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Phyllostachys nigra (black bamboo)

Introducing the Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as black bamboo, an exquisite species native to China that presents a striking addition to any garden. This elegant bamboo is celebrated for its unique culms, which transition from green to a rich, dark black as they mature, offering a splendid contrast against its lush green foliage. Requiring minimal care and thriving in a variety of conditions, black bamboo is an excellent choice for those seeking to add a touch of sophistication and natural beauty to their outdoor spaces.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
90-150 cm a year

Visual barrier
Quickly obscuring

Position
Partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £23.80

25+ £22.60

50+ £22.00

100+ £21.40

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
4

24.50

21.40

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £34.40

25+ £32.65

50+ £31.80

100+ £30.95

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
4

30.95

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £46.35

25+ £44.05

50+ £42.90

100+ £41.75

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
3

41.75

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £68.15

25+ £64.70

50+ £63.00

100+ £61.30

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
3

61.30

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £81.30

25+ £77.25

50+ £75.20

100+ £73.15

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
150-175

Planting distance per meter
2

73.15

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £92.10

25+ £87.50

50+ £85.20

100+ £82.85

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
175-200

Planting distance per meter
2

82.85

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Phyllostachys nigra (black bamboo)

The Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as black bamboo or Black Japanese bamboo, is a distinctive and elegant plant native to China. Its unique black stems and lush green foliage create a striking visual contrast that can enhance any garden space, whether used as a dense hedge or a solitary feature.

This species stands out not just for its appearance but also for its robust growth, making it a favored choice for those looking to establish a natural barrier with an exotic flair.

Key Features

Several features of Phyllostachys nigra make it a captivating and practical addition to any landscape:

The species boasts a fast growth rate, shooting up 90 to 150 cm annually, which quickly provides privacy and sound insulation.
It is an evergreen plant, which means that it maintains its lush appearance throughout the year.
The black bamboo is resilient against cold temperatures and can survive winter conditions as low as -15°C to -17.8°C (USDA zone 7a).
Its stem color transitions from green to a notable black as it matures, adding year-round interest and a sophisticated touch to gardens.
Despite its vigorous growth, this bamboo requires only minimal pruning, once a year, to maintain its shape and health.
The black bamboo is versatile, thriving in both partial shade and full sun, as long as it is planted in well-drained soil.

Tips

Regular watering is essential for Phyllostachys nigra, especially during dry spells, as it is not drought resistant.
To control its spread and encourage new growth, practice division by removing the plant from its pot, dividing it, and replanting the sections either in spring or autumn.
For optimal results, ensure the soil remains moist and enrich it with organic matter to support the vigorous growth of the plant.
While black bamboo creates a robust hedge, it can also become invasive if not managed properly. Consider installing a root barrier to confine the plant's spread.

Ideal placement of a Phyllostachys nigra

For optimal growth, Phyllostachys nigra should be situated in an area that receives partial shade to full sun. This bamboo variety prefers well-drained, fertile soil, but it is adaptable to various soil conditions. Ensuring the soil remains moist is crucial, as this species is not drought-resistant. Regular watering is essential, particularly during dry spells. The striking black stems of this plant will be more pronounced with sufficient sunlight. When planting, consider the space needed for its spread, as this species is known for its vigorous growth and ability to quickly fill in an area, creating a dense, evergreen screen.

Planting a Phyllostachys nigra

Phyllostachys nigra thrives best when planted in well-drained soil, accommodating a range of types from clay to loam. For optimal growth, ensure it is situated in an area that receives partial shade to full sun. When planting, space the bamboo with ample distance to allow for its vigorous growth rate of up to 150 cm per year. Regular watering is crucial, especially until the plant is established. To maintain health and vigor, it is recommended to divide mature clumps in the spring or autumn, a practice that also facilitates propagation.

Pruning a Phyllostachys nigra

Phyllostachys nigra benefits from an annual pruning session to manage its vigorous growth, which can reach up to 150 cm each year. Pruning should be done in late winter before the start of the new growth season. During this time, remove any dead or weak culms at ground level to encourage healthy new shoots. Thinning the plant will enhance airflow and light penetration, which is vital for maintaining the health and visual appeal of the hedge, ensuring it remains a quickly obscuring barrier.

Watering a Phyllostachys nigra

Phyllostachys nigra requires consistent moisture, especially during its growing season. To maintain its luscious green foliage and distinctive black stems, water at regular intervals, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the hotter months, increase the frequency of watering to compensate for the higher evaporation rates. During winter, while this species demonstrates notable hardiness down to -15°C, corresponding to USDA zone 7a, it is essential to moderate watering to match the reduced growth rate and prevent root rot in cooler temperatures.

Fertilising a Phyllostachys nigra

To ensure the vigorous and healthy growth of Phyllostachys nigra, it is essential to establish a consistent fertilization regimen. Given its rapid growth rate, it is beneficial to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just as the growing season commences. This will provide the plant with a steady supply of nutrients, supporting its quick visual density development and maintaining the striking green foliage and characteristic black stems throughout the year.

Due to its evergreen nature and ability to withstand temperatures as low as -15.0°C, corresponding to USDA zone 7a, providing supplementary nutrition can enhance its resilience against cold snaps. An additional application of fertilizer can be considered in mid-summer to sustain its lushness, especially when used as a dense hedge or a solitary statement piece.

The characteristics of a Phyllostachys nigra

Phyllostachys nigra matures gracefully, with its canes transitioning from green to a distinguished deep black over a period of two to three years, adding a striking contrast to garden palettes. This bamboo thrives in a pot, making it an excellent choice for those with limited space or who prefer container gardening. Regular feeding during the growing season ensures its lush, leafy growth, making it a dynamic, living screen or a sophisticated focal point in outdoor spaces.

Separating/dividing a Phyllostachys nigra

To propagate and maintain the vitality of Phyllostachys nigra, division is a recommended practice. The best periods for this task are during the spring or autumn months. Begin by carefully lifting the plant from the soil, ensuring to preserve as much of the root system as possible. Once removed, separate the clump into smaller sections, selecting the most robust and healthy segments for re-planting. Reintroduce these divisions into well-drained soil, ideally in locations that receive partial shade to full sun. Such propagation not only stimulates new growth but also contributes to the overall health and vigor of the species.

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