Overwintering Bamboo In Pots

Although the majority of bamboo plants are hardy throughout the UK, as with any other plant type their hardiness is reduced slightly when kept in pots as their roots are more exposed to the cold winter temperatures. However, fear not, here are some simple tips to keep your bamboo plants healthy throughout winter until long awaited spring arrives again.

• Start reducing watering and stop feeding your bamboo plants (but don't let any containerised bamboo dry out!)
• Ideally place your bamboo plants undercover, i.e. in an unheated tunnel, greenhouse or car port (anywhere with some shelter). If you don't have spaces like these you could move them to a sheltered spot in the garden i.e. against a wall or fence.
• Consider burying the pots in the ground (this will mimick the plant being in the ground and offer more natural protection).
• Another tip would be to wrap your bamboo plants in pots with an insulating layer such as horticultural fleece, sheep fleece, blankets, straw or leaves. This just helps to stop the frosts getting to the roots.
• Safety in numbers - why not bunch up all your garden pots together like penguins!

For more information and tips on looking after your bamboo plants click here.