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Posted: Mar/14/2008 5:02 AM PST
Since there's no Grasses forum, here I go: Bought a hardy bamboo plant three years ago, and it's THE most I've ever paid for one plant ~ $30. The man at the greenhouse cautioned me "oh, look out ~ it can go to 40' high and spread just as wide or more". Well HELLO ~ that's what I wanted. And what do you think it's done in the 3 years since I planted it (part sun, nice and moist spot) ~ absolutely nada. The doggone plant is still only about 5' tall and has sent up maybe two little baby runners. Aaarrrrrggggghhhhh! Is this stuff ever going to take off? Don't ask me what kind of bamboo it is because I don't know. Let me try for a picture later ~ raining right now. |
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Posted: Mar/21/2008 3:51 AM PST
Well, since no one answered my question (and there have been 158 views so there IS some interest) I will answer myself, in case anyone else wants to know. I posted the same question on Dave's Garden and finally got one reply. Methinks bamboo is not popular ~ gee, I wonder why  ?Answer ~ since my bamboo has sent up shoots, it is happy in its location. Although slow to start when first planted, the third year is the charm. So ...... stay tuned for the summer of 2008 and we'll see just what this plant will do! |
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Posted: Mar/21/2008 8:19 AM PST
In my defense, this is the first time I have looked at your post,lol.  Sadly true bamboo is not an option here. I have seen a couple ads that state it is hardy (Their particular bamboo) to -10, but we get spots in the winter that hit a rare -15-20,I cant pay that much for a plant that may get a good foothold, then get froze out in one day.I have heard they need a few years to get a good network of roots, then bam-you start getting top growth. I would love to see pictures of yours-even at five foot.  And to anyone who is considering planting Japanese Knotweed as a substitute...please dont do it! Its a horribly invasive weed and will take over in no time. And its impossible to get rid of. Evil stuff. 
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Posted: Mar/23/2008 9:24 AM PST
So I finally got around to taking a picture of the bamboo. One pic is of the whole plant and the other is a close up of the leaves. You can see Mark on the tractor in the first photo. He is doing spring limb clean up. Anyhoo, wish I would have saved the label on this bamboo. All I know is that it's evergreen and has put up two new shoots in about the same number of years. Hope the third year's the charm!! Attachments:   |
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Posted: Mar/23/2008 3:17 PM PST
Wow Key I'm reallysorry yours hasnt taken off. I'll have to get over to my mom's and take a pic of hers.It has gone nuts. I think it is really beautiful. Its about 25 feet tall and growing my brother says. He plays heck keeping it in check. It has grown under the siding ofthe house. But it is really pretty. And we THINK bats have made a home in it. But they planted it in 1998, it took a couple of years to reallyshow its potential but man, It is HUGE!!! I'll definately get you a pic. And I'll ask what kind it is. It has really saved on there winter heating bills as they planted it on the north side of the house and it is a GREAT windbreak. Good Luck |
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Posted: Mar/24/2008 4:43 AM PST
Hey, thanks ~ I would LOVE to see a picture of it! Mine is planted well away from the house, the road, the neighbor's house, etc. I meant it to form a screen between the next house and ours. Even though you really can't see the house from ours (except in winter when the trees are bare) we like our privacy. |
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Posted: Mar/24/2008 4:03 PM PST
I should have brought my camera to work with me today so I could take a picture of it on my way home. You won't beleive this stuff. Hey, MamaBear gave me an idea, since you sent me those beautiful castor bean seeds, I could repay you with some bamboo starts if you would like!! I'm sure my mom won't mind me digging some up. She has such an abundance. I think I still have your address, but just in case can you PM it to me? I'll get over there probably this weekend and dig some up-weather permitting. & I'll just get it out in Monday's mail. Cool?? |
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Posted: Mar/25/2008 4:44 AM PST
Cool? Cool???? That would be WAY cool!! You are so sweet to even offer. This makes my day and I am so excited. Do you need postage? Since the internet, the post office is slowly but surely trying to kill us off! |
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Posted: Mar/25/2008 8:38 PM PST
At least you got yours to live KeeWee, mine all died the first year. I think it is so pretty but I also wanted to start a row to hide the farm equipment in the field next to my house. |
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Posted: Mar/26/2008 7:49 AM PST
Make sure you fertilize with a balanced fertilizer. I fertilize a couple of times in the spring with triple 16. This clump is about 6 years old. It was slow the first 2 years. Attachments:  |
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