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Emerald Bamboo

Emerald Bamboo

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Emerald Bamboo (Bambusa mutabilis): A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

This dark emerald green clumping bamboo has 2 inch canes, grows to 35 feet and is cold hardy to 18 degrees. The Emerald bamboo canes have long internodes and are thin walled like all textilis with a distinctive bluish white bloom. Tall and erect, this bamboo variety creates a lovely organic wall when planted as a screen or barrier.

Common Names

  • Emerald Bamboo
  • Bambusa mutabilis
  • Green Bamboo

Average Height and Diameter

  • Height: Typically reaches between 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) at maturity, making it a medium to large-sized bamboo variety.

  • Culm Diameter: Culms (canes) are moderately thick, usually measuring 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters) in diameter.

Growth Rate

Emerald Bamboo is known for its fast growth rate, particularly in warmer climates. As a clumping bamboo, it spreads gradually from the base, forming tight, non-invasive clumps. New shoots emerge rapidly during the growing season, allowing the bamboo to reach its full height within just a few years.

Sun Requirements

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

  • Details: Emerald Bamboo prefers full sun, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also grow well in partial shade, making it a versatile choice for different garden settings. In hot climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent leaf scorching.

Cold Hardiness

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 through 11.

  • Temperature Tolerance: Emerald Bamboo is moderately cold-hardy, withstanding temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C). In USDA Zone 9, occasional frost may cause minor leaf damage, but the plant typically recovers well in the spring.

Water Requirements

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

  • Watering Schedule:

    • Establishment Phase: Water deeply 2-3 times per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.

    • Established Plants: Water once a week or during extended dry periods. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

  • Drainage: Ensure soil has good drainage 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.

    • High-Nitrogen Fertilizer: For more vigorous growth, consider using a high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 20-5-10) to promote lush foliage and rapid shoot development.

  3. Application Steps:

    • Measurement: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines, typically applying 1 to 2 pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet of planting area.

    • Distribution: Spread the fertilizer evenly 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 ensure proper absorption.

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

  4. Organic Alternatives:

    • Compost: Incorporate well-rotted compost annually to improve soil fertility and structure.

    • Manure: Aged manure can also be applied as an organic fertilizer, enriching the soil with essential nutrients.

Planting Guide

  1. Site Selection:

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

    • Space: Ensure enough space for the bamboo to spread, taking into account 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 to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

  4. Spacing:

    • Hedges or Screens: Plant 5 to 7 feet apart for a dense, effective barrier.

    • Specimen Planting: Allow 10 to 12 feet between plants to showcase their full growth potential.

  5. Mulching:

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

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

  6. Containment Considerations:

    • Root Barrier: While Emerald 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 9 to 11.

  • Zone Details:

    • Zone 9: Average annual minimum temperatures of 20°F to 30°F (-6°C to -1°C).

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

Conclusion

Emerald Bamboo is a visually striking bamboo variety that combines beauty with practicality. Its rich green culms, along with its rapid growth and adaptability, make it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to create lush, tropical landscapes or effective privacy screens. By following the guidelines provided here, you can ensure that your Emerald Bamboo thrives, adding a touch of elegance and greenery to your outdoor space for years to come.