Phyllostachys nigra is a prized evergreen, black culmed bamboo variety. It has bright green leaves that contrast beautifully with its upright to slightly arching shiny black canes. This species of Black Bamboo is running variety so is best grown in pots, containers or under controlled conditions to keep it in check. The plant itself is easy to grow and maintain and although Bamboo thrives in full sun, Phyllostachys nigra can also be grown as an indoor feature plant and is quite happy in these conditions. It will not grow as tall if kept in containers as it will if it is grown in the ground and averages around 3 metres in these instances.
Black Bamboo is native to China but is grown the world over for its ornamental value. This species is also has edible shoots and produces a high quality timber. Young growth starts off green but becomes black with age and sun exposure, this can take several months.
Growth
Phyllostachys nigra is fast growing and very suitable for cold & temperate climates, tolerating frost and temperatures down to -12°C!!! Unfortunately, it is not a species that copes well in very hot tropical regions. It is drought tolerant once established but remember to water regularly during warmer months or if in containers that dry out quickly. Bamboo will always let you know if it is thirsty with it obviously drooping leaves.
This variety is useful for light screening and can also be used to prevent soil erosion.
This species culms grow up to 6-7 metres if planted in the ground. Bamboo can be cut off at any preferred height and will not grow any taller once this is done, it will however continue to branch out and become thicker. The adult leaf (blade) can be 6-12 cm’s in length, culms can be 1-4 cm in diameter.
FAMILY:
Poaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-12°C to 35°C / 10 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, well draining soil is best but not particularly fussy on soil type.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 7 metres if in ground (23 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm’s (1 foot)
pH:
5.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Running
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium – Bamboo can be a little thirsty during warmer times of the year.
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated
MATURITY:
7 years
GERMINATION RATES:
73%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-3 weeks in ideal conditions, however can take 3-4 months if ideal conditions are not met … Patience may be required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Coming Soon
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes – Running Bamboo
FACTS ABOUT PHYLLOSTACHYS NIGRA
Black Bamboo is native to the Hunan province of China.
When grown commercially Black Bamboo is most commonly grown for eating, for its timber and to make musical instruments.
Germination Instructions
HOW TO GROW PHYLLOSTACHYS NIGRA (Black Bamboo)
Step 1
Place the Black Bamboo seeds into a container of warm water and leave to soak for 24 hours.
Step 2
After soaking, prepare a tray or small pots with a seed raising mix or a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Moisten medium – do not over wet as this will rot your seeds, you shouldn’t be able to squeeze water out of the mixture, save some for covering your seeds.
Lay the Black Bamboo seeds on the surface and cover with a thin layer 1-3 mm thick of the medium you have left over. If you have a humidity dome / mini greenhouse, place this over the top, if not you can cover the tray with either glass, a clear plastic bag or plastic wrap (glad wrap) – this will help maintain moisture and humidity to assist in activating germination.
Step 3
Place tray/pots in a warm, light location that is out of direct sunlight – ideal germination temperature is 17-20°C/64-70°F. If you can not provide these temperatures, you may need a heat mat. Open lid/plastic once to twice a week to check for germination, moisture and allow some air flow. If the medium is drying out slightly use a mist spray bottle or mist hose to water.
You should begin to see some germination beginning around 3-4 weeks in ideal conditions.
Step 4
Approximately a week or so after first germination has begun, the lid/plastic wrap can start to be removed bit by bit to allow the emerging seedlings to adapt to the outside environment. Make sure this is complete before the seedlings reach the top, as it will interrupt their growth. Phyllostachys nigra seeds can germinate sporadically so may continue to germinate for a few weeks to several months after your first ones have sprouted, don’t give up too soon on any slower ones.
Seedlings can be safely transplanted around 1 month into larger pots if necessary as needed. They are hardier than they look at this age at are not too bothered by transplanting.
Bamboo can grow quite quickly in growing season when temperatures are warm 20°c but much slower when weather is colder. Most species will become dormant during winter. In colder regions consider keeping your Black Bamboo in a pot/s until well established and potentially taking inside during winter. If in a cooler area bamboo will appreciate mulching during winter.
When transplanting or moving into final location in container / pot (remember that Phyllostachys nigra is a running bamboo) a full sun to part shade area is best. In zones with hot summer temperatures, some afternoon sun will be preferred. Soil should always be well draining, course sand or bark/mulch can be added to soil to achieve better draining.
Once established, will survive frost and not require much watering during winter. Water regularly during summer of the leaves will droop and begin to brown quickly.
Black Bamboo can take 7 years to mature.
