ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, June 6, 1996 TAG: 9606060032
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: hoein' & growin
SOURCE: DIANE RELF
All bamboos are naturally evergreen, but only certain species thrive in northern areas. The leaves may not always survive the winter in colder areas, but the rhizome which is the underground stem of the bamboo plant, survives and produces new culms (shoots) in the spring from which new leaves emerge.
Bamboo is divided into two subgroups based on the rhizomes. The pachymorph group is clump forming and usually tropical. The leptomorph group has an open habit and includes the hardy bamboo. A leptomorph stand of bamboo can become a tight, intersecting mass of rhizomes. The culms sprout at random, forming a dense impenetrable screen.
There are three major types of hardy bamboos: arundinaria, phyllostachys and sasa. Arundinaria species are very active in growth and of medium height. The rhizome of this bamboo produces a large number of culms near the base of the plant. Grown without restriction, an arundinaria plant will form a dense hedge.
Phyllostachys forms a less dense screen and is particularly suitable for a grove or a high, open screen. The culms of phyllostachys tend to grow upright and straight. The foliage is delicate, light green and grows symmetrically on the branches. The familiar form that we see in Oriental gardens is a grove of isolated culms. Phyllostachys species are especially suitable for this treatment.
Sasa species run small, but they can tolerate shade making them well suited for dense screens. Sasa species make striking accent plants, with long, broad leaves overshadowing short stems. Leaves are dark green, sometimes variegated, and have a rough texture and shape.
There are several ways to handle the invasive tendency of bamboo. The simplest is to remove shoots as they appear. This can be done while mowing the lawn. Or the whole rhizome system can be pulled from the ground when it appears, but this can disrupt surrounding plants. The best way to handle invasive bamboo is to confine it with barriers. Natural barriers include outcroppings of rock or edges of a pond. Galvanized metal or an apron of concrete also make effective barriers.
Bamboos grow best in rich soil that is not too dry. They tolerate light shade, though in northern gardens more sun and a warm, sheltered spot are best. Fertilizer should be applied liberally as a top dressing on top of the soil.
Diane Relf is a consumer horticulture specialist with Virginia Cooperative Extension and is a member of the faculty at Virginia Tech.
LENGTH: Medium: 52 linesby CNB