Asked on May 21, 2014
Question on growing Golden Bamboo
by Amy
+6
Hello. We just purchased a 6 foot by 2 foot galvanized trough and want to plant some golden bamboo (We live in Houston, Zone 9). We have a sunny place on our patio where we plan to put it. My husband is going to drill some holes in the trough for drainage. What kind of soil should we use and do we need any fertilizer? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!
8 answers
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l would use a triple mix its good for all plants
![Alana Swance Newman]()
Alana Swance Newman
on May 21, 2014
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Are you putting the trough of bamboo on the patio? If so, then you will be able to check to make sure the roots are not escaping through the drainage holes (which they may). The bamboo will do best if you put in garden soil and mulch the top to keep in the moisture and keep the roots cool. You will have to water it 2-3 days a week if no rain. It is best if you do not place the trough on the ground because the bamboo roots will find the drainage holes and run amuck in the yard! In your area the bamboo will probably get 25' tall. I know here I saw it about that tall & this is zone 7. enjoy your bamboo and maybe later you can make fishing poles or even fountains out of it. Happy gardening
![The Garden Frog with C Renee]()
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on May 21, 2014
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Are these clumping bamboo or traveling bamboo?
![Lyn Marino]()
Lyn Marino
on May 21, 2014
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Golden bamboo is considered an invasive plant in Texas, as it is in Florida. It will definitely escape through drainage holes in your trough. http://www.texasinvasives.org/plant_database/detail.php?symbol=PHAU8
![Douglas Hunt]()
Douglas Hunt
on May 22, 2014
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DON'T DO IT! Bamboo will take over your place! It is very hard to get rid of! In a few years you will be asking the question how to eradicate it and the answer will be "MOVE" IS THE ONLY WAY!
![Jeanette S]()
Jeanette S
on May 22, 2014
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I knew it was invasive - but thought placing the trough on the patio, far away from the soil and ground would do the trick........
![Amy]()
Amy
on May 22, 2014
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Why not consider planting bamboo muhly, Muhlenbergia dumosa, a grass native to New Mexico and Arizona, as an alternative? It has the graceful quality of bamboo without any of the problems and it does very well in Texas.
![Douglas Hunt]()
Douglas Hunt
on May 23, 2014
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Make sure the trough doesn't have any room for it to move and it's very sturdy or the bamboo will break through the trough. It overtakes everything even though if it says non-invasive roots. It's just about impossible to kill. I love the look of bamboo but would never plant it again anywhere. it grows so high you spend all your time trimming it. It doesn't need good soil it will grow everywhere and the roots go crazy. Golden cane palms don't drop their leaves and are easier to control.They look good in pots and aren't as invasive.
![Lyndal Bruns]()
Lyndal Bruns
on Oct 09, 2015
Alana Swance Newman
on May 21, 2014
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on May 21, 2014
Lyn Marino
on May 21, 2014
Jeanette S
on May 22, 2014
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