A fourth generation gardener has shared a warning to those who enjoy pottering in the garden at home about one particular ‘destructive’ plant and it can ‘silently’ take over your outdoor space
There is one particular invasive plant that could turn out to be a ‘nightmare’ (stock photo)(Image: Tim Parker via Getty Images)
A seasoned gardener has sounded the alarm to home gardening fans about one ‘destructive’ plant. Plenty of people enjoy growing plants and flowers in their gardens, with numerous varieties available, but some prove more challenging to control than others.
A fourth-generation gardener posted a video on TikTok detailing how bamboo can be ‘extremely invasive’. In the footage, he explained: “Don’t make the mistake I did with bamboo. This yellow grove bamboo is absolutely beautiful but it’s very invasive.” Have a look at the size of these shoots. These are this year’s, absolutely loads of them coming up everywhere. Luckily, it is contained somewhat.”
The horticulturist, boasting 30 years of gardening expertise, urged viewers to consider what might happen if they planted the bamboo in a compact garden space.
He continued: “I’ve actually been to quite a few jobs over the years where this has been planted and it’s gone absolutely wild, caused all sorts of problems, gone under neighbour’s fences, pushing up through their patios, through driveways, block paving. What a nightmare.”
The gardener suggested growing bamboo only if you have adequate space for it, repeating that it remains “absolutely beautiful.” However, he emphasised that it “does come with a warning.”
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), UK’s premier gardening charity, describes bamboo as “useful garden plants” that offer “evergreen screening and colourful stems.”
It also cautions that under favourable growing conditions, some varieties will “spread quickly, with strong, fast-growing stems shooting up some distance from the parent plant.”
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The RHS categorises most bamboos as either ‘running’ or ‘clumping’ habits. The charity reveals that bamboo shoots and canes are “incredibly strong and can sometimes grow through cracks and gaps in hard surfaces.”
There are several methods to prevent bamboo from spreading beyond its designated area, as suggested by the RHS.
One approach is to consider the space you wish to fill and whether the growing conditions are “likely to encourage vigorous growth.”
The charity advises that it’s often best to opt for a clump-forming type. It also suggests planting bamboo in a container, noting that smaller varieties are most suitable for this.
Another recommendation from the gardening resource is to install a physical barrier when planting.
This involves placing your bamboo in the desired location, digging a trench at least 60cm deep around it, ensuring you leave enough room for the bamboo to expand, and then inserting a physical barrier into the trench.
The fourth-generation gardener’s TikTok video has attracted thousands of views, nearly 500 likes, and over 80 comments.
One user commented: “My neighbours have it, it’s grown under the fence all over my garden. It’s a nightmare, it keeps growing back within a week!!”
Another added: “God I hate my bamboo. Biggest mistake ever. Don’t know how to get rid of it.”
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