Bamboo (Fargesia)
Most bamboos thrive in partial shade in moderately acidic loamy soils. Organic matter may be added if soils are less than ideal. Bamboos are forest plants and do best if mulch is kept over the roots and rhizomes. If the bamboo is planted late in the year, one should mulch the plant heavily and provide extra protection from any cold and drying winds. In colder climates where bamboos may be marginal, successful growers usually protect their bamboos through the winter with heavy mulch. Provide ample water to newly planted bamboos. Infrequent or non thorough watering will result in yellowing leaves and/or leaf drop. Bamboos do benefit from fertilization, especially a fertilizer high in Nitrogen, such as found in lawn fertilizers.