The classic red bamboo belongs to the easy-care Fargesia, but there is also a Phyllostachys aureosulcata whose culms turn more or less red. This forms foothills and therefore absolutely needs a rhizome barrier.

Red bamboo needs a lot of water

Plant red bamboo

Red bamboo, such as the "Chinese Wonder" variety, colors its stalks, especially when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, it needs a rather sunny location. It also thrives in partial shade, but appears less colourful. The soil should be loose and nutrient-rich. Since fargesia do not form runners, you can plant the red bamboo without a rhizome barrier.

Water and fertilize red bamboo

Like all other types of bamboo, the red bamboo is one of the very thirsty plants. Water it regularly, especially in a dry summer. At the latest when its leaves curl up, it is high time for the next watering. On the other hand, you can be a little more economical with fertilizer, even if the red bamboo is a heavy feeder.

Give it a good portion of bamboo fertilizer or normal organic fertilizer about two to three times a year. This can be compost or manure, but also bamboo leaves or even coffee grounds. If your red bamboo gets yellow leaves, then it needs some special bamboo fertilizer quickly. You can stop fertilizing around August.

Red bamboo in winter

The greatest danger that threatens your red bamboo in winter is not frost, as you might suspect, but thirst. Because the bamboo evaporates a lot of moisture through its numerous leaves, especially on sunny days. This urgently needs to be replaced on frost-free days, otherwise your beautiful bamboo will dry out. With a frost tolerance down to - 25 °C it is quite hardy.

The essentials in brief:

  • plant in the sun or semi-shade
  • pour relatively liberally
  • fertilize moderately, from spring to August
  • very hardy to about - 25 °C
  • no winter protection needed for older plants
  • Protect young bamboo from frost or overwinter indoors

tips

If you have chosen the location well and watered your red bamboo sufficiently, then it will certainly give you a lot of pleasure and thrive well.

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Herbs