Bamboo

[itsnothingoriginal]

Just bought a golden bamboo which I was advised by the garden centre to grow in a large pot rather than plant in the ground as I have a small garden and it can be invasive. I've bought the biggest pot I can find but wondered whether growing in a pot will restrict its size? I need it to grow to around 15 ft and get bushy to provide privacy!

Anyone here have bamboo and any experience of growing it successfully in containers?

Bamboo is the bane of my life! The evil sucker throws it;s nasty little arms under the surface of the ground and pops up at breakneck speed feet away hence the advice of the pot to contain it. However, my experience of containing bamboo is that because it cannot stretch out it's tentacles it tends to stunt it's growth unless you give it plenty of water, direct sunlight and a decent quality food (any garden food will do).

Not sure why you bought it, don't you think it's rather ugly? Pampas grass is nicer for shading off an area.

Not sure why you were sold a runner, as it will burst the pot eventually, and yes, they like lots of water and cow poo.

I've been on there website of the chaps I bought my bamboo from:

www.redcloudbamboo.com.au/index.php/bamboo-facts

They know their stuff.

Interesting site - thanks. The variety I have says is clumping but based on what I've read it is best to contain it I think. Personally I love bamboo but don't want it to become a problem if it does spread. Am happy to give it lots of TLC and keep well watered and fed and I guess I can repot it if it does need more space.

We have black bamboo, which is very attractive. Stems start green, but turn black their second year. I also cut off lower twigs, to reveal more of the black stems.