SafePlants

Bamboo Hedges: A Comprehensive Overview

Bamboo hedges are a popular choice for creating screens and privacy barriers in gardens and landscapes. This article explores the characteristics, varieties, and uses of bamboo as hedging, drawing from various sources to provide a well-rounded understanding.

Considerations for Pets

• Some bamboos can grow tall and create dense thickets, potentially limiting visibility in a garden.

Considerations for Children

• Some bamboo species have sharp edges when canes are cut, which may pose a risk.

Common Names and Scientific Names

• Common Name: Bamboo Hedge
• Several scientific names are mentioned in relation to hedging bamboos, including:
  • Phyllostachys (various species)
  • Fargesia nitida
  • Shibataea kumasaca
  • Fargesia dracocephala
  • Fargesia murielae
  • Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo)
  • Phyllostachys aurea
  • Phyllostachys bissetii
  • Bambusa multiplex (Hedge Bamboo)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• The text mentions the historical usage of the name nana Roxb. for the common hedge-bamboo of S.E. Asia, and by Gamble in his work on the bamboos of India.

Distribution and Habitat

• Bamboos are mentioned as being found in Shropshire and Uttar Pradesh.
• Bamboos are commonly used in gardens, nurseries, and in commercial landscaping.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Bamboo species can be categorized as either "clumping" or "running" types, which describes their growth habit.
• Clumping bamboos grow in a concentrated area, expanding slowly, while running bamboos spread more aggressively via rhizomes.
• Height varies depending on the species, ranging from short to tall, with some varieties reaching up to 30 feet (approx. 9 meters).
• Some bamboos, such as Bambusa multiplex, can grow to 4.5 m (14ft) by 5 m (16ft).

Ecological Role

• Bamboo hedges can act as privacy barriers, noise barriers, and windbreaks.

Quirky Facts

• Some bamboo species develop crooked (bent knee) internodes toward the bottom of the culms.
• Bamboo provides a translucent effect compared to traditional hedges and can be thinned by removing canes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text references using bamboo hedges to create privacy and block out neighbors.

Resources and Further Information

• Bamboo Garden (bamboogarden.com)
• eBay
• BambooHQ
• Crocus
• BambooMan
• Houzz.com
• Amazon.co.uk
• Big Plant Nursery Garden Centre
• King &amp Co.
• Horticulture Week