Phyllostachys nigra
(Black Bamboo)
Family - Poaceae
Category - Shrub
Origin - China, Taiwan
Year of Introduction - 1823
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Hardiness - H5
Height - 2.5m or more
Width - 2.5m or more
Location - The Cool Garden
Description: A medium to large-sized Evergreen bamboo with an upright, clump-forming habit. Hollow bamboo stems are green when young, becoming mottled with age and ultimately turning shiny black with maturity. Long, slender, lanceolate leaves have pointed tips and are mid to bright green. The leaves are held on small twigs that are produced at the nodes of the canes. Inflorescences are not often produced in this climate, but when they appear are composed of spikelet flowers held in panicles. The plant may die after flowering.
Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
Flower:
Spikelet flowers are held in panicles and are not produced regularly. The plant may die after flowering.
Flower shape: Spikelet flowers held in panicles
Foliage:
Long, slender leaves are mid to bright green and lanceolate in shape with pointed tips. The leaves are held on short twigs that are produced at the nodes of the canes. This plant is mainly grown for the attractive, hollow canes that are green when young, become mottled with age and ultimately deepen to black. The canes are upright and will develop a graceful, arching habit with maturity.
Foliage Senescence: Evergreen
Foliage Shape: Lanceolate
Propagation:
Division.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.