reduces the evaporation of moisture through the leaves. This means that the young giant bamboo needs less water.
The most important things in brief:
- hardy up to around -15 °C
- Windbreak if the giant bamboo is in a windy place
- Frost protection for young or freshly planted giant bamboo
- water on frost-free days
- do not fertilize
Tip
Don't let your giant bamboo die of thirst even in winter. This danger is much greater than the giant bamboo freezing to death.
