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BAMBOO – Common name for several genera making up a tribe (Bambusae) of the Grass Family. They comprise giant ornamental grasses, sometimes woody and tree-like. The most important genera, from the American gardener’s point of view, are Arundinaria, Bambusa, Dendrocalamus, Phyllostachys and Sasa. Chusquea is a subtropical American genus of shrubby or vine-like forms. These are distinguished from one another by botanical rather than horticultural characters or uses. In general, plants of the genus Arundinaria have cylindrical stems; those of Bambusa have stems growing in a zigzag manner ; those of the Dendrocalamus are exceptionally large; Phyllostachys contains plants with canes flattened on one side ; and Sasa includes dwarf (or at least not tall) shrubs, with cylindrical stems similar to those of Arundinaria.

Bamboos are of great importance in the tropics (especially in Asia) where they are used for many purposes as food products, building materials, etc. Some species lend grace and beauty to gardens in mild climates and a few are hardy as far North as Philadelphia. In the South and in the Pacific States they are much planted, their delicate stems and graceful, feathery foliage adding much to the garden picture, especially when grown against a background composed of evergreens.

Bamboos thrive in partial shade and need a rich deep loam and an abundance of moisture, preferably a supply of pure underground water ; some species grow in marshes. It takes at least three years to establish a good-sized clump, and until the plants are growing strongly and have sent their roots into the earth firmly, they are greatly benefited by a constantly renewed mulch of well-rotted manure. They also need protection from harsh cold winter winds, except the few species that will stand close to zero weather.

The larger sorts in time form excellent shelter belts, while some of the smaller, slower-growing kinds make beautiful specimens in conservatories ; or they may be used outdoors as potted plants in tubs and wintered on the sun porch or cool greenhouse. It is difficult to secure seed as the plants are unreliable and uneven seed-bearers, therefore stock should be increased by dividing the clumps before the year’s growth starts, potting up the small pieces and placing them in the greenhouse to form roots. They may be propagated also by layering young shoots. Spring is the best time for planting out, pruning, and propagating by layering or division. In pruning off old canes, take care not to leave stubs that will decay and threaten the life of the plant.