Monday, December 26, 2011

The Bamboo Geek answers reader's questions...


The Bamboo Geek (that's me)

I get lots of questions on bamboo, from what to do with the plant during a blizzard -  to how to fertilize it; and every question in between.  So, here are some questions I have received lately and answers to those questions:

Q: Can [bamboo be] over-winterized containerized bamboos in-door[s]?  I left them outside last winter and unfortunately a couple of them died..exposed to the snow and wind.

Many running bamboo can tolerate extremely low temperatures.  An extreme example is Phylostachys bissettii, a running bamboo that can take temperatures down to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit.  Keep in mind that this temperature tolerance is an 'in-ground' temperature.  In a container, it is much less tolerant to cold temperature extremes as the soil and root mass can literally freeze up like an ice cube (no exaggeration).  Now, to over winter it, the best solutions are to place it in a greenhouse (if your lucky enough to have one) or to place it under a covered patio or under the eaves near the house which will give the plant some protection.  In a garage is OK for a temporary situation.  You can't leave it there for more than a few days as the lack of light will cause issues for the plant if left unchecked.

Q: Not sure what time of year we feed our bamboo; but a good subject for a future newsletter.

… basic feed?

I'm a gardening simpleton, nothing spectacular or magical - I use a grass fertilizer, usually a 16-16-16 formula starting in April, applying a small handful, every other month through October.  That will usually do it.  I do experiment with some organics as well like work castings, coffee grounds and fish emulsion (stinky, but effective).  I also plan on experimenting with top mulching with seasoned manure (watch the salt content) at some point, I hear it does wonders for bamboo.

…weed and feed?? Is bamboo a weed!?  EEEK!  The 'feed' part is good, but the 'weed' part will kill broadleaf plants, which includes bamboo.  Only use straight fertilizers, no weed and feed.

…Cat Box contents???

OK, I have a friend who has used the urine soaked (not cat feces) litter and has seen great growth for other plants.  In theory, urine has a high nitrogen content.  I haven't personally tried it, but it may be worth experimenting with.  I personally would only experiment in the garden in spots far away from your house as cat urine is very stinky.

Have more bamboo questions?  Send them to me at sean@madmanbamboo.com.  Always happy to answer them.

Cheers!

Sean
Mad Man Bamboo - Rocklin, CA
(916) 300-6335

Friday, December 16, 2011

'Mahvelous' purple bamboo



My one gallon Yushania boliana, a clumping bamboo, looks 'mahvelous' with its nice purple-red culms. Growing these in the hot house has done wonders.  Even with the fairly weak sun exposure during the winter and the cold nights, the heat that is captured inside seems to have accelerated root development and kept the top foliage looking fresh and green. Can't wait to see what these look like in April 2012 when they emerge from the hot house.  

Cheers!

Sean 
Mad Man Bamboo - Rocklin, CA
(916) 300-6335

Sunday, December 11, 2011

How fast will my bamboo grow? Photos over time of a superior clumping bamboo planted for privacy.

John and Fred, owners of a home in the Foothill Farms area of Sacramento purchased some Bambusa multiplex 'Alphonse Karr' bamboo plants from us in the Fall 2010. 'Alphonse Karr' is a clumping bamboo that grows 15 to 20 feet, can take full sun and is a great choice to create a natural privacy screen. They planted them on October 17, 2010 (pictured below). The objective was to screen a neighbor's house where there living room was on the second floor.

They have been very gracious to share photos of how the plants are progressing.  One of the most common questions I get is - " How fast will my bamboo grow?"  Of course it all depends on soil, light and environmental conditions; and of course the variety of bamboo.  But, the photos, aptly answer the question visually and certainly confirm my contention that 'Alphonse Karr' is a superior clumping bamboo to create a nice, dense and beautiful, non-invasive, privacy hedge.  Check out the progress over time...




October 17, 2010



May 26, 2011



June 28, 2011



Taken around late November 2011

Again, congratulations to John and Fred for taking good care of their plants. It certainly shows!

Sean
(916) 300-6335
www.madmanbamboo.com
Mad Man Bamboo on Facebook
Twitter: @madmanbamboo

Friday, December 2, 2011

Glad the wind is dying down...


Glad to see the wind dying down. California and part of other western states just got walloped with cold, dry, high winds.  Today, I'm taking stock of the damage, mostly just stressed plants.  What a pain!

If you see the leaves curled on your bamboo, it usually denotes dry soil and/or low humidity.

Here is what to do if you see this happening - Tip of the Day.

Cheers!

Sean
Mad Man Bamboo - Rocklin, CA
(916) 300-6335