FAQ

I detest bamboo !!! I wasted a whole week and wrecked my back, digging it out of my mother inlaws backyard. That stuff is a horrible weed.
It is true. Melbourne has been cursed with the highly invasive Golden Bamboo for many decades now. If it is planted with no boundaries it will fulfil its duties to invade the whole area. However this is a good looking indestructible plant, fantastic for screening or even a stand alone specimen plant in just about any conditions. If planted in a controlled area and inspected every few months for rhizomes escaping, you will not have any problems with it. Clumping variety bamboos are just that, they form a clump and do not run away. Over several years several bamboo enthusiasts have imported these clumping varieties from all over the world. Many people do not understand that there is such a bamboo plant that is non invasive. In fact, clumping bamboo is far less intrusive than most trees and shrubs that are planted in any garden. Bamboo has a fine surface root system that will not seek out drain pipes and block them.

Bamboo is a tropical plant isn't it?
There are over 1200 varieties of bamboo throughout the world, they grow from very cold temperate climates to the hot tropics. Most of the cold growing varieties are running types.

What variety should I grow?
Melbourne's climate certainly does not suit most bamboos, so local knowledge is extremely important in choosing a plant. Many varieties that grow well in New South Wales or Queensland will not perform here in Victoria and will ultimately die.

Why is bamboo so expensive?
Bamboo very rarely produces seed, so most propagation procedures are by division or culm cuttings, both which are labour intensive and slow to achieve a successful result.

Does bamboo need a lot of care?
Once planted in the right position and made sure of adequate moisture and nutrition for the first few months, the plant can be cared for like any other garden plant. A quick tidy up of shabby older culms is recommended to keep up the best appearance.

My neighbours have recently built a huge house which overlooks mine, how can I keep them from prying?
Bamboo is an excellent screening plant for that situation. Semi mature plants can be purchased and can screen them off instantly, or if you have some patience smaller younger plants can be planted and after one or two seasons the job will be complete. With its small foot print and rapid growth, nothing else compares.

When is the best time of year to plant bamboo?
The best time to plant your bamboo plant is early spring for maximum growth in the season. Any other time of the year is still fine, it is just that you will not optimise the full potential of growth. 'Don't worry, they will still grow quickly'.