#GardenChat: Thinning out Japanese Arrow Bamboo
Our Japanese Arrow bamboo in the backyard will go crazy if we let it. It’s a running-type of bamboo, so if we don’t stay on top of thinning it out, and cutting it back several times a year, it will travel and become invasive.
We don’t want to be bad neighbors. Right? Right.
Since we’ve been working in the yard the past few weeks and, do I dare say it? Getting ready for “entertaining season,” our bamboo is over by patio where we dine. Here’s a picture from last summer. You can see it swaying in the background.
Back to yard work last week.
Hubby cut the bamboo way back.
I took the extra shoots, placed in a container, ready to enjoy on our back patio.
We added bamboo several years ago, and I’m pretty sure it came from Maya Gardens, INC up in Eugene, OR. Which, by the way, is only 2.5 hours from where we live.
Here are the facts about Pseudosasa japonica, otherwise known as Japanese Arrow Bamboo:
The Japanese Arrow is perhaps the most widely planted bamboo in the U.S. In its native range of Japan and South Korea, it is most likely to grow as an under story plant. Pseudosasa japonica leaves are almost 12″ long. Although it can take deep shade, here in Southern Oregon we easily grow it in full sun conditions. It can also be brought indoors as a house plant. It is hardy down to-10° F to 0° F. Its culms tend to branch out low to the ground, making it an excellent choice for low growing screens and hedge. The Japanese Arrow is a great choice for wind blocks. It can be planted in coastal seaside planting, as sea air has little effect on it.
Synonyms: Arundinaria japonica, Bambusa metake.
Height x Diameter: Ht. 18’x1”.
Minimum temperature: Hardy to 0° F.
USDA zone 7-10, find your zone here
Light: Part shade to full sun.
Culm: Green.
Uses: Container, wind break, hedge, screen, houseplant, crafts.
Distribution: South Japan and Korea.
Spread: Running.
Most people sigh when they see bamboo, and I take that to mean that they let it get out of control. But we love it.
Do you have any experience growing bamboo?
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I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
I love all Bamboo. I live in San Diego so it does grow well here but I put it in a huge pot rather than the ground because it is envasive. After a few years it finally broke the pot but nothing stops bamboo so it continued on for a couple of years. At the point I disposed of it. But I would like to have it in the ground and discovered that it can be planted in a concrete lined (poured) box in the ground to help control it!! That is the way I will go next time. Do you cut down into the soil and cut back the roots? I have other spreading plants that are controlled that way. Do you even have frost/cold damage?
I love your outdoor space, Sandy! I am hoping to make a great inviting space like that with our new back yard and deck. It just needs to warm up a bit!