Donnabl
3rd April 2007, 05:40 PM
Hello! I am new to the forum, but I come with a question! I have been growing golden bamboo in my yard for a number of years (Southwest Ohio).. Sometimes SOME of the bamboo culms have brown leaves, but this year the winter was short, but COLD. Now my entire grove has brown leaves, but the culms are still green. Is it dead? Do I cut it? It's too early for shoots and, although it was 80F today, it's going to get below freezing tomorrow. What do I do?
Donnabl
Mark Meckes
4th April 2007, 11:51 AM
Hi Donnabl,
Welculm to the forum! I too will have some questions for you. ;)
Golden bamboo is also our main grove here in more balmy central Texas, and it's presently going bonkers with new shoots. :)
Phyllostachys aurea - April 3, 2007, Austin TX USA
http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/503/thumbs/PaurAuTX070403-6270.jpg (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=3941)
What was your minimum temperature last winter?
This species is listed as hardy to 0 F though leaf damage occurs at higher temperatures.
Green culms are a sign that new leaves may (or may not) releaf from the branches.
Check the branches to see if any leaf buds are swelling. Here's an example:
Phyllostachys aurea branch leaf bud
http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/data/503/medium/PaureaAuTX060901-3756.JPG (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showphoto.php?photo=3480)
If the leaf buds are a parched light beige color, they will probably have been winter killed.
When do you usually see new shoots emerging in your area?
This species is considered mid season for the genus Phyllostachys.
If possible you will want to do any grove grooming before the shoots emerge or you will need to tip toe through the new boo tips.
How long has the bamboo been growing?
Once established, bamboo needs to be selectively thinned on an annual basis.
I would begin by removing any of the oldest culms, possibly smaller diameter runts in the core of the grove and any shallow rooted wobbly culms and any that don't fit the general stature of the grove.
If the current culms appear that their leaf buds have been completely frazzled and are lifeless, the green portion of the culm still has some energy that can be redirected back into the formation of new shoots.
Removing all of the culms prior to shooting will result in a greater mass of albiet smaller shoots.
If you would like to have larger culms this year, I would leave the newest largest green culms intact, (even if their tops have died) and remove them at a later date, after this years shoots have emerged.
This brings to mind another question ...
What is the intent of the planting?
To establish a more open grove in the center of the planting, or to create a thick hedge-like screen?
Whatever purpose, new shoots can be selectively thinned to have the grove suit your desired purpose and to provide adequate light and nutrition to each culm.
You may be fortunate to find some shoots end up on your dinner table. :)
Mark
PS, post some pics of your bamboo if you can.