I need advice on spreading bamboo!

[Swanson13]

Hey there,
I have a small clump of bamboo in my backyard (black and green mixed together), and I want to spread it around the entire fenceline. I have heard that you can bury bamboo horizontally and it will send up shoots--can anyone confirm this? If it does work, do I cut the stalks and bury them, or do I have to bend them down and bury them? Any and all advice is welcome.

[CaroleMeckes]

can one bury bamboo horizontally and it will send up shoots ?

That is true for tropicals - but since you are in Seattle, WA - it will not work as you don't grow that kind of bamboo there.

Your best best is to dig a clump and move it...or get some more bamboo from someone else.

The Pacific NW chapter of the American Bamboo Society is pretty active in your area - you might consider getting to meet some of the local bamboo folks in your area.
Carole

[ghmerrill]

if you are looking to divide the bamboo to start it growing along a fenceline, I would wait untill march in your area, you will minimize the chance of loosing the division, as warmer weather will be on its way, and the plant can heal and put out new roots.

also, you said your clump has black canes and green mixed togeather... you probalby have Phyllostachys nigra - Black bamboo, the canes dont turn black for a year or two after they come up.

Gene