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Asian Lemon Bamboo

Asian Lemon Bamboo

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$189.00
$189.00 - $275.00
$189.00
$119.00
$119.00 - $195.00
$119.00

Asian Lemon Bamboo (Bambusa eutuldoides 'Viridivittata'): A Comprehensive Guide

Overview

Cold hardy to 15 degrees, this variety has 1.5 inch canes and reaches 25 ft. at maturity. Asian Lemon bamboo is a thick walled yellow bamboo gaining in popularity among homeowners due to its coloring and bushy fullness. Culms are a striking lemon yellow with random dark green stripes and its foliage can be maintained all the way to the ground. It is an excellent candidate for privacy as a hedge or for screening. When using Asian Lemon as a focal point bambooo, the lower branches can be trimmed to a desired height to show off the beautiful yellow canes.

Common Names

  • Asian Lemon Bamboo
  • Green Stripe Bamboo
  • Painted Bamboo
  • Striped Bamboo

Average Height and Diameter

  • Height: Typically reaches 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.6 meters) at maturity.

  • Culm Diameter: Culms (canes) usually measure between 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) in diameter.

Growth Rate

Asian Lemon Bamboo exhibits a moderate to fast growth rate. As a clumping bamboo, it expands outward gradually, forming tight clusters without the invasive tendencies of running bamboo species. Under optimal conditions, new shoots can emerge and reach full height within a single growing season.

Sun Requirements

  • Optimal Exposure: Prefers full sun to partial shade.

  • Details: While it thrives best under full sun, providing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, it can tolerate light shade, especially in hotter climates where some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorching.

Cold Hardiness

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 8b through 11.

  • Temperature Tolerance: Can withstand temperatures as low as 15°F (-9°C). In regions prone to colder temperatures, it's advisable to provide winter protection or consider container planting to move indoors during extreme cold.

Water Requirements

  • General Needs: Prefers consistently moist soil but is moderately 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 frequency, watering during prolonged dry spells or when the top inch of soil feels dry.

  • Drainage: Ensure soil has good drainage to prevent root rot.

Detailed Fertilizing Guide

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

  2. Type of Fertilizer:

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

    • High Nitrogen Option: Alternatively, a high-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 20-5-10) can promote vigorous growth.

  3. Application Steps:

    • Measurement: Follow manufacturer's guidelines, typically applying about 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet.

    • Distribution: Evenly spread the fertilizer around the base, extending to the drip line (the area under the outer circumference of the plant's foliage).

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

    • Watering: Water thoroughly after application to activate the fertilizer and prevent root burn.

  4. Organic Alternatives:

    • Compost: Incorporate well-rotted compost annually to enrich soil nutrients.

    • Manure: Aged manure can be an excellent organic fertilizer, applied similarly to granular options.

Planting Guide

  1. Site Selection:

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

    • Space: Ensure ample space for the bamboo to spread, considering its mature size.

  2. Soil Preparation:

    • Soil Type: Prefers loamy, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

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

  3. Planting Steps:

    • Digging the Hole: Create 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.

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

  4. Spacing:

    • Hedges or Screens: Plant 4 to 6 feet apart for a dense barrier.

    • Specimen Planting: Allow 8 to 10 feet between plants to showcase individual growth.

  5. Mulching:

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

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

  6. Containment Considerations:

    • Barrier Installation: While clumping bamboos are less invasive, installing a root barrier can prevent unwanted spread in confined spaces.

USDA Zone

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

  • Zone Details:

    • Zone 8b: Average annual minimum temperatures of 15°F to 20°F (-9°C to -6°C).

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

Conclusion

Asian Lemon Bamboo stands out as a vibrant addition to any garden, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits like privacy screening. Its moderate growth rate, coupled with manageable care requirements, makes it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. By adhering to the guidelines outlined above, enthusiasts can ensure their Asian Lemon Bamboo thrives, adding a touch of exotic beauty to their landscapes for years to come.