Bamboo grown in Missouri is the only bamboo species native to North America with more than 1200 different varieties, according to statistics from Missouri State University. This bamboo grows in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates worldwide.
However, the Missouri area has the most favorable climatic and environmental conditions for the growth of bamboo. So bamboo has great size and best quality for export or propagation.
Bamboo is also a plant that can decorate your garden and create breakthroughs for space. They can be made into fences or private areas to enjoy life. If you are looking for information on growing bamboo in Missouri, don’t miss this article. Below we will show you how to care for bamboo in Missouri and the most common types of bamboo in this area.
Growing Bamboo In Missouri – How To Take Care Of It?
There are two main types of bamboo trees in Missouri: they grow independently or in clusters. Their height ranges from 1 foot to 100 feet with stiff stems. Bamboo varieties that grow independently of each tree will have more rigidity than bamboo that grows in clusters.
Spring is the best time to plant bamboo. You should plant bamboo in straight rows and have grooves to separate. It will make it easier for you to move or renovate between rows of bamboo because bamboo is very stiff and you won’t be able to bend them to your needs.
Growing bamboo does not require complicated skills, but you should pay attention to the care process. Usually, young bamboo plants will die if they do not receive enough water during extreme heat and prolonged drought. You need to make sure to water enough for the young bamboo plants when the soil shows signs of dryness.
In the summer, bamboo plants need a large amount of water to maintain moisture due to the rapid evaporation of water under intense heat. However, you need to reduce water in winter because bamboo is almost inactive when the temperature is too cold.
In particular, in the spring, bamboo plants need a large amount of nitrogen to stimulate growth and development. Therefore, you should add more fertilizer with high nitrogen content in the spring. In addition, you need to prune off the shoots or leaves so that the bamboo can focus its energy and grow taller.
Pruning should be done in late summer or fall to reduce the number of leaves or shoots for the bamboo plant. At the same time, pruning is also important in controlling pests and insects that attack bamboo in the early stages of growth.
Some Popular Types Of Bamboo In Missouri
There are hundreds of different varieties of bamboo in Missouri with different characteristics and structures. However, some popular types of bamboo that many gardeners love to grow include River bamboo, Rubro bamboo, and Nuda bamboo.
River Bamboo
River bamboo is native to North America in USDA zone 5. This bamboo can grow up to 20 feet tall and is resistant to colds down to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit. River bamboo is about 1 inch in diameter and has good hardiness. . This type of bamboo can grow and develop equally well in light or shade. So they’re easy to grow and don’t require too much placement in your garden.
Rubro Bamboo
Rubro bamboo grows up to 55 feet tall when mature. This bamboo has a very good cold tolerance to minus 5 degrees F. Rubro bamboo can also survive the winter in most areas of Missouri.
This bamboo species prefers full sun or partial shade. Rubro bamboo can live on all types of soil and adapts to the harsh living conditions in this area. So many people love to grow Rubro bamboo as a beautiful fence in front of the house.
Nuda Bamboo
Nuda bamboo is a famous bamboo species that are more resistant to cold than other bamboo varieties in Missouri. This type of bamboo has a dark green color and smaller leaves compared to other bamboo varieties. It can withstand temperatures up to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit and survives winter in USDA zone 4.
Nuda bamboo can grow and thrive in most areas of Missouri without problems. Its height can reach 34 feet at maturity. Nuda bamboo also likes full sun, partial shade, and good drainage.
How To Transplant Bamboo In Missouri?
If you want to transplant bamboo or divide bamboo from large clumps into independent plants for propagation, you should note some important information below.
- Do it in the spring before the bamboo shoots out new shoots.
- Water a lot until the bamboo roots absorb a lot of water and become softer. At the same time, water will help keep the bamboo healthy after being dug up.
- Cut off 1/3 of the bamboo tops for easy movement and remove excess leaves.
- Dig around the base of the bamboo hole about 4-5 feet. It will help you easily move the bamboo as well as limit broken roots.
- Use a tool to divide the bamboo into individual plants so that each stem has roots underneath.
- The bamboo stem can be cut shorter but make sure there are buds and roots for it to grow into the new crop.
- Transplant the bamboo into the ground and cover the roots with soil at a specific distance.
- Water to keep the soil moist for the next few days.
Conclusion
Bamboo is one of the most popular trees in Missouri and is preserved in many different varieties. Bamboo grown in Missouri is of good quality for export as well as varieties for growing in other regions.
They do not require a complicated care process because most of them can live in both sunlight and shade. They have good cold tolerance and can survive the winter in all areas of Missouri.
It is important that you provide enough water for bamboo in the summer during days of high temperature and drought. Add a high-nitrogen fertilizer in spring to stimulate bamboo growth. Don’t forget to prune excess branches and leaves so that the bamboo concentrates on growing to an even height.
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