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Seabreeze Bamboo

Seabreeze Bamboo

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$195.00
$195.00 - $249.00
$195.00
$119.00
$119.00 - $195.00
$119.00

 

Seabreeze Bamboo (Bambusa malingensis): A Detailed Guide

Overview

Seabreeze bamboo grows up to 35 feet tall with 2 inch culms and is cold hardy to 20 degrees. The Seabreeze bamboo is one of the toughest and fasted growing clumping bamboos available in the United States. Seabreeze is more salt tolerant than most other varieties of bamboo and is resilient in high winds which make it an ideal candidate for oceanfront property as well as large open space residential or commercial projects.  Seabreeze bamboo is excellent for screening out undesired views very quickly and with its 2" culm caliper. it works well trimmed to a hedge.

Common Names

  • Seabreeze Bamboo
  • Maling Bamboo
  • Saltwater Bamboo

Average Height and Diameter

  • Height: Typically reaches between 25 to 35 feet (7.6 to 10.7 meters) at maturity, making it one of the taller clumping bamboo varieties.

  • Culm Diameter: Culms (canes) usually measure around 2 inches (5 centimeters) in diameter.

Growth Rate

Seabreeze Bamboo is known for its rapid growth rate, especially under optimal conditions. As a clumping bamboo, it spreads gradually, forming a dense and upright clump over time. New shoots can emerge quickly and achieve their full height within a single growing season, making it an excellent choice for creating quick privacy screens or windbreaks.

Sun Requirements

  • Optimal Exposure: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

  • Details: Seabreeze Bamboo performs best in full sun, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, which may be beneficial in extremely hot climates to prevent leaf burn.

Cold Hardiness

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8a through 11.

  • Temperature Tolerance: Seabreeze Bamboo is quite cold-hardy for a tropical bamboo, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 15°F (-9°C). In USDA Zone 8a, where winter temperatures can occasionally dip lower, some leaf damage might occur, but the bamboo typically recovers in spring.

Water Requirements

  • General Needs: Prefers consistently moist soil but is quite drought-tolerant once established.

  • Watering Schedule:

    • Establishment Phase: Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.

    • Established Plants: Reduce watering frequency, providing supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry periods or when the top inch of soil feels dry.

  • Drainage: Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.

Detailed Fertilizing Guide

  1. Frequency: Fertilize three times per year — in early spring, mid-summer, and early fall.

  2. Type of Fertilizer:

    • Balanced Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10.

    • Nitrogen-Rich Fertilizer: Consider a high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 20-5-10) to encourage vigorous growth and lush foliage.

  3. Application Steps:

    • Measurement: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, generally applying about 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of planting area.

    • Distribution: Evenly spread the fertilizer around the base of the bamboo, extending out to the drip line (the outer edge of the bamboo's canopy).

    • Incorporation: Lightly rake the fertilizer into the topsoil to facilitate absorption.

    • Watering: Water thoroughly after application to help dissolve and activate the fertilizer, ensuring it reaches the root zone.

  4. Organic Alternatives:

    • Compost: Annually incorporate well-rotted compost to improve soil fertility and structure.

    • Manure: Aged manure can also be used as an organic fertilizer, providing essential nutrients and improving soil health.

Planting Guide

  1. Site Selection:

    • Sunlight: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade.

    • Space: Allow adequate space for the bamboo to spread, considering its mature height and width.

  2. Soil Preparation:

    • Soil Type: Prefers well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter.

    • pH Level: Ideal soil pH ranges from 6.0 to 6.5.

  3. Planting Steps:

    • Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width and the same depth as the root ball.

    • Positioning: Place the bamboo in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.

    • Backfilling: Refill the hole with native soil mixed with compost or aged manure.

    • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

  4. Spacing:

    • Hedges or Screens: Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart for a dense, effective barrier.

    • Specimen Planting: Allow 8 to 10 feet between plants to showcase their full growth potential.

  5. Mulching:

    • Application: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it away from direct contact with the culms.

    • Benefits: Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature.

  6. Containment Considerations:

    • Root Barrier: While Seabreeze Bamboo is a clumping species, installing a root barrier can help manage its spread in confined areas.

USDA Zone

  • Optimal Zones: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 8a to 11.

  • Zone Details:

    • Zone 8a: Average annual minimum temperatures of 10°F to 15°F (-12°C to -9°C).

    • Zone 11: Average annual minimum temperatures above 40°F (4.4°C).

Conclusion

Seabreeze Bamboo is an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking a fast-growing, attractive, and durable bamboo variety. Its resilience to coastal conditions, combined with its aesthetic appeal, makes it a popular option for creating lush, green screens or striking landscape features. With proper care, including appropriate watering, fertilization, and planting techniques, Seabreeze Bamboo will thrive and bring natural beauty to any garden or landscape for many years.