Bamboo Phyllostachys black - Hardy plant

Make sure the roots of the Phyllostachys are moist by placing them in a bucket of lukewarm water. Prepare a large planting hole and loosen the soil. Put the roots of the Phyllostachys aurea at the right depth in the planting hole. The top of the roots should be just below the ground level. Fill the planting hole with soil and press firmly. Water immediately after planting. Phyllostachys aurea grows well in normal, moderately moist garden soil. Provide the bushes with a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade. Bamboo in the garden Phyllostachys nigra makes a wonderful solitary feature in the garden with its elegant stems. It’s a good idea to thin out and cut back the lowermost leaves. By doing this the black stems are more visible. Phyllostachys is also suitable to grow as a tall, loose hedge. Cut the hedge at the beginning of the summer to the desired shape. Regularly trim back any branches that protrude. Also suitable as a container plant, but remember to choose a very wide container for these substantial bamboo varieties. They will require extra watering and need to be planted in a pot with adequate drainage.

Phyllostachys nigra is a strong bamboo that requires little care. Water more often in the first months after planting and during very dry periods. They do not tolerate soil that is too dry. Once a year cut back any dead branches by cutting just above a node. Any stems that are cut to close to the ground will not grow.

Phyllostachys nigra is one of the most striking bamboo varieties. The leaves are rather small and have a sharp point. The young stems are green, but from the second year the stems turn black, they are commonly known as 'Black Bamboo'. Make sure that it is given adequate space, as the stems can become more than 2.5 m high. Nigra enjoys fertile, well-drained soil. It is a fast growing variety that form large clumps but makes hardly any runners.