Mixed planting of bamboo in close quarters

[Snowbird]

What are the generally accepted rules about planting more than one type of bamboo in a small planter?


I have two planters, each about 24sqft, that i would like to add another bamboo to. All are Phyllostachys and would have room as juvenile plants but I wonder how well they both could grow together. I was thinking of adding a duplicate of the current species for a faster screen but now i am worried about my current choice of bamboo. one planter has P. nuda that i would place a P aureosulcata, as they seem to have less loss of foliage and faster growth. the other is P. nigra 'henon' that may not survive my climate in its current location. others around here report good results with P. rubromarginata to nearly 30', which would be perfect.

My 0% apr american express goes until this time next year so i have dedicated it to bamboo for this growing season. after that it becomes plastic mulch and i better start paying it off. Help me decide if my mixed plantings are a wise idea or not. I figure I could always see which one does better after a full season of growth and then transplant the other to a more appropriate location. Of course, if i could get away without doing that, I'd be pleased.

thanks again,

-seth

[Mark Meckes]

I'm all for culmpanion planting!
Some things to consider are plant size and vigour.
The most vigorous boo may tend to be a bit of a bully.
However there are ways and means to keep it's rambunctous behavior "nipped in the bud". ;)

The main thing when planting (a potentially large growing) boo in a confined bed, whether as a mix or as a single species, is that in time, selective thinning and perhaps some culm-clipping topiary will be needed in order to give each selected culm the space it needs to really show off and for the planting to attain a desired effect in the landscape.
Selective thinning will become more of an issue, if all goes well, by around the 3rd year from planting, though as discussed in your thread ...
Late season shooting of newly planted bamboo? (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2702)
... coaxing growth and grooming can begin at an early age if the planting is showing extraordinary growth.

The other thing I would suggest, to get the most from a mixed planting, is to select species with contrasting culm colors, whether it be of the groove or whole culm contrast. They will culmpliment each other very nicely. :)

Phyllostachys nuda and Phyllosatchsy aureosulcata are a nice pair with equal stature and hardiness.
Phyllosatchsy aureosulcata 'Spectabilis' has a greater contrast, with yellow culms with a green groove striations.
It doesn't get as large in diameter as the species form does in an open grove but then neither species will reach their maximum size in a confined planter.

Phyllostachys rubromarginata has an extremly vigorous rhizome system, producing many smaller culms during it's juvenile years till it get's thoroughly established.
I'd personally not want to plant this one in a confined space with another bamboo.

There are many very interesting Phyllostachys species with contrasting culms, and the tough question, without knowing for sure, is what degree of hardiness do you need to have to at least ensure culm top survival.
Phyllostachys nigra, n. 'Henon'. n. 'Bory' etc in my opinion will all be desiccated to some degree in extended cold periods hovering around 0F.
If these survive well in your area there are many exciting possiblilities you could also select from.
The main culmstraint is cost and spaces to plant them. ;)

Mark