Standing tall at 50 to 65 feet, Giant Bamboo is a total showstopper. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a natural privacy screen or want to create distinct “rooms” in your backyard. Thinking about adding one to your landscape? Here’s everything you need to know to get started.
Where’s the best spot to plant Giant Bamboo?
If you’re planting hardy Giant Bamboo, think sunny! These plants are real sun-worshippers, and plenty of light is the secret sauce for impressive growth. They’ll still do okay in partial shade, but they really thrive when they can soak up the rays. Try to find a spot that’s sheltered from harsh winds, and make sure you give it plenty of elbow room—you’ll want at least 160 square feet to let it really do its thing.
What kind of soil does Giant Bamboo need?
One of the best things about Giant Bamboo is that it isn’t too picky. In most regions, it’ll grow in just about any garden soil you throw at it. The only thing it absolutely hates is “wet feet” (standing water). That said, if you want to see it really take off, it loves soil that is:
- Loose and airy
- Rich in nutrients
- Consistently moist
Pro tip: Before you put your bamboo in the ground, give the root ball a good, long soak. This helps the plant settle in and start rooting much faster in its new home.
Prepping your soil for success
To give your bamboo the best possible start, mix in some well-rotted compost or aged horse manure to boost the nutrient levels. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you can improve the drainage by mixing in:
- Coarse sand
- Fine gravel
Do I really need a root barrier?
In a word: Yes! Giant Bamboo doesn’t just grow up; it loves to spread out underground. Those running roots (rhizomes) can quickly take over your entire yard if you aren’t careful. To keep it contained, you’ll definitely want to install a rhizome barrier.
Since bamboo roots are incredibly strong, don’t settle for thin plastic. Use a heavy-duty PE-HD liner (about 2mm thick) and a sturdy closure strip. Make sure the barrier sits about 4 inches above the soil line so those sneaky roots don’t try to hop over the top!
When is the best time to plant?
The sweet spot for planting Giant Bamboo is in late spring, once the threat of frost has passed. Planting in May gives the bamboo the whole summer to establish a strong root system before the colder weather returns.
