It is not commonly realised just how easy bamboos are to grow; they need no special treatment. However, when you are buying, take into account the ultimate size — some can reach 7 to 8m (23 to 26ft) — and, most important, check how invasive it is. Many bamboos are clump forming and suited to restricted spaces, but the rhizomes of others can spread very quickly.

Controlling the growth of invasive species by cutting through their tough rhizomes can take a great deal of effort. One way of restricting their spread at the edges is by sinking an impenetrable barrier at least 50cm (2Oin) deep ensuring that any material used is rot-proof.

Almost any soil, except permanently waterlogged, is suitable, though bamboos thrive most vigorously on light soils, which are adequately moist but well drained. As they are very shallow rooted deep preparation of the ground is likely to be wasted. Plant in good friable soil and when positioned add a mulch of organic material, such as well-rotted garden compost. Bamboos are greedy feeders, so mix a general fertiliser like Growmore into the mulch and repeat every spring. Keep very well watered in the first season; with such a high proportion of foliage to root, bamboos can dry out very rapidly. A thick mulch will help conserve moisture around the roots.

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