Bamboo blooming? - Ask Extension
I have bamboo that is at least 20 years old. This year it seems to be blooming and the blooming stalks seem to be dying. Anything I can do?
Knowledgebase
Bamboo blooming? #360601
Asked September 07, 2016, 7:05 PM EDT
I have bamboo that is at least 20 years old. This year it seems to be blooming and the blooming stalks seem to be dying. Anything I can do?
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Unfortunately when bamboo starts flowering, most plants usually die. You may be able to save it by cutting the flower stalks and chopping the living portion of the plant away at the rhizome. Sometimes plants come back from this. It is important to immediately cut away any stalk that is beginning to flower. New bamboo plants can take root from the seeds if the flowers are pollinated and you may end up with new plants growing as well.