The classic red bamboo belongs to Fargesia that is quite easy to care for, but there is also a Phyllostachys aureosulcata whose stalks turn more or less red. This forms runners and therefore absolutely needs a rhizome barrier.
How do I optimally care for red bamboo?
For optimal care of red bamboo, a sunny location is ideal for more pronounced coloring. Water regularly, fertilize moderately from spring to August and water the hardy plant on frost-free days are other important care measures.
Planting red bamboo
Red bamboo, such as the “Chinese Wonder” variety, colors its stalks, especially when exposed to sunlight. Therefore it needs a rather sunny location. It also thrives in partial shade, but appears less colorful. The soil should be loose and nutrient-rich. Since Fargesias do not form runners, you can plant the red bamboo without a rhizome barrier.
Watering and fertilizing red bamboo
Red bamboo, like all other types of bamboo, is one of the very thirsty plants. Water it regularly, especially in a dry summer. When its leaves curl up, it's high time for the next watering. However, you can be a little more economical with fertilizer, even if the red bamboo is a heavy feeder.
Approximately two to three times a year, give it a good portion of bamboo fertilizer (€8.00 on Amazon) or normal organic fertilizer. This can be compost or manure, but also bamboo leaves or even coffee grounds. If your red bamboo gets yellow leaves, it needs some special bamboo fertilizer quickly. You can stop fertilizing again around August.
Red bamboo in winter
The biggest danger that your red bamboo faces in winter is not the frost, as you might think, but dying of thirst. Bamboo evaporates a lot of moisture through its numerous leaves, especially on sunny days. This urgently needs to be replaced on frost-free days, otherwise your beautiful bamboo will dry out. With a frost tolerance down to -25 °C, it is quite hardy.
The most important things in brief:
- plant in sunny or partial shade
- water relatively generously
- fertilize moderately, from spring to August
- very hardy, down to around – 25 °C
- no winter protection necessary for older plants
- Protect young bamboo from frost or overwinter indoors
Tip
If you have chosen the location well and water your red bamboo sufficiently, then it will certainly give you a lot of joy and thrive.
