Wildlife value of Buddha Belly Bamboo — an unexpected bonus

I planted Buddha Belly Bamboo primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. rapid establishment and fast vertical growth seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a Japanese or contemporary minimalist garden design which allows me to watch the activity up close. foliage refresh as older leaves shed in late winter is the most active period for wildlife visits. installing a root barrier for running bamboo before planting is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. yellowing leaves from drought or nitrogen deficiency is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.