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Bamboo is a type of grass that is native to Australia. It has been used by the Aboriginal people of northern Australia for various purposes, including the creation of spear shafts, didgeridoos, smoking pipes, and water carriers. Australia has two types of bamboo: running bamboo and clumping bamboo. Clumping bamboo is the preferred choice for gardens as it is easy to maintain and can be controlled for height. The Northern Rivers area of NSW, with its high rainfall, fertile soils, and subtropical climate, is particularly well-suited for growing bamboo. Bamboo Australia, a commercial bamboo farm, offers over 250 different tropical and subtropical species.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bamboo in Australia | Grows natively; introduced by Aboriginal Australians or European explorers |
| Varieties | Clumping bamboo, running bamboo |
| Clumping bamboo characteristics | Easy to maintain, ginger-like roots, can be pruned to control height |
| Running bamboo characteristics | Can spread quickly and take over large areas |
| Popular varieties | Slender Weaver Bamboo, Buddha's Belly Bamboo, White bamboo, Thai Silk bamboo |
| Slender Weaver Bamboo characteristics | Fast-growing, drought-resistant, pest-resistant, frost-resistant, can be pruned to desired height |
| Slender Weaver Bamboo height | Typically 8m tall, but can be pruned to desired height |
| Bamboo Land varieties | Over 100 varieties, 35 for sale |
| Bamboo Australia varieties | Over 250 tropical and subtropical species |
| Bamboo-growing conditions | High rainfall, fertile soils, subtropical climate |
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What You'll Learn
Bamboo is native to Australia
There are two main types of bamboo: running bamboo and clumping bamboo. Running bamboo can spread quickly and take over large areas, while clumping bamboo is easier to maintain and can be pruned to control its height, making it a good choice for hedges or privacy screens. Clumping bamboo has a root that resembles ginger, and it is the type you would want to grow in your garden.
Australia has many nurseries and farms specialising in bamboo due to its high rainfall, fertile soils, and subtropical climate, particularly in the Northern Rivers area of NSW. Bamboo Australia, a pioneer of commercial bamboo farming in Australia, offers over 250 different tropical and subtropical species. Bambooland also grows and sells a wide range of bamboo varieties.
Some popular bamboo varieties in Australia include the Gracilis Slender Weaver Bamboo, which is drought, pest, and frost-resistant, and can tolerate a variety of soil types and weather extremes; the Buddha's Belly Bamboo, which has swollen internodes, especially when under stress, and can be grown in containers or as a bonsai; and the White Bamboo, one of the fastest-growing bamboos, with stems coated in a white powder that aids its rapid growth.
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The Northern Rivers area of NSW is perfect for growing bamboo
Bamboo is a beautiful and versatile plant that has been used for centuries in Asia and has become increasingly popular in Australia. With its high rainfall, fertile soils, and subtropical climate, the Northern Rivers area of NSW is perfect for growing bamboo. In fact, there are so many nurseries and farms in the region specialising in this plant.
One such nursery is run by Sam and Matt Birkwood, who, inspired by their time in Asia, now grow about 100 bamboo varieties and offer 35 varieties for sale. Their collection is one of the biggest in Australia. The Birkwoods' nursery offers ornamental clumping bamboo plants that are a spectacular way to create a sense of privacy and serenity in your garden. Clumping bamboo is also easy to maintain and can be controlled in height by pruning.
The Gracilis Slender Weaver (Bambusa textilis gracilis) is a popular non-invasive, frost-tolerant, low-maintenance, and beautiful option for landscaping projects. It has smooth green culms and tidy, upright growth habits, making it one of the most popular bamboo species in Australia. Another variety, Thai Silk bamboo, is suited to large rural and residential properties and has edible shoots.
The Northern Rivers area's climate and soil conditions make it an ideal place to grow bamboo, and with nurseries like the Birkwoods', it's no wonder that bamboo is becoming an increasingly popular choice for gardeners and landscapers in the region.
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There are two types of bamboo: running and clumping
There are indeed two types of bamboo: running and clumping. Each type has its own unique characteristics and behaviours.
Clumping bamboo, as the name suggests, grows in tightly packed clumps with culms that grow together closely. This type of bamboo is characterised by its pachymorph rhizomes, which grow thick and upwardly curved below the soil line. Clumping bamboo has a slow horizontal expansion rate but impressive vertical growth, often outpacing running bamboo in terms of height. Clumping bamboo is generally considered non-invasive due to its slow horizontal spread. It is well-suited for specimen or accent planting and is a good choice when space is limited. Clumping bamboo tends to be less cold-hardy than running bamboo, although some mountainous varieties can tolerate colder climates. In terms of aesthetics, clumping bamboo offers natural elegance and architectural structure, making it a popular choice for landscaping and urban garden design.
On the other hand, running bamboo exhibits faster growth and spread compared to its clumping counterpart. It sends out underground runners (rhizomes) that can range far from the parent plant, allowing it to fill spaces quickly. Running bamboo is ideal for creating privacy screens, hedges, and the popular open grove look. It is more adaptable to different climate zones, from cold to tropical regions, and offers a larger variety of species to choose from. While running bamboo can be easily contained, some species are listed as invasive in certain parts of the world, such as the US.
Both types of bamboo have their advantages and considerations. Clumping bamboo is perfect for those seeking a slower-spreading, more compact plant, while running bamboo is ideal for creating quick screens and filling large spaces. Climate, desired growth rate, and aesthetic preferences will also play a role in determining which type of bamboo is most suitable for a particular situation.
In the context of Australia, clumping bamboo is commonly utilised for its beauty and functionality in landscaping and urban gardens. Varieties such as Bambusa textilis var. Gracilis (Slender Weaver Bamboo), Bambusa heterostachya 'Variegata' (Variegated Malay Dwarf), and Bambusa multiplex cv. Goldstripe are recommended for their tight clumping, small size, and tolerance to the Australian climate. These varieties also offer ornamental value, blending natural elegance with architectural structure.
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Slender Weaver Bamboo is the most popular variety
Bamboo is a popular plant in Australia, particularly for landscaping and garden design. One of the most popular varieties in Australia is the Bambusa textilis var. gracilis, also known as Slender Weaver Bamboo. This variety is native to China but is heavily cultivated in Australia, where it thrives in the climate.
Slender Weaver Bamboo is an attractive, tidy, upright bamboo with smooth, clean culms and lush green foliage. It is a hardy plant that can grow almost anywhere in Australia, making it a versatile and popular choice for gardeners and landscapers. It is also known for its wind resistance and low maintenance requirements, making it a cost-effective option for creating privacy screens and hedges.
The name gracilis means 'thin, slender, or graceful' in Latin, reflecting the delicate appearance of this bamboo variety. It grows in a tight, slender clump, typically reaching a height of 6 to 10 meters and a width of 2 meters. Under optimal conditions, it can reach up to 8 meters in height within 12 months. The clumping habit of Slender Weaver Bamboo makes it ideal for creating privacy screens and hedges, as the dense foliage provides a natural barrier.
Slender Weaver Bamboo is a fast-growing plant, with elegant, lanceolate-shaped leaves that are greenish-blue in colour. The long green internodes can turn yellow with prolonged sunlight exposure, adding to the visual appeal of the plant. While it is an evergreen, some leaf loss can occur during winter, depending on the specific location and microclimate.
Overall, the popularity of Slender Weaver Bamboo in Australia can be attributed to its combination of aesthetic appeal, hardiness, and low maintenance requirements. It is a versatile plant that can enhance the beauty and privacy of gardens and landscapes across the country.
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Clumping bamboo is easy to maintain
Clumping bamboo is a popular choice for landscaping and urban garden design in Australia. It is valued for its natural elegance and strong, architectural structure. Clumping bamboo is easy to maintain as it will stay where it is planted and will not spread in all directions like running bamboo.
When planting clumping bamboo, it is important to select the right site. Sub-tropical clumping bamboos (the Bambusas) prefer full sun to part shade and will not grow in deep shade. The Fargesias and other "mountain clumpers" generally need shade to thrive. Clumping bamboos also require well-drained soil and should not be planted in areas with standing water or that remain soggy for extended periods. When planting, it is recommended to dig a hole slightly larger than the pot and set the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball at or slightly lower than the soil level. The hole should then be backfilled with a mix of native soil and mature compost or composted manure and watered thoroughly.
Clumping bamboo should be spaced 3-5 feet apart to form a dense screen. The faster-spreading types can be planted farther apart, and some types can be planted very close together as long as they have space to spread in width. Clumping bamboo grows at a rate of about 1-2 feet in height per year and spreads a few inches per year.
To increase the cold hardiness of clumping bamboo, it is recommended to water the bamboo thoroughly when temperatures are expected to dip below 25°F, as this helps to insulate the roots. Applying wood ashes and mulch around the bamboo in the fall can also aid in protecting the roots during the winter.
Overall, clumping bamboo is a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any garden or landscape, providing privacy and elegance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, bamboo grows in Australia. There are over 250 different tropical and subtropical bamboo species in the country.
Some native bamboo species in Australia include the Slender Weaver Bamboo, the Buddha's Belly Bamboo, and the White Bamboo.
The Northern Rivers area of NSW is perfect for growing bamboo due to its high rainfall, fertile soils, and subtropical climate.
Bamboo has various uses in Australia, including landscaping, urban garden design, and the creation of sustainable building materials. Historically, Aboriginal people in northern Australia used bamboo for spear shafts, didgeridoos, smoking pipes, water carriers, and rafts.
