Phyllostachys Bissetii

Phyllostachys Bissetii (running bamboo)

As the name suggests, this hedging bamboo – as it is also called – is suitable for growing a hedge. This is because it grows upright and is very compact. But it can also be used as a solitary plant. It grows rapidly and is evergreen. The Phyllostachys Bissetii does not require much maintenance so it is easy to look after. It does, however, grow rampantly. Make sure to tame this bamboo plant before it makes the rest of your garden – and that of your neighbours – unsafe. Point 9 ‘How should I plant a Phyllostachys Bissetii hedge?’ explains how to do so.

Where does Bambusa Bissetii originate from?

The Phyllostachys Bissetii originally comes from China.

Why choose a hedging bamboo?

• Phyllostachys Bissetii adds ambiance.
• It adds an Oriental touch to your garden.
• With its blue-green stems and small, light-green leaves, this plant is absolutely beautiful.
• The green bamboo has a calming effect.
• The hedging bamboo grows quickly. It can provide the privacy you are looking for.
• It only requires minimum maintenance.
• The plant can be pruned, but that’s not necessary. However, if you want to prune it, it’s easier than you think.
• This bamboo type is winter hardy.
• The plant is very strong.

When is the best time to plant Phyllostachys Bissetii?

It’s best to plant the bamboo when there is no more frost in the ground, around the end of February and beginning of March. You can plant the Phyllostachys Bissetii in the ground until late in the autumn. If you wait until very late autumn to plant the bamboo, make sure to protect the roots of the plant with a layer of straw or leaves. It is recommended to do this anyway with young bamboo plants in severe frosts.

How should I plant a Phyllostachys Bissetii hedge?

1. Remove the weeds where you want to place the plants.
2. Dig a wide, deep trench. Tip: stretch a piece of string between two sticks before digging because, after all, you want a straight hedge don’t you?
3. Use a shovel to loosen the soil in the trench.
4. Mix the loose soil in the trench with garden compost.
5. Place the hedging bamboo in the pots next to the trench exactly where you want them. Once you are satisfied with the spacing, remove the pots and submerge the root balls of the plants in water and then place them in the trench.
6. Make sure that the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
7. Fill the trench with soil and pack it down firmly.
8. Make sure that the roots of the plants remain moist. If there is little to no rain forecast, do this every day. This will ensure that the roots take hold in the soil. It is very important that the roots do not dry out.
9. PLEASE NOTE: We advise installing a root barrier immediately. Dig a trench around the hedge and place the root barrier vertically in the ground. It should extend 5 cm above ground and 55 cm below ground level. This will help you keep the green bamboo in check.

Tips

Once the Bambusa Bissetii is well-rooted in the earth, it’s best to give it a lot of water in one go instead of watering it a little every day.

The bamboo does well in any type of soil. Do bear in mind, though, that the plant is sensitive to wind. Plant it in a spot where it is protected from north and east winds.
The green bamboo likes to be planted in well-drained, humus-rich soil. It does not like soil that is too dry but it should not be too wet either.

Positioning

• The Phyllostachys Bissetii can be placed in full sun but prefers partial shade.
• Set out one plant per linear metre or three plants per two linear metres. If privacy is important to you, then plant two bamboo plants per linear metre.

Advice & Care

• It is best to prune the hedging bamboo in August or September.
• The Phyllostachys Bissetii does best in humus-rich soil. If the soil is not humus-rich by nature, prepare the soil with garden compost before planting. You can fertilize the bamboo with organic fertilizers.
• Give it plenty of water, certainly when the plants are still young. It is best to submerge the root ball in water before placing it in the ground. In dry periods, it is advisable to water the bamboo regularly.

Common problems with bamboo
This hedging bamboo is strong and hardly has any trouble with fungal diseases and other diseases or pests.

Advantages and disadvantages of green bamboo

Advantages

• The Phyllostachys Bissetii does not necessarily need to be pruned.
• Fortunately, though, if you are going to prune it, it is not a difficult job.
• The plant does well in any type of soil.
• The green bamboo prefers standing in partial shade.
• The plant hardly ever suffers from diseases or infestations.
• It is very strong and will last a long time.

Disadvantages

• The hedging bamboo cannot tolerate north or east winds.
• It does not like standing in soil that is dry or too wet. This may cause the roots to start rotting.
• There’s no denying that the Phyllostachys Bissetii grows prolifically. It is therefore advisable to install a root barrier. Point 9 ‘How should I plant a Phyllostachys Bissetii hedge?’ explains how to do so.

Conclusion

Plant a Phyllostachys Bissetii – or green bamboo, Bambusa Bissetii, or hedging bamboo as the plant is also called – and satisfaction is guaranteed! Of that we are sure. That’s because this bamboo is beautiful, strong, evergreen, and winter hardy. And it is easy to look after. What more could you want?
Say ‘yes’ to this bamboo plant and order yours today. If you still have any doubts or questions, please do not hesitate to ask our customer service department. We can speak to you in your own language.