Bamboo – planting and care

Scientific name (Latin): Bambusa spp.

Family: Grass (Poaceae)

Bamboo has been used in cooking, construction, as weapons, textiles, and much more for thousands of years, particularly in Asia. In the wild, bamboo can still be found in North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. However, even though bamboo doesn't grow wild in Norway, that doesn't mean it can't be cultivated here.

Growing bamboo at home isn't really that difficult, although, as mentioned, there are certain climate requirements. The most important thing to consider is that the soil suits the bamboo – it primarily needs well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. If you want to succeed in growing bamboo in your garden, this is one of the first things you should check.

Well-drained soil is essential for bamboo to thrive. Make sure the soil isn't compact, clay-like – bamboo will never survive in such conditions. Nutrient-rich and humus-rich soil is preferable. Adding peat or bark to the soil, if needed, before planting bamboo is a smart and easy way to ensure the right conditions. It can also be beneficial to leave fallen leaves around the plant, as these decompose and contribute to better humus and more nutrients.

When it comes to placement in the garden, bamboo generally doesn't like wind, while the taller species prefer full sun, and the shorter varieties can be placed in more shaded areas. However, bamboo generally does well and is easy to care for, so you can often experiment a bit with its placement.

Several varieties of bamboo thrive excellently in Norway, especially in the southern parts of the country. Bamboo is a very versatile plant, and many species are planted because they are seen as attractive and beautiful, while also providing a lovely soundscape when their leaves rustle in the wind. Since there are so many different types of bamboo, most people can find something that suits them.

Whether you're looking for a single plant or are considering a hedge, bamboo works perfectly. In Norway, bamboo is mainly used as an ornamental shrub, as it does not have a history of growing wild here, but even in Norway, bamboo is also used for things like fishing rods and simple furniture.

In Norway, we typically do not grow the taller varieties, but we have species that stay around 2–5 meters tall, such as mountain bamboo. However, most of them grow very quickly, making it easy to cultivate a beautiful shrub or attractive hedge when planting bamboo – a plant that also keeps its light green leaves throughout the year and looks lovely in the winter.

In other words, not much is needed for you to succeed in growing bamboo. It’s in many ways a rewarding plant to grow, and as long as the conditions are good from the start, the bamboo will grow well, perhaps a bit too well in some cases. But that's also part of the charm of bamboo and one of the biggest reasons we choose to plant it in our gardens or grow it in pots on balconies or patios.

Growing bamboo in pots works just as well, and sometimes it is even recommended. It gives you the freedom to place the bamboo almost anywhere, as long as the sun is not too harsh or the wind too strong. This allows you to enjoy the delightful rustling of the bamboo wherever you like, and you can even enjoy it on your balcony, patio, or in the garden. Combine, refresh, and change with pots in different sizes, colors, and shapes.

When you buy your bamboo, you can plant it in a larger pot to allow the roots to grow. Make sure the soil is well-drained, preferably with clay balls at the bottom to help with drainage. Water the plant when it is dry. Pruning is done when you feel it's necessary. Bamboo overwinters best either buried in the ground or in a bright and frost-free location.

• Bamboo is extremely fast-growing, with some wild species in Asia capable of growing over 90 centimeters in just one day.
• It can take a very long time between blooms – over 100 years for certain species.
• Giant bamboo is the largest member of the grass family.
• It has been used for, and still is used for, tools, building materials, and in cooking.
• New uses for bamboo include clothing and textiles.
• It is one of the most versatile plants for humans, with many varied applications.
• Bamboo shoots are edible, but the very young shoots of most bamboo species contain cyanide. Only certain species are safe to eat – such as vegetable bamboo.
• Certain species can grow over 40 meters tall.

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