Phyllostachys Nigra

Phyllostachys Nigra (running bamboo)

The stems of the black bamboo are green at first but as they get older they change to a shiny black colour. This is mainly due to the sun. You can use this bamboo to create a hedge but it also looks fantastic as a solitary plant. It is a fast grower and is also evergreen. The Phyllostachys Nigra does not need much maintenance and is easy to care for. You need to be aware that the plant can grow rampantly. You will therefore need to make sure that you keep it under control. Otherwise, as time goes on, you will find it takes over your entire garden and that of your neighbours. And you don’t want that to happen. Point 9 ‘How should I plant a Phyllostachys Nigra hedge?’ explains how you can keep it trimmed.

Where does Bambusa Nigra originate from?

The running bamboo variety Phyllostachys Nigra is originally from Central China.

Why choose a Phyllostachys Nigra?

• The black bamboo Phyllostachys Nigra adds ambiance to your garden with an Oriental touch.
• With its shiny black arching stems, it is an absolutely stunning plant.
• This plant has a calming effect.
• If you like your privacy, this bamboo is ideal as it is a rapid grower.
• In principle, it requires little to no maintenance.
• Pruning is not really necessary. But if you do intend to prune it, it’s not difficult to do.
• The black bamboo is winter hardy.
• The Bambus Nigra is a very strong bamboo plant.

When is the best time to plant Phyllostachys Nigra?

Plant the Bambus Nigra in the ground when it no longer freezes, from around the end of February and beginning of March. You can plant it until late autumn. If you wait until late autumn to plant it, protect the roots of the plant with straw or leaves. It is recommended to protect young plants anyway in severe frosts.

How should I plant a Phyllostachys Nigra hedge?

1. Remove the weeds where you want to place the plants.
2. Dig a wide, deep trench. Our advice is to stretch a piece of string between two sticks before digging. This will ensure that your hedge will grow straight.
3. Loosen the soil in the trench with a shovel.
4. Mix the loose soil in the trench with garden compost.
5. Place the black bamboo in the pots next to the trench exactly where you want them. Once you are satisfied with the spacing, remove the bamboo plants from the pots and submerge the root balls of the Phyllostachys Nigra plants in water and then place them in the trench.
6. Make sure that the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
7. Fill the trench with soil and pack it down firmly.
8. Make sure that the roots of the plants remain moist. Water the plants every day if there is no rainfall. This will ensure that the roots take hold in the soil. This is really important otherwise there is a possibility that the roots will dry out.
9. PLEASE NOTE: Install a root barrier immediately. To do so, dig a trench around the hedge and place the root barrier vertically in the ground. It should extend 5 cm above ground and 55 cm below ground level. This will help you keep the black bamboo in check.

Tips

Once the Phyllostachys Nigra is well-rooted in the earth, it is best to give it a lot of water in one go instead of watering it a little every day.
The bamboo thrives in any type of soil. Do bear in mind, though, that the plant is sensitive to wind. Plant it in a spot where it is protected from north and east winds.
The Bambus Nigra prefers to be planted in well-drained, humus-rich soil. It does not like soil that is too dry or too wet.

Positioning

• The Phyllostachys Nigra prefers to stand in full sun or partial shade.
• Set out one plant per linear metre or three plants per two linear metres. If you like your privacy, then plant two bamboo plants per linear metre.

Advice & Care

• It is best to prune the hedging bamboo in August or September.
• The Phyllostachys Nigra likes to be in humus-rich soil. If the soil is not yet humus-rich, prepare the soil with garden compost before planting the black bamboo plant.
• You can also fertilize your plant with organic fertilizers.
• Give the plants plenty of water. This is important for young bamboo plants. In dry periods, give them enough water on a regular basis.

Common problems with Phyllostachys Nigra
The black bamboo is strong and has hardly any trouble with fungal diseases and other diseases or pests.

Advantages and disadvantages of Bambus Nigra

Advantages

• You do not have to prune the black bamboo.
• Fortunately, though, it is not difficult if you want to.
• The Phyllostachys Nigra can thrive in any type of soil.
• The bamboo prefers to stand in sun or partial shade.
• The plant hardly ever suffers from disease or infestations.
• It is very strong and will last a long time.

Disadvantages

• This bamboo cannot tolerate north or east winds.
• The black bamboo does not like soil that is dry or too wet.
• The Phyllostachys Nigra grows rampantly so install a root barrier from the start. Point 9 ‘How should I plant a Phyllostachys Nigra hedge?’ explains how to do so.

Conclusion

Plant a Phyllostachys Nigra – black bamboo or Bambus Nigra – in your garden and satisfaction is guaranteed. Of that we are sure. That’s because the bamboo is beautiful, strong, evergreen, and winter hardy. What more could you want? If you want to buy this bamboo plant, order yours today. If you still have any doubts or questions, please do not hesitate to ask our customer service department. We can speak to you in your own language.