Bamboo type

[Plattdh]

Hi, I just wanted some reassurance that this bamboo planted in my borders was a clumping variety rather than a running type. It has been in three years or so and kept trimmed but as you can see from the pictures, new growth is coming through, although not far from the base of the plant. I have chopped these back and am pretty certain it is clumping but wanted to make sure. As would rather remove now if I needed to.

Many Thanks

 

[Jewell]

Your clumps, appear to me, to be spreading rather vigorously. My golden bamboo didn’t have runners like yours for more than ten years. From my past experiences with bamboo, I’d put it in a pot while you can still dig it up. The clump will, with time, become too difficult to remove without heavy equipment. (From the looks of the clump forming) Just an opinion of course. I’ve loved my bamboo for several decades but it is the only plant I wish I could now remove. Being in a large container(s) it could have been enjoyed and contained.

 

[Plattdh]

Thank you for the response. It’s the first year I have noticed extra growth like that. My worry was it was a running variety and may well spread over a great distance. I had through about pulling up and putting in a pot, and then potentially sinking in the ground again. I will monitor it over the next few months and decide what to do. Thanks.

 

[cpp gardener]

I'm not sure which species it is, but it looks like a clumping type. Most running types RUN, as in pop up 2-6' away from the main part of the plant. Golden and black bamboo are notorious for popping up even further away.

 

[Plattdh]

Thanks, that puts my mind at rest that both replies think it’s clumping variety. Will keep my eye on it this year to see how far it spreads.

Many Thanks.

 

[Tetters]

Hello @Plattdh and welcome to the forums Actually, I think that @Jewell implied that if not sure it`s maybe better to dig it up and contain the plant to make sure you don`t have a runner. Whatever the big one is it looks a bit ominous to me - and I totally agree with Jewell about digging it out now. I also have one that behaved for ages, but now it is running, and there is no hope of controlling the b****y thing! Did you keep the labels when you bought these plants? Always better safe than sorry !!

 

[Plattdh]

Thanks for the comments. They are all the same bamboo and have been split from pots over the years. The original being probably over 15 years old, so no label I’m afraid. The weaker looking one was only out in the soil a couple of weeks ago as a pot smashed. The stronger looking two have been in the ground about three years.
I’ve kept them trimmed down, but I’d never noticed the large new shoots on previous years, although obviously it has grown.

I think going off the advice today, I will dig up and re pot. Would a pot in the ground be a good barrier or is it better to leave above ground when potted?

Thanks.

 

[Tetters]

I think to be on the safe side, I would choose a really big pot, and raise it on ''feet'' If you want to put it into a bed to blend in with other plants it could stand on a paving slab maybe so you can keep an eye on it. Doing this means you don`t have the expense of a 'posh' pot as you can disguise a strong plastic one with other stuff

 

[Plattdh]

Thanks. There is somebody local to me selling half whiskey barrels, so think I will purchase a couple and replant the two big ones, splitting down if needs be. I can then leave these above ground for now. appreciate everyone’s advice.I’d rather be safe than sorry, as would hate to case any property or boundary damage

 

[Tetters]

They`ll be great in those - that`s what I call ''posh'' good luck with it

 

[Plattdh]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice. Dug out both bamboo and repotted today. Glad I did it now as suggested as they took a bit of digging. Had to cut a fair few roots, but sure they will bounce back. Plus I can sleep easy now knowing they aren’t going to break through the house wall like some kind of triffid . Have a great weekend everyone.

 

[Tetters]

Keep an eye open in case you missed a bit

 

[Plattdh]

I’m sure I’d did as has to chop bits to get it out, but will keep turning it over and pull the bits out. Thanks.

 

[Jewell]

Great job! The bamboo looks terrific potted.