Bamboo Gracilis (Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’)

Description

Why Gracilis Bamboo Is Melbourne’s Best-Selling Screening Bamboo.

Gracilis is the number one best selling bamboo. It is well known as the best choice for privacy screening between 2mtrs and 8mtrs of height, as it is easily trimmable & very versatile.

​Growth Habit & Footprint.

It has naturally upright growth (most bamboo fan out wide) with attractive bushy green foliage. The natural footprint size of the clump is 1mtr however this wonderful species can be planted into narrow garden beds or maintained smaller to suit your needs, down to a minimum of 40cm. It is the best choice for this scenario as it can still achieve a fantastic screening height in a small growing space. Solve your privacy issues in garden beds where no other plant would perform! In narrower spaces or pots, bamboos will naturally be slightly shorter due to the limited space.

Planting & Spacing Guide

Clumping bamboo grow circular, so plant them the same distance apart as the width you have available. Eg. if your planting trench is 80cm wide, you would plant them 80cm apart to form a dense screen. The narrower the space, the closer you plant the bamboo together. For more information, talk to one of our helpful and knowledgable staff members for professional advice on your garden circumstances. Different circumstances have different solutions!

Growth Speed & Maintenance

​Gracilis is extremely quick growing and can be fully grown within 18 – 24 months, or quicker if you purchase more established sizes! Gracilis Bamboo in Melbourne is low maintenance & drought tolerant once established.

Care Tips for Gracilis Bamboo

Follow our bamboo planting guide (provided with your purchase) to achieve the best results. The guides are helpful and easy to follow, and assist you in achieving the best results in the shortest amount of time. Most of the effort in growing your bamboos is preparation and the first few months after planting.

 

FAQS

How long does Bamboo Gracilis take to form a full privacy screen?

Gracilis is one of the fastest screening plants available, and most plantings reach full height within 18 to 24 months. Growth isn’t steady throughout the year, though. Bamboo puts up its new shoots during the warmer months, roughly November to April, and each season’s shoots grow taller and thicker than the last. If you plant in autumn or winter, you may see little change until spring. Once the shooting season arrives, the screen thickens quickly. Buying a more established pot size shortens the wait considerably.

What pot size should I buy for the quickest screen?

It depends on how soon you need privacy and your budget. Our 200mm pots (0.5–2m) are the most economical option and will fill in well within two growing seasons with good care. If you want an instant result, the 300mm and 330mm pots arrive at 2.5–3.5m, and the 400mm and 500mm sizes are 3.5m and taller, giving you meaningful screening from day one. Many customers mix sizes along a fence line to balance cost and impact. Our staff are happy to help you work out the right combination.

How often should I water Gracilis after planting?

The first one to two months are the most important. Give each plant a deep soak every couple of days, and water daily if you’re planting in summer or the ground is dry. Aim the water at the root ball, as the roots take time to grow out into the surrounding soil. Frequency matters more than volume, so three short waterings are better than one long one. Once established, Gracilis is drought tolerant, but regular watering through spring and summer will give you faster, denser growth.

When should I fertilise my Gracilis bamboo?

Fertilise straight after planting, then again in September or October to set the plant up for the growing season. From there, feed every one to two months until about April. Any fertiliser suited to lawns, grasses or palms works well, as bamboo responds strongly to nitrogen. Spread granular fertiliser on top of the soil and water it in, but never put it in the planting hole, as it can damage the roots. A 50–100mm layer of organic mulch also helps retain moisture and feed the soil.

How do I keep Gracilis at the height I want?

Simply cut the culms (poles) at your preferred height. A trimmed culm won’t regrow taller from the cut point, and it becomes bushier below the cut, which improves your screen. Gracilis culms are flexible, so you can often bend them down and trim them from the ground without a ladder. New shoots grow each season, so a once-a-year trim is usually all it takes to hold a hedge at height. Gracilis can be maintained anywhere from 2m to 8m, making it suitable for most residential screens.