Frequently Asked Questions

We only grow and sell clumping, non-invasive bamboo varieties. Clumping bamboo has compact, shallow root systems that pose minimal intrusion risks when planted near fences, pipes, or pools. Clumping bamboos grow by each new rhizome (pole) being directly attached to the old rhizome. Underground the roots look like an ´L´ shape or hockey stick. Being clumping they grow in a circular habit with each clump being a certain diameter circle. E.g. Each Gracilis Bamboo will grow to a 1m to 1.5m wide circle at maturity.  

Yes it is! Clumping bamboo is a great screening plant. As bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world. Quickly establishing thick, tall hedges becomes easily achievable with bamboo. Semimature plants are available for instant neighbor screening, while planting smaller, younger plants requires some patience, but within one or two seasons, the screening will be complete. Given its small footprint and speedy growth, bamboo stands unparalleled as a screening plant.

Yes! Feel free to click on the link and upload our bamboo planting guide 🙂 bit.ly/49yGfqM

Varieties vary in their requirements, but for those well-suited to suburban environments, the optimal plant spacing is around 1-1.5 meters apart. This distance is especially significant when cultivating them in narrow retained gardens or planter boxes, were they should be planted at a distance a part of the widest edge. However, for taller varieties expected to reach heights exceeding 8 meters, it’s recommended to allow a spacing of at least 2 meters between plants.

Bamboos, being evergreen plants, will drop some foliage, especially as seasons change. However, this can be reduced by mulching the plants well with woodchips or sugarcane bales and keeping them regularly watered during drier periods.  

Yes there is. Our best sellers for narrow spaces are Goldstripe Bamboo, Compacta Bamboo and Malay Dwarf Variegated Bamboo. Certain varieties will also tolerate narrower garden beds such as Gracilis Bamboo or Murray Island Bamboo.

Ideally, it’s recommended to excavate a hole that’s at least 100mm deeper and wider than the original size of the pot. In instances where the soil quality is subpar, enlarging the hole further would be advantageous, allowing more room for backfilling with higher-quality soil and compost.

Certainly! Trimming the tops helps in allowing more sunlight to reach the core of the bamboo, encouraging thicker growth from within the clump. However, there are constraints regarding how much you can trim a bamboo’s height while preserving its natural form. Opting for a naturally shorter species is often the more practical choice.

Most bamboo varieties generally thrive in full sunlight. In ideal sunny conditions, bamboo tends to develop its fullest foliage at the top where sunlight exposure is highest. When bamboo enjoys unobstructed sunlight reaching its base, it tends to exhibit lush foliage throughout its height.

However, if bamboo is planted close together or under the shade of other trees, the lower parts receive less sunlight, leading to limited foliage growth in those sections. Bamboo invests its energy in foliage where sunlight is abundant, maximizing the opportunity for photosynthesis.

Another impact of bamboo growing in shaded areas is its tendency to grow taller than in sunlit areas. In pursuit of light, bamboo naturally stretches upwards in shade, surpassing the height it would typically achieve in well-lit environments. Consequently, bamboo thriving in shade consistently grows taller compared to the same species cultivated in full sun.

Yes, bamboo shoots are edible and are commonly used in various cuisines, particularly in Asian cooking. The tender young shoots of certain bamboo species are harvested for consumption. These shoots are crisp and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

Bamboo shoots need to be properly prepared before consuming, as they contain cyanogenic glycosides, natural compounds that can be toxic if not removed through cooking. Cooking, boiling, or pickling bamboo shoots helps eliminate these compounds, making them safe and suitable for consumption.

The rate of growth is also influenced by weather conditions and the quantity of water the bamboo receives. As a general guideline, anticipate your bamboo to attain its full height over a span of 2-3 growing seasons. Typically, they tend to grow at a rate of 1-2 meters annually.

Unfortunately, bamboo seeds are not available for purchase.

Bamboo seeds tend to exhibit hybridization and typically don’t grow true to the original species, resulting in unpredictable outcomes.

Bamboo often gets a bad reputation, mainly due to the running species. However, it’s worth noting that this plant is visually appealing and exceptionally resilient, making it an excellent choice for screening or even as a standalone feature in various conditions.

It’s crucial to understand that clumping bamboo, unlike its running counterpart, behaves differently. Their root structure forms a compact clump and doesn’t spread uncontrollably. Surprisingly, clumping bamboo is far less intrusive compared to numerous trees and shrubs commonly found in gardens.

Numerous pots of bamboo can easily fit into a standard-sized vehicle. Most bamboos possess great flexibility, allowing them to be curved or laid down without any harm to the plant. If your vehicle has a fold-down boot compartment, it might even allow for a larger storage area.

However, larger pot sizes and more mature plants can pose challenges in fitting into limited spaces. For those seeking bigger plants, we suggest using a ute or trailer for easier transportation. It’s essential to prepare with a tarp or sheet to cover them during travel, preventing windburn en route back home.

Bamboo is a diverse plant found in various climates around the world. While some bamboo species thrive in tropical regions with warm temperatures and high humidity, not all bamboo species are limited to tropical climates. Bamboo can grow in a wide range of environments, from tropical regions to temperate zones and even in colder climates, depending on the species. 

Yes, certain species of bamboo can thrive as indoor plants. Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) and some dwarf bamboo species are popular choices for indoor cultivation. These species are wellsuited to indoor environments due to their ability to tolerate lower light conditions compared to other plants and their relatively smaller size.When growing bamboo indoors, it’s essential to provide the right conditions, including indirect sunlight or filtered light, consistent watering (avoiding waterlogging), and appropriate potting soil.
Additionally, ensuring proper drainage and occasional fertilization can help maintain the health and growth of indoor bamboo plants.

Bamboo is generally low-maintenance once established, especially clumping varieties that have a contained growth habit. However, certain factors influence its care:

• Watering: Newly planted bamboo requires consistent watering to establish a healthy root system. Once established, bamboo is typically drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells.
• Soil and Fertilization: Bamboo prefers well-draining soil. Fertilizing in the spring can support healthy growth, but it’s important not to over-fertilize.
• Sunlight: Most bamboo species thrive in full sun, though some varieties can tolerate partial shade. Adequate sunlight is essential for healthy growth and foliage density.
• Controlled Growth: Running bamboo species require containment barriers to prevent spreading, whereas clumping bamboo tends to have a more contained growth habit.
• Pruning: Regular maintenance involves removing dead or damaged culms (stems) and thinning out excessive growth to maintain the plant’s appearance and health.

While bamboo is generally resilient, providing the right growing conditions and occasional upkeep ensures its optimal growth and appearance.