Depending on the variety you choose, your red bamboo will be more or less hardy. A Himalayan calamus falconeri is quite sensitive, a Phyllostachys can tolerate a lot of frost. However, the Fargesias are very hardy.
Is red bamboo hardy?
Red bamboo varies in hardiness depending on the variety, with Fargesia being able to tolerate temperatures down to around -25 °C. Young plants should be protected in winter or overwintered in a cold house. Winter protection is usually not necessary for older plants.
They can tolerate frost down to around -25 °C. Older plants don't even need winter protection. A bamboo fargesia only reaches its full winter hardiness around the age of two to three years. Until then, it should be protected from frost or overwintered in a cold house.
Cutting red bamboo
The red bamboo does not need an annual cut. However, it does very well if you remove old stalks regularly. This means your bamboo always looks fresh and well cared for. Cut off the old and dry stalks close to the ground. The red bamboo then sprouts well again. The cut woody stalks can be used very well as a support for other plants.
How do I care for my red bamboo in winter?
If your bamboo is still very young, then put it in a cool and not too dark winter quarters over the winter. The temperature there should be between 3 °C and 7 °C. If the bamboo is too warm, it cannot maintain its winter rest and is easily damaged. Your red bamboo does not need fertilizer in winter and you can definitely reduce watering a little.
If you live in a rather mild area, then wrap your young bamboo with an old sack or special fleece (€23.00 on Amazon) to protect the stalks and leaves from frost. At the same time, they reduce evaporation and protect the plant from drying out. This can also be helpful with an older bamboo, especially if it gets a lot of sun on frosty days.
The most important things in brief:
- frost hardy up to approx. – 25 °C
- Overwinter young plants indoors or protect them from frost
- water regularly on frost-free days
- If possible, avoid exposure to direct sunlight for too long
- possibly use winter protection made of special fleece
Tip
Don't forget to water your bamboo even in winter so that it can survive next spring unscathed.
