Size of pots for bamboo.

Hi,

I'd like to have some bamboo, about 2m high to shade 1 side of my pond. I will have to grow the bamboo in pots on my deck, but space is my concern. When looking at the details of the bamboos on some websites, it might say minimum of 20ltr or 40ltr, etc. of soil. What I'd really like to know is what is the minimum depth that I can get away with for a wooden box, as I presume the roots would grow downwards and the height of the box can be made deeper?

Thanks

 

You need something like a half-oak-barrel to provide enough space for a clumping Bamboo. You'll sell it on eBay for at least what it cost you in 3 or 4 years time when it gets too big though

 

A big heavy wooden pot is best (I think also half oak is best), you will still have to re-pot them in about 3-4 years to seperate the bamboo

 

I was wondering why I wasn't getting any emails telling me that you've replied to my post and I've just realised that I mustn't have requested the emails

Anyway, thanks for the replies. I think I'll need t re-think having bamboo in my Japanese Garden, because a barrel would be too big to have on my deck:(

 

There's a setting in your Profile for the "default" for when you make new posts, and you can override that when you make a post (or subsequently [using the "Watch/Unwatch Thread" link top-right])

"I think I'll need t re-think having bamboo in my Japanese Garden, because a barrel would be too big to have on my deck"

You got some other ideas, or looking for some?

What sort of plant (height, flowering? architectural? scented?) do you have in mind?

Can you bring it in for the winter? That would give you some exotic choices. Perhaps an unusual flowering climber in a pot with an wire obelisk to climb up?

 

Hi Kristen,

At the moment I've no other ideas for creating a shadey side. Ideally I want to keep everything in place all year round. I've got a wisteria growing in another corner of the deck, but it will be a few years before that forms a caminpy. My garden is sheltered, but still get cold winds during the winter. I want something that is in keeping with the Japanese theme and evergreen.

 

Hi Clum ,
what about using shiny pot and wooden base to give the japanese effect ?
plus bamboo are different some have really shallow roots , while other have agreesive roots and some other can go in the soil as they are not invasive.

I keep mine in pot and buried in the soil , plus keep the cane trimmed to stop the winter .

the wooden box in the corner actuall has 5 years old japanise bamboo .

 

Hi Sal,

Thanks for your reply. How big does the Japanese bamboo grow and you ever had to split it?

 

If you go for one of the Fargesias, they are more clumping than most. Even in the ground they dont get out of control.
There is a new species availiable called Fargesia scabrida, sometimes sold as "Asian Wonder" (i really hate these trade names given to plants) which is really nice.

If you plant it in a pot, use a rich soil, feed well and give plenty of water particularly in hot spells. Bamboo dont like to dru out too much.