What to Expect After Just Planting Slender Weavers Bamboo in the Ground

Slender weavers bamboo is an attractive, fast-growing bamboo species that can quickly soar to great heights. True to its name, it is a tightly clumped species and is especially useful for crafts and weaving. It is a also used for landscaping as a screen or other privacy use. Native to China, the species is hardy and resilient to cold temperatures.

If slender weavers bamboo is grown in ideal conditions, it is likely to grow quickly through its life of up to 50 years of age. As long as soil is kept moist and temperatures are not too hot, bamboo will thrive and grow about 36 inches each season. The plant does not spread outwards, but rather grows in an upright clumping fashion. Ultimately the columnar-growing plant will reach a height of 20 or more feet, although heights of 50 feet have been observed. The slender canes, which are thin-walled, can reach as thick as 2 inches in diameter at the base if grown under ideal conditions, and are tough. The clump itself can reach 5 feet in diameter after growing for a few years.

To ensure the bamboo will grow at the expected pace and remain healthy, it should be planted in sandy or loam soil and in full sun or part shade. Among similar, tight-clumping bamboo species, slender weavers is the most cold-tolerant. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it has survived down to temperatures of 13 degrees Fahrenheit, with just minor leaf damage, when grown in Florida. This bamboo species is resistant to Texas root rot, so consistent soil moisture is not very risky. It is susceptible to pest infestation from aphids and scales.

Slender weavers bamboo is a non-invasive species with a compact growth habit that grows upwards. If the bamboo you've planted is small, it is likely to be slow-growing, while larger individuals tend to grow quickly. Branches begin higher on the bamboo than in other bamboo species, and green leaves extend up to 8 inches long. Thanks to its neat growth habit, it is easy to trim the slender weaver's bamboo into a hedge.

Once the bamboo establishes and reaches sufficient height, it can be useful for many purposes. The dense, upright bamboo is useful as a privacy screen to hide a backyard or building. It can also function as a shield for wind and dust. The top of the bunch can be trimmed to maintain desired height, but this may be required annually. In China, the canes are used for weaving baskets, hats and mats as well as rope. Some canes may be used as fishing poles.