Cultivating the Azara and the Bamboo

By: Ian SG Smith

The Azara are hardy evergreen shrubs.

Only one species of azara is of much importance from the gardener's standpoint, and this is Azara micro-phylla, an evergreen shrub or small tree which is usually grown in this country as a wall climber. It has the distinct merit that it will thrive on a sunless wall and is very suitable for north aspects. Nevertheless, it will also succeed in sunny positions.

Azara micro-phylla is not absolutely hardy in all parts of the country, and even in the south may be cut to the ground in a severe winter if planted in exposed places. A good loamy but well-drained soil is ideal. If in the open, pruning is not necessary. When trained on a wall, straggling shoots should be shortened or removed in early summer. Young plants should always be raised in pots and transplanted in September, April, or early May.

Azara microphylla can be propagated by means of cuttings of well-ripened growth pulled off with a small heel of older wood and inserted in very sandy soil in a frame in August or September.

Bamboo are hardy and half-hardy evergreen plants.

The plants that are familiarly known in gardens as bamboos are divided by the botanists into three distinct families under the generic names Arundinaria, Bambusa, and Phyllostachys. However, the gardener need not trouble himself with the scientific differences which separate them, as all require much the same cultural care. One or two species are really too tender for cultivation outdoors in most parts of the country and are best grown in the conservatory with a minimum temperature of about 40 deg. Two notable examples of this type are Bambusa arundinacea and Bambusa vulgaris, both very large species, which in their native countries attain heights of 50 feet or more.

Even the hardiest bamboos should be planted in places where they are sheltered from high winds. Unless this precaution is taken the foliage is apt to become brown in patches and soon presents a shabby and untidy appearance. All bamboos succeed best in a good loamy soil which is neither so sandy as to dry out badly in the summer nor so heavy as to be cold and sodden in winter. Peat or leaf-mould of a good quality may be worked into the soil freely before planting, and it is an excellent plan to give the plants an annual mulch of well-rotted manure when growth starts in the spring. This will greatly improve the quality of the foliage. Bamboos usually look their best when established near ornamental water, and benefit from the extra moisture in the soil during the spring and summer. It is not advisable, however, that the crowns should be constantly soaked or standing in stagnant water during winter. For these reasons plants should be established sufficiently above water level to ensure reasonably good drainage at that season. April and early May are the best times for planting bamboos, and they should never be disturbed during the winter.

Propagation is most easily effected by division at planting time. Seed, if procurable, also offers a possible method of propagation. It should be sown very thinly during February or March in a light peaty compost in well-drained pans, and should be germinated in a warm greenhouse with a temperature of about 65 degrees.



About the Author:

Ian has a great interest in gardening and writes occasional articles. Come and visit his newest website at Orthomatic Adjustable Beds, and look particularly at the Leggett and Platt Adjustable Beds

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