🌿 Feeding Bamboo & Evergreens – Fertiliser Basics
A simple feeding routine can make a big difference to the growth, colour, and overall health of your bamboo or evergreen hedge. This guide explains what to use, when to feed, and how to avoid common mistakes.
📦 Do You Need to Feed?
- Yes – especially in pots. Plants in containers rely entirely on you for nutrients.
- In the ground, feeding isn’t always essential, but it boosts growth and resilience — particularly in poor soils or after pruning.
🎍 Feeding Bamboo
Bamboo thrives on nitrogen-rich fertilisers, which support strong cane and leaf growth.
🔹 What to Use:
- High-nitrogen fertiliser – such as lawn feed
- Organic options – like chicken pellets or well-rotted manure
- Liquid seaweed – great for a quick boost
- Slow-release granules – ideal for pots
💡 All our bamboo orders include a complimentary slow-release fertiliser to get your plants started.
🔹 When to Feed:
- Apply fertiliser in spring, as new canes start to appear
- Feed again in mid-summer for vigorous ongoing growth
🌳 Feeding Evergreen Hedges (Photinia, Laurel, Elaeagnus)
Evergreen shrubs benefit from balanced nutrition for lush foliage, flower production, and resilience.
🔹 What to Use:
- General-purpose fertiliser (e.g. Growmore or Vitax Q4)
- Liquid feed (for fast uptake)
- Mulch with compost or manure to improve soil over time
🔹 When to Feed:
- Spring: Just before new growth appears
- Autumn: Light feed to support root health over winter
Avoid heavy feeding in late autumn — it can trigger soft growth that’s vulnerable to frost.
🧪 How to Apply Fertiliser
| Type | Method |
|---|---|
| Granular | Scatter around base, water in thoroughly |
| Liquid | Mix with water and apply with a can or hose feeder |
| Organic | Fork into topsoil or use as mulch layer |
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Never overfeed — it can damage roots and cause poor growth
- Water well after applying
🚫 Common Feeding Mistakes
- ❌ Feeding dry plants — always water first
- ❌ Over-fertilising containers — it can cause salt build-up
- ❌ Using the wrong fertiliser — lawn feed is great for bamboo, but too much nitrogen can stress evergreen shrubs