Advances in tissue culture are making clumping bamboo like Fargesia robusta more available. This helps satisfy consumer cravings for serene, Asian-inspired gardens.

"It's taken a lot of years of research and development, but we're finally doing a really good job of cracking the code," said Jackie Heinricher, president of Boo-Shoot Gardens, in Anacortes, Wash. "It's the only reason why these plants could possibly be in the wholesale arena now. It's definitely not perfect, but it's proving to be an excellent way to produce these plants."

Heinricher said bamboo has people's attention, as evidenced by the coverage consumer publications are giving to this versatile plant. As recognition grows, so will production. Boo-Shoot Gardens is already seeing plenty of increased demand. The company shipped 150,000 liners in 2006. The company plans to almost triple this amount in 2007.

Tough and tolerant

F. robusta liners are one of Boo-Shoot Gardens' more popular offerings. This clumping bamboo features shiny, deep-olive-green leaves. New shoots develop in early spring. The plant's white cane sheaths have geometric patterns that contrast well against their green backgrounds.

The plant has a dense, erect growth habit and can be used as a specimen plant, screen or tall hedge. F. robusta is wind and sun tolerant, making it suitable for the Pacific, Northeast and Midwest. It reaches an average height of 16 feet with a 1-inch diameter. The plant is hardy to minus 10°F and is generally recommended for USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9.

Cultural tips

Boo-Shoot Gardens recommends planting one plug per 6-inch pot, which will typically finish in six to eight weeks.

"A lot of people are marketing 3s or 5s," Heinricher said. "Once you've established a 1-gallon it's a pretty nice clip of growth to a 3 or 5. Right now you don't see many in 5s, but in the next few years you'll see more."

A well-drained, peat/perlite mix with pH of 6.0-6.5 and electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.5-0.8 will yield the best results. For field production, full sun is recommended in western Washington and Oregon. Part shade is best in California, the Midwest and East Coast regions.

Root systems need to be shaded for optimal growth. Plants should be kept moist, but not consistently wet. Finished gallons can be fertilized with a slow-release product. Boo-Shoot recommends a 21-5-6 fertilizer with 6 percent iron and average micronutrient levels.

Other offerings

There are plenty of other intriguing clumping bamboos. Heinricher said the trick is finding the right plant for the right location.

"Each has its own geographic potential," she said. "Several genera are taking off in the industry." F. robusta 'Wolong' has a tight clumping habit and upright form with large, emerald-green leaves.

Fargesia 'Rufa' is very cold hardy and features eye-catching orange-red cane sheaths. It reaches only 8-feet with 1/2-inch-diameter canes, making it an ideal choice for small gardens or courtyards.

— Sarah Martinez

SPECIFICS:
Name: Fargesia robusta
Family: Poaceae.
Description: Clumping bamboo with shiny, deep-olive-green leaves. It has a dense, erect growth habit and is wind and sun tolerant.
Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 7-9.
Uses: Suitable as a specimen plant, screen or tall hedge. For use as a screen, plant clumps on 6- to 8-foot centers.
Propagation: Tissue culture.
For more: Boo-Shoot Gardens, 5722 Campbell Lake Road, Anacortes, WA 98221; (360) 848-0305; www.booshootgardens.com.

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© 2006 Branch-Smith Publishing