Many a gardener has fallen in love with bamboo. No wonder it is an evergreen, fast-growing and undemanding plant. But rumor has it that bamboo is actually banned in Germany. Is that true?
Is bamboo banned in Germany?
Bamboo is not generally banned in Germany, but a ban on certain invasive species such as Phyllostachys is being discussed. While bamboo plants are permitted, bamboo additives are prohibited in some products as they may contain harmful ingredients.
Are there banned species of bamboo in Germany?
Basically there are stillno banned species of bamboo in Germany However, there are always debates about an official and legally anchored ban. It could therefore be the case in the distant future that exotic plants such as bamboo will no longer be commercially available. The bamboo species called Phyllostachys is particularly popular. This species likes to spread freely using underground runners.
Why are conservationists calling for a ban on bamboo?
For several reasons, conservationists and the German Nature Conservation Association virtually demonize bamboo. Since it is a plant not native to this country, the natural flora and fauna is disturbed. The balance is unsettled. Plants originally native to Germanycould be displaced by bamboobecause it is invasive. It has such high resilience and adaptability that other, weaker plants would lose out. As a result, species could become extinct.
Are there any other reasons against bamboo?
Bamboo doesn't seem to have any benefits for the local wildlife. Bees findneither nectar nor pollen in it because it blooms far too rarely or not at all. Other insects and birds cannot benefit from bamboo either. It offers no food or nesting places. It is even claimed that the bamboo promotes the death of insects.
Should garden owners therefore destroy their bamboo?
If you have bamboo in your garden, you now have tonot necessarilydestroy it just to do something good for nature conservation. It doesn't have to be that radical. For example, it is sufficient if youcompensationfor the bee or insect worldcreate and also plant native plants.
How can gardeners minimize the invasive behavior of bamboo?
If you want to plant a bamboo, choosepreferaFargesia(umbrella bamboo) andnotfor aPhyllostachys The latter spreads quickly in an uncontrolled manner and can only be kept under control with the help of a root barrier (€36.00 at Amazon). Such plants are a thorn in the side of many conservationists.
It is also advisable not to plant the bamboo where it would disturb other plants or even take over neighboring properties.
Tip
Bamboo additions are prohibited
Although bamboo as a plant is not banned, bamboo admixtures are. They occur, for example, in dishes that are declared organic. Such admixtures usually also contain melamine resin, which, when combined with bamboo, releases its harmful ingredients more freely. Therefore, when purchasing bamboo products, pay attention to clear manufacturer information.
