Growing Ornamental Bamboo Library

GROWING ORNAMENTAL BAMBOO LIBRARY

SEP 2 6 1961

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HOME AND GARDEN BULLETIN NO. 75

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE llE" '^iil Soon after a bamboo cane appears above the ground, it is as thick as it GROWING will be when fully grown. The cane lengthens rapidly; usually it grows to its full height in 5 to 8 weeks, some- ORNAMENTAL times growing at a rate of a foot or more a day. Canes of maximum size are not produced by the bamboo plant until BAMBOO several years after the rhizome is first planted.

PREPARED BY CROPS RESEARCH DIVISION, BUYING PLANTS AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE Bamboo planting material is most commonly sold as started plants. Bamboo needs warm temperatures The plants can be set in the garden as to grow successfully. Even the hardi- soon as they are received. est species are killed by tempera- Some nurseries also sell rhizome cut- tures lower than —10°. Some bam- tings of running bamboo. Rhizome cuttings are less expensive than started boos cannot survive temperatures below freezing. plants. Like most other ornamental plants, The U.S. Department of Agricul- ornamental bamboo grows best in ture does not distribute planting fertile, well-drained soil. The plants stock. For a list of nurseries that need a generous supply of water, but sell bamboo, write to Crops Research should not be planted in a swampy Division, Agricultural Research Serv- ice, U.S. Department of Agriculture, location. \\'ashington 25, D.C. HOW BAMBOO GROWS Bamboo canes grow from rhizomes, which are underground stems. Rhi- zomes of some species spread slowly; new canes rise from them close to the bases of the old canes. These are the clump bamboos. Other species have rhizomes thai spread rapidly. In these species, rhizomes may grow laterally 2 to 3 feet from the original plant in the first year. The rate of growth in- creases each year after the first. The P.N-970 Newly emerged cane of running bamboo. The rhizomes may spread as far as IS feet cane is as thick as it will be when mature. in one season. These species with It will grow rapidly in height, however, rapidly spreading rhizomes are the reaching a mature height of more than 60 feet running bamboos. in 5 to 8 weeks. ORNAMENTAL SPECIES Species of clump bamboo include Oriental hedge {Bamhusa multiplex)^ Many species of bamboo are suit- Oldham {B. oldhami)^ and Punting- able for ornamental purposes. The pole {B. tuldoides). Oriental hedge species described here have been is the most widely grown species. selected because of their distinctive It is available in its typical form and appearance, their availability, or their in seven varieties. One of the vari- adaptation to low temperatures. eties—Chinese Goddess—^is a dwarf. The zones referred to in the descrip- Table 1 lists the species and tions of adaptation are illustrated in varieties and shows the approximate the map on page 4. size of each. Following are comments on the appearance of canes and Clump Bamboos leaves: The clump bamboos are ideally Canes.—The canes of Alphonse suited for ornamental uses in their Karr are yellow and have green area of adaptation. They can be stripes. Those of Stripestem. Fern- planted in groups for hedges or singly leaf are reddish or yellowish and for specimen plantings. They spread have green stripes. All the other very slowly and are easy to keep bamboos listed in table 1 have solid within bounds. green canes. Clump bamboos are native to Leaves.—The leaves of Silverstripe tropical or subtropical regions; their Fernleaf and Silverstripe are green culture is restricted to the warmest and have white stripes. All the parts of the United States (zones A other bamboos listed in table 1 have and B). solid green leaves. These varieties

TABLE 1.—Approximate size of ornamental clump bamboo at maturity^ by species and variety

Species and variety Height Diameter of canes

ORIENTAL HEDGE BAMBOO: Feet Inches Typical form 35 iM Varieties : Chinese Goddess._. 10 % to H Alphonse Karr 25 to 30 IV2 Fernleaf 10 to 20 1/4 Silverstripe Fernleaf. 10 to 20 1/4 Stripestem Fernleaf- 10 to 20 i>á Silverstripe 45 IK2 to \% Willowy 20 % to % OLDHAM BAMBOO 55 ?>% PUNTINGPOLE BAMBOO 55 2/4

593838 0--61 have fernlike leaves: Chinese God- YELLOWGROOVE BAMBOO {Phyl- dess, Fernleaf, Silverstripe Fernleaf, lostachys aureosulcata).—Canes grow and Stripestem Fernleaf. 33 feet tall and 1^ inches in diameter. The canes are green and, during the Running Bamboos first year of life, have yellowish grooves above the points where the The running bamboos are hardier branches are attached. Leaves of than the clump bamboos. Some this species are up to 6 inches long species of running bamboo can be when the canes are young. As the grown as far north as Boston. canes grow older, new, smaller leaves These bamboos are more difficult appear. This species is adapted to to keep in bounds than the clump zones B, C, and D. bamboos. However, they are desir- METAKE (may-TAH-kay) OR ARROW able as ornamental plants because of BAMBOO (Pseudosasa japónica).—A diversity in their habit of growth, in slow-spreading bamboo. Canes grow their appearance, and in their size. 18 feet tall and three-fourths of an Following are descriptions of some inch in diameter. Leaves are me- of the more desirable species of dium large—S to 13 inches long—-and running bamboo: are evergreen where the temperature FiSHPOLE BAMBOO (Phyllostuchys does not go below S°. It is adapted aurea).—Grows to a height of 30 feet. to zones B and C. This species is one of the most widely Sasa palmata.—-Mature canes are available bamboos in this country. 7 feet tall and five-sixteenths of an It grows in zones B, C, and D. inch in diameter. Leaves are large

HARDINESS ZONES FOR ^j ORNAMENTAL BAMBOOS Budding cane arising close to the base of a clump bamboo. and bright green. Sasa palmata Clump Bamboo spreads rapidly if it is not restricted. If clump bamboo plants are to It has a wide range of adaptation— attain maximum size, it is necessary zones B, C, D, and E. to set them far enough apart. The \'.\RiHiRA BAMBOO (Semiarundi- distance between plants for specimen naria fastuosa).—Canes grow 25 feet clumps should be at least one-half the tall and 1% inches in diameter. height that the plants are expected Leaves are up to 9 inches long. This to reach when mature. For example: bamboo spreads more slowly than If the species grows 10 feet tall, set most other running bamboos. It is the plants at least 5 feet apart. If adapted to zones B, C, and D. the species grows 45 feet tall, set the PLANTING plants at least 22 feet apart. Spacing for plants in a hedge varies Prepare the soil as soon as it is with the desired height of the hedge. workable in the spring. Loosen the Follow this guide: soil to a depth of at least 12 inches. between Desired height plants If the soil is heavy, add sand or of hedge {¡eel) (inches) cinders to improve the drainage. Less than 3 __ 4 to 6 Set the plants before they begin to 3 to 10 6 to 12 10 to 20 12 to 24 sprout. Try to finish planting before March IS in zones A and B, before For low hedges—less than 10 feet April 15 in zones C and D, and before tall—choose a bamboo variety that May 1 in zone E. has a potential height of 20 feet or

5 less. For taller hedges, choose a the plants 18 inches apart in the variety that has a potential height trench. Set them alternately, first somewhat greater than the desired on one side of the trench, then on the height of the hedge. other. Aline the rhizomes with the Dig holes for individual plantings, sides of the trench. and a trench for hedge plantings. For specimen plantings, use started Make the hole or trench about 5 plants. Set them in planting holes inches deep. at least 6 inches deep. Set the plant in the hole or trench After the plants or rhizome cuttings and fill the hole with loose soil. are in place, fill the hole or trench. Apply lawn fertilizer—analysis 8-6-4 Press soil firmly around the rhizomes or 10-6-4—at a rate of about 2}i and canes. Apply fertilizer at the pounds per 100 square feet. Water same rate as for clump bamboo and the new planting until the soil is water the new planting thoroughly. thoroughly soaked. Running Bamboo CARE AFTER PLANTING For starting a hedge with rhizome Protect bamboo from drought. cuttings, dig a trench 12 inches deep Bamboo needs at least 1 inch of and 18 inches wide. Use cuttings water every 10 days. To insure that that are 12 inches long. Stand them the plants have enough water, soak upright about 6 inches apart along the soil thoroughly around the base the sides of the trench. of the canes every 10 days from For starting a hedge with 1- to spring to late fall. Omit watering for 2-year-old plants, dig a trench 18 10 days after heavy or prolonged inches wide and 6 inches deep. Set rains. Pull weeds and grass from around the plants. Do not use cultivating tools to work around bamboo; the rhizomes often grow close to the surface and may be injured by deep cultivation. Apply lawn fertilizer to the planting every spring. Use about 2% pounds per 100 square feet. Mulch the soil around the planting. • Mulches add organic n^atter to the soil, help to restrict the growth of weeds, and conserve soil moisture. Dead leaves or dry grass clippings can be used for mulch. Apply a layer of mulching material at least 3 inches deep. Cane of a running bamboo growing from the rhizome. New canes may arise 15 feet or Prune hedges once or twice a year. more from the old canes. Let the canes grow to nearly their full plants to find the rhizomes. Cut sections 12 to 14 inches long from the ends of the rhizomes. Do not cut sections from old rhizomes; these rarely sprout. Do not let the cuttings dry. If you cannot plant them as soon as they are collected, store them in damp saw- dust or sphagnum moss. Soil for the nursery bed should be fertile and well drained. As soon as the bed can be worked in spring, dig furrows 6 inches deep and 3 feet apart. Plant the cuttings as soon as pos- sible after the nursery bed is prepared. Place the cuttings end to end in the furrows and cover them with loose soil. Water thoroughly. The new plants can be moved after Planting of Narihira bamboo. This species they have grown in the nursery for a spreads more slowly than most other running bamboos. year. If they are to be shipped, however, let them grow 2 years. Before transplanting or shipping, height, then cut them back to the cut the plants back to no more than desired height. Cut the canes an inch one-third of their original height. or two above a joint. Make a slant- ing cut in the cane, rather than a right-angle cut.

PROPAGATION

Clump bamboo is most easily prop- agated by division. In spring, cut the canes back to a height of 2 feet or less and dig up the entire plant. Separate the clump into divisions that contain one or more canes with their rooty base. Slender-caned clumps can be divid- ed with a sharp knife or with pruning shears. Heavy-caned clumps may have to be sawed or chopped apart. After dividing the clump, replant the divisions. Planting of arrow bamboo. The planting has Propagate running bamboos from been kept in bounds by frequent mowing, rhizome cuttings. Dig around young which destroyed unwanted canes. CONTROLLING RUNNING or patch a distance approximately BAMBOO equal to the height of the canes. If you plan to grow bamboo without Running bamboo spreads rap- curbs, be careful in choosing a plant- idly. Its growth must be re- ing site; protect yourself and your stricted or it will soon form a neighbor from unwanted bamboo in thick jungle that extends many flower beds, hedges, and shrubbery feet beyond the original planting. plantings. A curb made of sheet metal, con- crete, or asbestos board will prevent ERADICATING BAMBOO bamboo from spreading. The curb must surround the planting. The Clump bamboo is easy to eradicate. top of the curb should be about 1 Dig up the entire plant and destroy it. inch above the soil surface, and the To eradicate an entire planting of curb should extend 24 to 30 inches running bamboo, cut down all the into the ground. Any joints in the canes. Repeat the cutting when curb must be lapped and secured new canes that follow have reached tightly; bamboo rhizomes can force their full height. A few small canes their ' way through very small continue to appear after these two openings. cuttings. Cut them all down and Buildings, wide driveways, and the rhizomes will soon die. roads also restrict the spread of Very small species of bamboo may bamboo. If the bamboo is planted be more difficult to kill. The plants in a turf area, mowing will destroy are grasslike and grow close to the unwanted canes by cutting them ground; many shoots will escape while they are still small and soft. cutting. To kill these small bam- Unless the planting is curbed, boos, dig up the rhizomes, which rhizomes of a running bamboo will grow relatively close to the surface, spread beyond the edge of the grove and destroy them.

A more comprehensive discussion of this subject appears in Agriculture Handbook 193, ''Bamboos in the United States," available from the Super- intendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D.C., at 35 cents per copy.

Growth Through Agricultural Progress

lirU.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1961 O—593838 Washington, D.C. Issued August 1961 For sale by Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D.C. - Price 5 cents