Bamboo Planter and Privacy Screen questions

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seabright_sc
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Location: CA

Bamboo Planter and Privacy Screen questions

Post by seabright_sc »

HI There,

I live in Santa Cruz, CA. We are in need of a privacy screen, though our planting space is less than ideal.

I am constructing 2 planter boxes. Each box will be approximately:
Length= 4 feet
Width= 18-20 inches
Depth= 30 inches
Planters will be placed on blocks at least 4-6" above ground level.

Area receives good sun- full to partial shade.

We are 1 mile from the coast (not nearly as foggy as the coast)-
Lots of sunny days, summer overcast is typical
Zone 9a/10b?​ limited winter freeze rarely below 35?

In order for this project to be worthwhile, the bamboo will need to grow 12-15 feet tall (from top of planter) with fairly dense screening.

Is this possible given my above conditions?
What variety do you recommend?
Do you recommend rhizome barrier for the planer boxes?
Any other tips or suggestions?

Thank you for your assistance!
dependable
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Location: Island off Cape Cod Massacusetts
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Re: Bamboo Planter and Privacy Screen questions

Post by dependable »

If you can make the boxes a little wider, the plants will not become root bound as soon. This is a problem with planting boxes in the long run, like pots, plants will have to be dug and divided periodically to keep them thriving.

I don't think you will need a barrier if boxes are off ground. Just prune any escaped rhizomes.

Watering will be key, a timer and soaker hose might be a good idea.

Your climate is too different than mine for me to make the best species recommendation. You have a lot of options, hopefully someone else with warm climate experience will add to this.
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needmore
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Re: Bamboo Planter and Privacy Screen questions

Post by needmore »

There is a forum member here who lives in Scotts Valley and he will have the best insight for you, I suspect he'll weigh in soon.
Brad Salmon, zone 12B Kea'au, HI
http://www.needmorebamboo.com
fredgpops
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Location: plus 700ft in the Santa Cruz Mtns, 8 miles from the Pacific
35 miles S. of San Jose

Re: Bamboo Planter and Privacy Screen questions

Post by fredgpops »

There are two problems with your box: 1) If the box its directly on cement, the plant will not get proper drainage and die. You need to ensure that there is space to allow proper drainage; 2) Unless you treat the wood for water damage, it will only last 4 to 5 years. Make sure that you have several holes in the bottom of the box. I recommend a clumping bamboo. I will do well in fog and running rhizomes have the ability put a massive amount of pressure plus escape from boxes like this. There are several species that will work. I have several species in my garden that will work. You can view them, just pm me, Rgds
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