Bamboo sorts which grow upright suit best for a bamboo hedge. They are called Umbrella bamboo or Fargesia. Umbrella bamboos like nutritious and water-permeable ground. The various sorts have different preferences. Overall, you cannot go wrong with a semi-shaded place. Just make sure that plants are not in dry places because they do not tolerate this. In case you only have a sunny place for your bamboo, you can still choose between Fargesia murielae, Fargesia rufa and Fargesia robusta. A shady place prefers Fargesia nitida.
The arrow bamboo (pseudosasa japonica) also works well as a hedge. It has very large leaves which hinder unwanted glances. The arrow bamboo likes a semi-shaded to sunny spot which should be sheltered from the wind. Dryness should be avoided just as for the other types of bamboo. However, the arrow bamboo forms foothills and therefore it requires a root barrier. Without such a barrier, the roots will proliferate into your own or even in your neighbour’s garden. You can prevent this by using a rhizome barrier which, however, is quite expensive.
The plants need at least one meter in width. That is why you should calculate enough space. The soil should be loosen and mixed with compost or fallen leaves. Bamboos do not like waterlogging. Therefore, it is advisable to make a drainage layer with gravel. It is also good to mix some sand into the ground, this makes it more permeable. After pricking in the bamboo you should water your hedge well. Because of the rhizome barrier, which you eventually put in, the soil can dry up easily.
Bamboo does not need a lot of care, except for nutrients and water. For sufficient nutrients you should supply bark mulch in spring. Water the soil constantly, even on warmer days in winter. Besides, you do not have to worry about winter – umbrella bamboos can handle colder days.