Bamboo in Containers?!!

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goldenway Hudson, NY(Zone 5a) Apr 27, 2010

Has anyone grown bamboo in containers and what type of bamboo should I use for my zone and would like something tall for privacy.

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judyberg Lawrence, KS Apr 28, 2010

I live in Kansas and have a ton, I mean a ton, of bamboo growing all along the perimeter of my property. It originally came from Hawaii many years ago. Now it is at least 50-75 ft. tall and makes a great privacy fence. However, the root of the bamboo is a runner, so would imagine it would get root bound fairly quickly in a pot. To contain it, I snip off the new shoots that resemble asparagus when they emerge and quickly, VERY quickly, squirt Roundup on the cut part and it stops it without damaging the mother plant. I've been told that when you cut the shoot the plant quickly sucks the sap back down into the root so that's the reason to spray it immediately. Keeps me a little busy in the spring time, but later in the summer don't see too many little shoots poking up. I absolutely love it and have had people come by and want a start of it. But, beware, if you don't contain it, it will absolutely take over your yard.

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Metrosideros Keaau, HI Apr 28, 2010

If you plan to overwinter the Bamboo indoors, you have many to choose from. If they will be outdoors all year, your choices are limited.

Cultivars of Bambusa multiplex are very good for container growth. 'Riviereorum', 'Golden Goddess', and 'Fernleaf' are long lived in containers.

Black Bamboo, Phyllostachys nigra 'Nigra' is good in containers, as well as many other of the smaller Phyllostachys. They are cold hardy.

How tall do you need the Bamboo to get?

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Metrosideros Keaau, HI Apr 28, 2010

If Judyberg's Bamboo came from the wild in Hawai'i, it is likely Phyllostachys nigra 'Henionis', Henon Bamboo.

It gets too big for containers.

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judyberg Lawrence, KS Apr 28, 2010

I think Metrosideros is correct - our bamboo is HUGE. I guess I didn't realize you could "container" it as this is my only experience with the plant. It was in our yard when we bought the house, thanks to the neighbors who planted it. Thanks Metrosideros for clarifying that!

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Tylersays Madison Heights, VA Apr 28, 2010

Why do I have this image of The Hulk busting out of his shirt in my mind?!?

What the hey - give it a try! Maybe it'll bonsai itself!

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goldenway Hudson, NY(Zone 5a) May 03, 2010

Thanks for your help!

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