Can Bamboo Be Grown in The UK?

Bamboos Plants
Bamboo can be grown all around the UK. It also requires little care and attention, thriving and spreading profusely through its root system. It is strongly recommended that gardeners create a barrier two to three feet deep around the planting area to contain the spread of the roots to areas beyond where the plants are desired.

Bamboos are not, in my opinion, generally particularly exotic in appearance, although I know many will disagree with me. The majority has quite small, non-glossy leaves, and many of them are not even particularly tall. They have a reputation, which some of them well deserve, for being rampant invaders and very difficult to control once established. A few, however, are different and I believe are worth consideration here. They are generally in need of some protection from wind, especially the phyllostachys group, and they all require ample supplies of food and water.

2.2.1 Moso Bamboo - ‘ Phyllostachys pubescens’

This, like the other members of the phyllostachys genus, is a clump forming species with no threat to take over the garden. It can easily grow 15 to 20 feet high, and apparently up to 30 feet in some parts of Cornwall. Unlike many bamboos, the sheaths fall from the stems as they grow, leaving them bare and somewhat shiny. In this species they are deep green, and are the thickest that can be grown in Britain, being up to three inches in diameter


2.2.2 Golden-Groove Bamboo - 'Phyllostachys Aureosulcata Aureocaulis'

A tall colored-stemmed bamboo with rich yellow canes, few green stripes at the base and mid-green leave. This bamboo looks spectacular grown as a specimen. One of our 'highly recommended plants' it should be planted next to buildings and paths where the near luminous colored canes can be enjoyed all year.

2.2.3 Umbrella Bamboo - 'Fargesia Murieliae'
Medium-sized bamboo with yellow-green arching canes and a mass of soft, mid-green leaves. One of the most popular bamboos the gracefully arching canes look lovely grown as an informal hedge. The plant's compact habit also makes it an ideal exotic specimen or container plant for small gardens

2.2.4 Fountain Bamboo - 'Fargesia Nitida'
Elegant, non-invasive bamboo with slender, dark purple-green canes carrying narrow, dark green leaves. This fabulous slow-growing bamboo is one of the most versatile plants for small gardens. It looks great planted in a large container, for softening the edges of plantings and as a specimen plant in a wildlife garden.

2.2.5 Running bamboo – ‘ Phyllostachys Propinqua’
This one, I was advised by a specialist supplier, is the least invasive of the group, and so far that has not been contradicted by my experience of growing it. It is a very upright species and extremely hardy. It is claimed it will grow up to 30 feet tall with stems 2 inches in diameter, but I will be happy if mine manages half that. It isn't there yet (after five years), but that is probably my own fault for ignoring my own advice in terms of ensuring adequate food and water. The leaves and stems are dark green. It is tougher than most bamboos - I am using it as a windbreak to help protect my banana

2.2.6 Palmate Bamboo-‘ Sasa palmata’
This species is much shorter, growing 6-8 feet tall, but has the largest leaves of any bamboo. It is fully hardy, but really looks like a jungle all on its own. The leaves have been compared to palm leaves, being up to 14 inches long and three inches wide. Its one disadvantage, which makes me reluctantly decide it is not for me, is that it is a rampant spreader. When a nursery that sells a plant advises me not to buy it for that reason, I am inclined to listen, but it looks so good I had to fight the temptation.