In recent times there has been a lot of talk and publicity about bamboo and all the things it might bring to our lives. With so much conversation I though it would be of interest for our “cold zone” gardeners to take a look at one of the species that “might” grow in our area. For several years we have stocked the “Nuda” bamboo with some positive results. It is rated for at least zero winter degrees. For the folks I have talked to that have had success they paid strict attention to planting details. VERY large amounts of a “manure” free compost worked very deeply into the soil along with the use of organic fertilizer. Water is essential especially in the typical dry cold winter season. Some have added an insulative layer of compost over and around the bamboo for the first year or so to help establish the roots. I would also recommend that the planting site be on the east side for additiional winter time protection. The genus name of the Nuda is Phyllostachys.

     We try to stock this plant whenever possible as there is a lot of local interest.    Happy Gardening     Doug