Completely unnoticed, they snake their way through the underground and gradually conquer an ever-growing territory. The bamboo shoots that spread little by little in the ground make life difficult for many a gardener.
How to control and use bamboo stolons?
Runner-forming bamboo species such as Phyllostachys, Pleioblastus, Pseudosasa, Indocalamus, Sasa and Semiarundinaria can displace other plants through underground rhizomes and cause damage. A root barrier helps to contain growth, while separated rhizomes can be used for propagation.
Which types of bamboo form root runners?
There are bamboo species that grow clumps and those that form runners. Fargesia and Borinda belong to the group that grow in clumps and have little or no tendency (depending on the variety) to produce runners. In contrast to this isPhyllostachysThis type of bamboo is known for its numerous underground root extensions, the so-called rhizomes. These rhizomes can grow to be several meters long and, over time, take up an area of up to 20 m². Other bamboo species that form runners are:
- Pleioblastus
- Pseudosasa
- Indocalamus
- Sasa
- Semiarundinaria
Why can the foothills become a problem?
The foothills are becoming a problem for many gardeners that is difficult to overcome. They're getting more and more. It is impossible to get an overview of the extent, as the runners are located below the surface of the earth and only produce new shoots here and there above the ground. The root extensions are often several meters away from the originally planted bamboo plant. They candisplace other plantsanddamageon buildings, paths, etc.cause
How to keep the rhizomes of bamboo under control?
To prevent the bamboo from spreading more and more and growing where other plants have established themselves, you should take the rhizomes seriously. The best way to stop the spread of rhizomesis to use a root barrier. Ideally, the root barrier should be added to the soil directly when planting the bamboo. It is also possible to install a root barrier at a later date, but it is usually more complicated. For example, pond liner, masonry pots or even special bamboo root barriers (€36.00 on Amazon) from specialist retailers are suitable as root barriers.
How can you use the bamboo runners for propagation?
But not every gardener is bothered by the foothills. Anyone who has a large plot of land and loves bamboo will certainly be happy to see this plant spread more and more without having to do anything. They help the bamboo to reproduce naturally. If you would like to give a few specimens away, plant them in a pot or somewhere else, thendigthemrhizomes from,separateput themfromandput themput them in apot to grow
Tip
Bamboo species unknown?
If you can't remember the type of bamboo you planted, you can still find out whether this type is stoloniferous. If over time new stalks sprout from the soil at a distance of 30 to 40 cm from the mother plant, it is probably a runner-forming bamboo species.
