Privacy, greenery and grace are high on the list for most Melbourne gardeners, and a few plants provide all three as effectively as bamboo. Bamboo screening plants are an excellent choice for creating natural barriers, windbreaks and a sense of privacy while adding lush beauty to your outdoor space. With its amazing features like fast growth, adaptability and variety, bamboo has become one of the most popular choices for garden screening across Melbourne.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best bamboo screening plants for Melbourne gardens, tips on selecting the right bamboo variety, caring for your plants, and maintaining your bamboo screen effectively.
Why Choose Bamboo for Screening?
Bamboo is a versatile plant that grows quickly, provides dense coverage and has a beautiful natural look. There are several reasons why bamboo is ideal for Melbourne gardens:
- Rapid Growth: Bamboo grows much faster than many other screening plants, reaching full height in just a few years. This makes it ideal for those looking for a quick solution to create privacy or add greenery.
- Low Maintenance: Bamboo plants are relatively easy to care for, requiring little pruning and only occasional watering once established.
- Adaptability: Many bamboo varieties are highly adaptable to different soil types and can thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas. Bamboo also does well in Melbourne’s temperate climate, handling the cooler winters and warmer summers with ease.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its upright canes and lush, evergreen foliage, bamboo adds a touch of elegance and calm to any garden setting.
Bamboo Varieties:
Phyllostachys Nigra Black Bamboo
Bamboo Multiplex Alphonse Karr
Choosing the Right Bamboo Screening Plants for Melbourne
Not all bamboo varieties are ideal for screening, as some grow too wide or too tall for typical Melbourne gardens. Here are some top bamboo varieties that are particularly well-suited for screening purposes in Melbourne.
Slender Weavers Bamboo (Bambusa textilis gracilis)
Slender Weavers Bamboo is one of the most popular choices for screening in Melbourne gardens. Known for its upright growth and dense foliage, this bamboo variety creates an effective privacy screen without taking up too much space.
- Height: Can grow up to 6 meters, making it ideal for medium to tall screens.
- Width: Typically grows around 1 to 1.5 meters wide, perfect for narrow spaces.
- Climate Tolerance: Thrives in Melbourne’s temperate climate and tolerates both sun and partial shade.
- Care: Minimal pruning is needed; occasional watering is required, especially in the first year.
Alphonse Karr Bamboo (Bambusa multiplex 'Alphonse Karr')
Alphonse Karr is an eye-catching variety with golden canes streaked with green, which adds a unique visual element to your garden while providing dense screening.
- Height: Grows up to 6 meters, suitable for both medium and tall screens.
- Width: Dense and compact, growing around 1.5 meters wide, making it ideal for small gardens or narrow areas.
- Climate Tolerance: Hardy and adaptable, tolerates Melbourne’s cold winters and warm summers.
- Care: Requires little maintenance beyond initial watering; pruning can enhance its bushy appearance.
Ghost Bamboo (Dendrocalamus minor 'Amoenus')
Ghost Bamboo is known for its tall, pale-coloured canes that give a striking, almost ethereal look. It’s a graceful and unique option for creating privacy in larger spaces.
- Height: Can reach up to 10 meters, ideal for tall screens.
- Width: Relatively narrow, growing about 2 meters wide.
- Climate Tolerance: Adaptable to Melbourne’s climate, tolerates full sun and partial shade.
- Care: Regular watering is needed, particularly in the establishment phase, and minimal pruning is required.
Himalayan Weeping Bamboo (Drepanostachyum falcatum)
This variety is known for its graceful, weeping foliage, which gives a softer, more natural look to garden screens. Himalayan Weeping Bamboo is perfect for gardeners looking for a more delicate appearance.
- Height: Reaches up to 4 meters, great for medium-height screens.
- Width: Grows around 1.5 to 2 meters wide, suitable for moderate spaces.
- Climate Tolerance: Thrives in temperate climates and prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun.
- Care: Prune to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged foliage; moderate watering is recommended.
China Gold Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
China Gold Bamboo is another attractive choice, known for its yellow-gold canes and green foliage, adding a vibrant touch to Melbourne gardens.
- Height: Grows up to 6 meters, providing medium to tall screening.
- Width: Grows to around 2 meters wide, offering dense coverage.
- Climate Tolerance: Handles Melbourne’s climate well and tolerates both sun and partial shade.
- Care: Requires occasional watering and light pruning to maintain density.
Nepalese Blue Bamboo (Himalayacalamus hookerianus)
Nepalese Blue Bamboo is a unique variety that boasts a bluish hue on its canes, making it a visually appealing option for privacy screens.
- Height: Reaches up to 5 meters, providing moderate to tall screening.
- Width: Grows around 1.5 meters wide, suitable for smaller spaces.
- Climate Tolerance: Prefers cooler, shaded areas and does well in Melbourne’s climate.
- Care: Water regularly, especially in dry periods; pruning helps to maintain shape.
Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra)
Black Bamboo is a striking choice for screening, with dark, almost black canes that create a beautiful contrast in the garden.
- Height: Can reach up to 8 meters, ideal for tall screens.
- Width: Grows around 2 meters wide, providing thick coverage.
- Climate Tolerance: Adapts well to Melbourne’s climate, tolerating both sun and partial shade.
- Care: Needs regular watering and occasional pruning to remove any older canes.
Planting and Caring for Bamboo Screening in Melbourne
Once you’ve selected the right bamboo variety, proper planting and care are essential to ensure it thrives as a screen. Here are some tips on planting and caring for bamboo in Melbourne’s climate.
Planting Bamboo
Bamboo thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, so prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and adding compost or organic matter to improve both drainage and nutrient content. For optimal growth, space plants according to their variety, generally around 1 to 1.5 meters apart; this allows room for the plants to expand while forming a dense, cohesive screen.
Watering and Mulching
During its establishment phase, bamboo requires regular watering, with deep watering once a week, especially in warmer months, to encourage strong root development. Once established, bamboo becomes more drought-tolerant but still benefits from occasional deep watering during dry spells. Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw, around the base helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds, supporting healthy growth and maintenance.
Fertilising
Feed bamboo with a balanced fertiliser in spring and summer to promote healthy growth. Use a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertiliser to support lush foliage and strong canes. Avoid excessive fertilisation in the fall, as this can lead to soft growth that’s vulnerable to frost.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune bamboo regularly to remove any dead or damaged canes and to maintain its desired height and shape. Trim back any spreading shoots if you want to keep the bamboo contained. Some bamboo varieties, like Phyllostachys, are more invasive and may require a root barrier to prevent unwanted spreading. Clumping bamboo varieties generally stay contained and are a better choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Winter Care
Most bamboo varieties are hardy and will survive Melbourne’s winters without issue. However, if frost damage occurs, simply prune away affected foliage in spring to encourage fresh growth.
Looking to add privacy and elegance to your garden? Online Plants, a leading plants nursery Melbourne, offers a range of premium bamboo varieties perfect for screening. With fast delivery and quality plants, it’s never been easier to create a lush, green sanctuary. Browse our collection today and bring the beauty and functionality of bamboo screening plants to your Melbourne garden!