Bamboo hedges are becoming more and more popular in Germany because the hedges are opaque very quickly. In addition, bamboos are easy-care plants and bring an exotic flair to the garden. However, there is a small disadvantage. The hedge should be well planned, because some types of bamboo grow very expansively.
bamboo hedge
Planning a bamboo hedge largely depends on which bamboo you want to plant. Since, according to the German courts, bamboos are considered ornamental plants, although botanically they come from the sweet grass family (Poaceae), you must observe the relevant legal provisions. This applies above all to Article 47ff of the German Civil Code and the state law on neighborhoods.
It is also important that if you want to plant a tall bamboo hedge, you should consider that the stalks moving in the wind can cause damage to walls and buildings. Therefore, you should plan at least the maximum growth height of the bamboo as the distance to the hedge. As evergreen sweet grasses, there is still a risk that they can become an obstacle on roads and paths in rain and snow.
tip: The overhanging and swinging out of the stalks can be curbed or prevented with a bamboo stand or a taut cord.
location
Since the location is usually predetermined when creating a bamboo hedge, the choice of bamboo variety depends on the location of the hedge. However, this is not a problem, because the right bamboo can be found for almost every location. However, you will not be happy with a bamboo hedge if the plants are not protected from north and east winds. Because the bamboo, like drafty locations in general, does not tolerate these cold winds well.
floor
Although the bamboo does not make any special demands on the soil, it prefers one
- humous
- loose and
- permeable
Soil. But it can also cope with heavy or sandy soils. Only compacted soil causes problems for the bamboo, since there is a risk of waterlogging, which the plant cannot tolerate at all. In this case it helps to loosen the soil and/or to create drainage.
planting time
You can plant bamboo hedges from early spring to late autumn, with spring being the ideal time of year. The advantage of spring planting is that the bamboo has plenty of time to get used to it, namely a complete growing season. If the hedge is planted in summer, the young bamboo plants need a very good water supply. If the bamboo hedge is set in late autumn, protection against extreme cold is necessary in the first winter.
planting distance
The planting distance for bamboo hedges depends on the size of the plants supplied, because a further distance must be chosen between larger bamboos than between smaller ones. When measuring the planting distance, you can use the following guidelines as a guide:
- Containers under 7.5 liters: two to three bamboo plants per meter
- Containers with more than 10 liters: plan 70 to 100 centimeters between the plants
Alternatively, you can also use the height of the bamboo plants you have bought or are about to buy:
- just under a meter: maximum 70 centimeters
- from 40 to 70 centimeters: 25 to 30 centimeters
- over two meters: 100 centimeters
The distances mentioned refer to bamboo hedges that are opaque after the third growing season. If the hedge is to be opaque immediately after planting, then plant bamboos two meters high with a planting distance of 50 centimeters.
plant
So that the distances between the sweet grasses are correct, it is advisable to first set them up above ground at the planned location. If everyone is correct, then the setting of the bamboo hedge begins:
- Dig a planting hole
- Pour in a ten centimeter thick layer of compost and garden soil
- Size: twice the diameter of the root ball
- Planting depth: the upper part of the root ball is flush with the surface of the earth
- Fill in the planting hole
- Press the soil lightly
Once all the bamboos have been planted, the entire planting site is watered extensively. This so-called siltation prevents the formation of air pockets and causes all roots to come into contact with the soil.
Fargesia murielae, umbrella bamboo, Muriel bamboo
Tip: Since you will probably have to provide the hedge with additional watering, for example in winter, you should create a watering rim. This occurs when the filled soil is below the garden soil.
A slightly more complex method for setting the hedge is to dig a planting ditch instead of many holes. This has the advantage that the soil is nice and loose over the entire course of the hedge and the water can be better distributed.
tip: Mulching of bamboo hedges is not recommended as nitrogen consumption is high as the mulch decomposes, thereby depriving the bamboo of the nitrogen it needs to grow.
Bamboo varieties for a hedge
The following plant species are particularly suitable for setting a bamboo hedge:
- Fargesia
- pseudosasa
- Phyllostachys
The Fargesia murielae species is particularly popular because it does not form any runners and impresses with its very good winter hardiness (WHZ 6 = -23.4 °C to -17.8 °C). The growth height of the different varieties of Fargesia murielae is between 100 and 400 centimeters on average. The growth width varies on average between 100 and 250 centimeters. Some varieties, such as Fargesia murielae "Maasai", have an upright, columnar habit, while others, such as "Standing Stone" grow overhanging. You can also choose the color of the leaves or stems. It is therefore best if you inquire about the growth characteristics and requirements of Fargesia murielae in specialist shops.
Fargesia murielae, umbrella bamboo, Muriel bamboo