- Planted specimens are hardy
- Better to protect under certain circumstances
- Protect or quarter the dwarf bamboo in the bucket
It doesn't always have to be the XXL edition of a bamboo. The dwarf bamboo, which grows an average of 50 to 80 cm high, also impresses with its appearance. But what about in winter? Does frost get to him?

Planted specimens are hardy
A planted dwarf bamboo is very hardy in this country. Depending on the variety, it tolerates temperatures down to -20 °C. Some varieties are a little more sensitive. Their winter hardiness is -10 to -15 °C.
An exception is the dwarf bamboo Pleioblastus viridistriatus. It comes from northern Japan and impresses with its enormous winter hardiness of -24 °C! You can leave it outside over the winter without any protection.
Better to protect under certain circumstances
But sometimes winter protection is not a mistake, for example if:
- temperatures fall below -10 °C
- the site is in an unprotected location
- frost prevails
- they are freshly planted, young specimens
- the dwarf bamboo is in the bucket
As a winter protection, it is sufficient if you put some brushwood over the roots of the dwarf bamboo. A protective layer of leaves or compost is not advisable, as the air circulation is rather poor there.
When preparing for the winter season, there is nothing to consider. You should never cut back the dwarf bamboo in autumn! The stalks protect the plant from moisture, which is not uncommon in winter (e.g. due to melting snow). Once winter protection is no longer needed, you should remove it to prevent possible rot.
Protect or quarter the dwarf bamboo in the bucket
A dwarf bamboo in a bucket must either be protected outside in winter or placed inside. Bright locations are necessary for indoor wintering. For example, a conservatory with temperatures of 3 to 10 °C is well suited.
Alternatively, the potted plants can be brought through the winter outside by protecting them like this:
- Cover the tub with fleece or jute
- Place the bucket on a block of wood or styrofoam
- Relocate the location to the protected house wall
- water lightly every now and then
- do not fertilize
- keep away from direct sun (otherwise there is a risk of burns)
tips
If necessary, individual stalks can freeze back in winter. But that is no cause for alarm. You can cut out the frozen parts in the spring.